By Susan Hanson and Michael Soltman
For The Beachcomber
Regarding the current controversy over the form of dancing at Vashon High School (lately referred to as “grinding”), it’s obvious that it must be addressed and must be changed for several good reasons. Such reasons include concern for the personal safety of students, current guidelines in the student handbook that prohibit such contact and concerns for the respectful behavior among all students.
The way in which we address the change may be more important than the change itself. Schools are about teaching and learning, and what an opportunity this “teachable moment” provides.
An important part of an education is to learn the skills and process of respectful engagement to address concerns and solve problems. And, while it may be tempting to employ the “autocratic dictum” in this case, there are great benefits to engaging students, parents and community in this conversation.
What we must stand for is a solution that meets the following goals:
• Safe and respectful behavior among our students.
• Compliance with published guidelines for student behavior.
• An inclusive process that involves students in a solution gained through understanding the concerns, wrestling with the ethics and engaging respectfully in the problem-solving.
• A discussion and decision that prevents marginalization and resentment and increases the likelihood students will participate in school-supervised activities.
• A process and solution that enhances school climate.
Our students are dependent upon their teachers, administrators, parents and community members to teach them the process and skills for respectful engagement. We must be the models and set the standard for effective and thoughtful discussion and problem-solving.
We are fortunate that a group of parents who care deeply about our kids approached the school with not only the concern, but the offer to help. In a meeting on Tuesday, a promise was made by these parents to learn and share information about how other schools have addressed this issue, to learn of options for music at dances and to identify healthy companion activities that could be offered during dances. Thank you for your commitment.
The commitment of the school administration is to craft a solution with the students and parents that meets the goals identified above. Yes, it is appropriate for adults to set expectations for children. And in doing so, we have an obligation to teach, model, act and engage respectfully. This is a great opportunity for our kids and our learning community.
— Susan Hanson is the principal of Vashon High School. Michael Soltman is the superintendent of Vashon public schools.
Editor’s note
A meeting for Islanders to discuss and develop alternatives to “grinding” at Vashon High School dances will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in Chautauqua Elementary School’s multi-purpose room. The group, organizers say, will look at some of the mechanisms for changing the current dance form, music and complementary activities that could enhance high school dances.
