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96 maskmatters.org FALL - V9 PHOTOGRAPHY MASK Staff
well as the MASK mascot otters.
Tish Mineer, Norterra principal, says the
MASK program is a “wonderful opportunity” for
everyone, adding that the curriculum is taught
weekly to make a lasting impact on students and for
further discussion at home with family.
“When teachers use MASK in the classroom...it has
really reduced social bullying on campus and statistically, I can
prove it,” she says. “I trust the curriculum that MASK provides
with framework that is purposeful.”
Elizabeth Oakley, Norterra student, says the program has
opened up her eyes to some of the issues her peers are facing.
“I have a perfect world compared to others,” she says. “I feel like
I am more aware and that you really can’t judge a book by its
cover...we’re all different and there’s a lot going in others’ lives.”
Although critics may argue that outside programs add to the
teacher load, Michelle Bussiere, Norterra teacher, disagrees.
“I really enjoy using it in the classroom,” the veteran teacher
says. “I’m supplied with teacher manuals and planning lessons and
the videos are fabulous. From a teacher’s perspective, I can jump in
and teach a lesson any time of the day. You can play the video and
pause it (as needed) while the booklet is really valuable for kids
because they can share their thoughts and discuss it.”
Student Samantha Sharlot agrees. “It’s a segue to talk about
other stuff,” she says. “Lots of times we write in our notebooks
and teachers would add something for (further) conversation. The
MASK videos also gave good examples of what not to do.”
Bussiere says additional topics discussed this recent school
year have included how to locate “trusted adults” and the impact
of peer pressure, both negative and positive, and practicing being
cyber-savvy on the Internet.
“MASK programs really benefit kids emotionally and socially,”
Bussiere says. “In today’s world, so much is happening. We reallyneed to arm children with tools to survive the world today.”
Whitlock agrees, especially stressing the ramifications of
giving our children free rein when surfing online. “We are so
afraid as parents to let our children go into public restrooms,
but we let them on the Internet,” she says.
Norterra parent Barbara Benjamin says what has helped her
and fellow parents be more informed is their involvement in
MASK’s Parent University. Classes are offered three times during
the school year. Past topics have included relational development
focusing on social skills; digital solutions focusing on technology
safety and use; and health and wellness focusing on healthy
lifestyle choices. In addition, information is available on the
school’s online newsletter.
“As a non-digital native, I don’t even know what’s out there,”
Benjamin says. “I’m still terrified, but feel more aware. I am aware
of what’s coming and have the tools to combat the scary news.”
Mineer, also a mother of five daughters, agrees. “It really is
an opportunity to talk about certain issues we didn’t experience
as children,” she says. “It’s a resource for parents—not just about
school, but about life. The world is ever-changing and sometimes
by not discussing this information, we find out that it can be too
late and that can be too painful.”
But E3 has proved to have happened at just the right time
according to Mary Smitten, Norterra parent and MASK school
representative for the E3 program. The mother of two says since
implementing the program, she’s witnessed its positive impact
from the campus outside playground to inside teacher classrooms.
“I’m like a fly on the wall,” Smitten says. “It has created
a great partnership between the parents, school and our
community...it allows us to all work together to be participants in
our children’s education.”
Oakley agrees. “Kids are aware of what’s going on in other
kids’ lives,” she says. “It’s built empathy in our school.”