Apology Accepted upon your Changed Behavior

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary's first definition of APOLOGY is:
a :  an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret a public apology


     Like many of us, I have heard my share of apologies.  In the past decade, as a teacher primarily working with grades 9-12, I heard the statement of "I'm Sorry" rattled off so many times seemingly lacking sincerity, I began to reply, "Apology accepted upon your Changed Behavior".  This was my attempt, to have the apologizer, make a personal commitment not to repeat the action or behavior that had them mutter the apology in the first place.  My desire was to have them pause, think and embrace their responsibility for self control in the best way possible within their control and more importantly understand the ripple effect of their decision.

     My injuries are a result of other's negligence and out of control behavior.  However, it is easier for me to forgive the student perpetrators than it is the adults, policies and incentives that led to a enabling atmosphere that gave way to violence.  Most people would allude to the fact that school violence is an issue of resources.  It's much more complex than that.  When people hear that I have been injured due to an act of violence on a school campus, the first question they ask, is "what school?", I assure them it could happen in any school. 

     What do dandelions have to do with school violence?  The seed state of these Yellow Goat's Beard wildflowers are ready to blow in the wind and spread.  It represents the ripple effect of decision-making.  Apology accepted upon your Changed Behavior. 



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