Schools
"Don’t laugh at me. Don’t call me names. Don’t get your pleasure from my pain.”
How many kids are called names – in fun – while they are in high school, or maybe middle school, or as far back as grade school?
Seemingly good fun, at some child’s expense.
What happens at that point is that there is a scar that is put on the victim’s heart and it stays there for life. Some kids can overcome the pain; some carry it for life and it plays out in their actions. Some will use it to help others who are victimized in school, and others end up behind bars.
‘Don’t Laugh at Me’ is a program that helps students understand the consequences of name calling, cliques, bullying and understanding the long-term effects of things that may be soon forgotten by the ‘bully’.
Sandy had traveled all over the country to bring a message of hope and change to schools. Years later principals and school counselors are still talking about the stories and the lessons that came from Sandy’s presentation.
Sandy – in her non-threatening yet firm way, instills in students the beauty of diversity and acceptance; laughing at others because they are ‘different’ than in some way – skin color, a birthmark, their gender, height, weight, school or athletic skills – like one is better than the other!
Students – and teachers walk away with an awareness of feelings, ownership in others pain, bullies (and they all end up owning a piece in that), what it means to honor each other and the importance of it, and how happiness and gratitude go hand-in-hand.
Be one of the schools that claim to have less bullying when working with Sandy.
Call for more information on her program, Don’t Laugh at Me!
1) Learn the hurt and scars that are put on a heart from laughing at others
2) Bullying – Who is a bully – and how to handle/stop this behavior
Learn about the obvious bullies and then learn about cyber bullies and the relational bullies (usually girls).
3) Honor – the key to success; how to treat people and leave them feeling good about themselves – and you too!
4) Gratitude – Learn to look at life through the lens of gratitude rather than through the lens of lack – life changing!!
What TEACHERS are saying:
“You did a marvelous job on your ‘Don’t Laugh at Me’ assembly. The students were glued to your presentation. God bless you for your gift. It is truly needed.
Nancy Lauzon, 1st grade teacher
Providence Catholic School Kansasville, WI
“Sandy did an awesome job! There was not one aspect of the presentation that should be changed. You really impacted our children, and made a strong, lasting impression.
Julie Stephens, Guidance Counselor Catholic East, Milwaukee, WI
“If you are looking for a juggler, a magician, a clown or hypnotist, do not hire Sandy Griffin. She cannot do any of these things well. However, if you want your children to listen to stories that teach them the importance of kindness in life, or how to appreciate what they have, or how they may be hurting someone’s feelings and not even know it, then Sandy is your next lyceum. The 4th, 5th and 6th grade students were glued to Ms. Griffin’s every word. I can recommend her program without reservation!
Rick Houston, Principal Cottage Grove Elementary School Cottage Grove, MN
“I was amazed at the attention our 500+ students displayed during your presentation. Your inspirational speech was just what we were looking for to plant positive ideas in our students’ heads and hearts. I am sure it would not surprise you how many staff members came up to me afterwards to say what a wonderful job you did. I am betting that most of our student body will not easily forget your presentation.”
Warren Retzlaff, Principal Lakeside Elementary Chisago Lakes, MN
“Sandy advocated for special education students with learning disabilities. She has an energy that commands attention. The bond she formed with the children was very valuable and allowed them to feel comfortable in their learning environment, which is essential to learning. She was/is very "approachable" which made her an invaluable asset to the teaching profession. She collaborated with me on techniques to use to teach the students the elementary curriculum. I cherish the times we spent together teaching. She has become a life-long friend and mentor.”
Connie Donahue Chicago, IL
What STUDENTS are saying:
I have ADHD, and I can’t concentrate without my medicine, and I didn’t take my medicine the day you came to talk to us. But when you were talking, I couldn’t stop listening. After your talk …there was a boy that I used to be mean to because I thought he thought he was better than everybody. After your talk, after you came, I felt like a better person. You made me want to do better stuff.
Jessica Frazier, 6th grade student,
Franklin Middle School Franklin, TN
I am a sixth-grader and I loved your assembly today. I know that I will never laugh at kids again after hearing your stories. I never knew that the kids I tease really get hurt from it. I wish I could tell them all I am sorry. I hope you tell more kids.”
V Still, student Hastings, MN
“You came and talked to our middle school. I learned a lot. I also learned that I was sort of a bully. Now that you talked to us I really feel guilty.
Joe Schloesser Hastings, MN
“Your speech was very inspirational and opened up a door for me. I am a pretty good kid, but I have been a bully. You helped me remember that even though kids look and act different they still have feelings. I have been trying to watch what is coming out of my mouth. Even though some things my friends don’t think about when they talk still hurt me, and I don’t want words from my mouth to hurt anyone else anymore. Keep on doing what you do best, because you’re truly inspirational.
K Wise, student middle school
Hastings, MN
“You came to talk about bullying and other things. For most speakers I say yeah, it was helpful and I learned a lot. Well, it was different for your talk. You did such an awesome job!!! You convinced me to think of all the good things instead of the bad. You are so AWESOME!!
Paige, middle school student
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Hastings, MN
“I learned that kids shouldn’t bully people because that’s mean. If you see someone bullying someone, you should tell your teacher.”Jessica Ojeda,
4th grade student
Illinois Park Elementary School Elgin, IL
"They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them."
Mahatma Gandhi