Week of February 5

Bus/Parking lot duty: Meeks and Baker
Monday 2/5: Non-Work Day
Tuesday 2/6: 
Wednesday 2/7:
Thursday 2/8: 
Friday 2/9: 

Bus/Parking lot duty: Smith and Gaynor
Monday 2/12:  7:00 - Title cross district collaboration  9:00 QPR training for staff
Tuesday 2/13: 
Wednesday 2/14
Thursday 2/15: 
Friday 2/16: 

A Really Big Thanks.... to Angie and her leadership class for the posters and hall decorations.  Venture High School looks amazing!  The work you and your kids do makes the whole school feel bright, happy, and POSITIVE!

This is probably illegal, but I've pasted an entire article on sarcasm right here.  It comes from here:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201206/think-sarcasm-is-funny-think-again

I'm risking a life sentence for plagiarism because the message is so important - sarcasm doesn't work with kids.  ESPECIALLY kids who already have a challenge reading and responding appropriately to social cues.  I totally get the temptation... Sarcasm can be fun to dish out.  It feels clever and witty.  But, it doesn't work. It damages relationships.  Maybe a strong relationship can sustain a few sarcastic blows, but the relationships that we have with kids are already tenuous.  We've worked really, really hard to gain ground with our students and losing that ground over sarcastic comments is disappointing.

Think Sarcasm is Funny? Think Again

Sarcasm is really just hostility disguised as humor

Posted Jun 26, 2012

If you want to be happier and improve your relationships, cut out sarcasm since sarcasm is actually hostility disguised as humor.  Despite smiling outwardly, most people who receive sarcastic comments feel put down and usually think the sarcastic person is a jerk.  Indeed, it’s not surprising that the origin of the word sarcasm derives from the Greek word “sarkazein” which literally means “to tear or strip the flesh off.”  Hence, it’s no wonder that sarcasm is often preceded by the word “cutting” and that it hurts.   

What’s more, since actions strongly determine thoughts and feelings, when a person consistently acts sarcastically it usually only heightens his or her underlying hostility and insecurity.  After all, when you come right down to it, sarcasm is a subtle form of bullyingand most bullies are angry, insecure, cowards.   Alternatively, when a person stops voicing negative comments, especially sarcastic and critical ones, he or she soon starts to feel happier and more self-confident.  Also, the other people in his or her life benefit even faster because they no longer have to hear the emotionally hurtful language of sarcasm.

Now I’m not saying all sarcasm is bad.  It’s just better used sparingly – like a potent spice in cooking.  Too much spice and the dish will be overwhelmed by it.  Similarly, an occasional dash of sarcastic wit can spice up a chat and add an element of humor to it.  But a big or steady serving of sarcasm will overwhelm the emotional flavor of any conversation and taste very bitter to its recipient.

So, tone down the sarcasm and work on clever wit instead which is usually devoid of hostility and thus more appreciated by those you’re communicating with.  In essence, sarcasm is easy (as is most anger, criticism and meanness) while true, harmless wit takes talent.

Thus, the main difference between wit and sarcasm is that, as already stated, sarcasm is hostility disguised as humor. It is intended to hurt, and is often bitter and caustic. Witty statements are usually in response to someone’s unhelpful remarks or behaviors, and the intent is to unravel and clarify the issue by accentuating its absurdities. Sarcastic statements are expressed in a cutting manner; witty remarks are delivered with undisguised and harmless humor.

Also, don't hestate to tell others that you don't appreciate their sarcastic comments because it's just thinly veiled hostility and unacceptable bullying.

 Remember:  Think well, act well, feel well, be well!

Copyright by Clifford N. Lazarus, Ph.D.