No level of bullying will be tolerated in class. Students who are found to be bullying other students, especially regarding their ability to sing, will be required to write a 5-page paper, double-spaced, in APA format with a works cited page containing at least 5 scholarly sources, preferably with empirical data. The bully will then present the paper in a 10-minute PowerPoint (or similar program) in front of the class. This is non-negotiable. The bully’s other options are an in-person conference with their parent(s), an administrator, and Mr. Young or immediate dismissal from choir. Students enrolled in River Road Singers who decide to bully others will be dismissed from choir immediately without the option of a paper or presentation. A conference with their parent(s), an administrator, and Mr. Young will only serve as a request for dismissal.

The only person at Pine Grove Middle qualified to judge and evaluate a student’s ability to sing is Mr. Young. I would assume that a student enrolled in choir who tells another student that “they can’t sing” or “sound bad” has my level of expertise, so I expect a well thought-out and educational argument that justifies their position.

We only use our voices to uplift songs, not to bring down others. Respect and support all choir members, including those under or above your grade level.