I think Boulder High is a good example of that. We've been very careful not do some knee-jerk things other districts have done, like banning trench coats. Bonelli said school staff members can no longer ignore abusive behavior, such as bullying or taunting, saying it's not their job. Boulder High also offers Peer Support groups, in which students offer a listening ear to their peers in need. But Fairview Assistant Principal Adam Fels said he's aware of plenty of well-adjusted kids who don't participate in any school group.
Many kids have an incredibly busy private life, with karate, lacrosse, church groups.
A lot of kids just want to be private and to be left alone. That doesn't make them dangerous. But following the Columbine massacre, there is criticism of larger schools, like Boulder High or Fairview, where cliques are deeply entrenched and some students can get lost. I went to the principal and he didn't have time to talk to me. Kathy Shoemaker, president of the Boulder Valley Education Association, said more counselors would help find those kids who could potentially turn violent or lose interest in school.