How to be a Pagan or Wiccan in school...

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I have seen a lot of posts of paganists asking of raising your children to follow the pagan path. Well, I think when the time comes, then teach them of it but let them believe if they want to or not. But being Pagan or Wiccan in High School can be a challenge. Many high schools, especially small town and rural schools,like my area, are not accepting. Many teachers and administrators don't even know what you're talking about if you try to go to them for help. Lay low. Don't force your beliefs down others' throats. It won't make you friends, and it will make things all that much harder on you. Don't threaten. No matter how many times you're picked on or made fun of, never threaten to cast a spell on the offenders and especially never actually DO it. To each is what they have given. Wearing your pentacle (or other religious symbol of choice, though the pentacle is the most widely recognized symbol) is a personal choice. Whether you display it or not, be mindful of the consequences. Your need to be bold may need to be tempered by the climate of your school. If you are worried about wearing a pentacle, keep it small or under your shirt. Don't forget you can wear other, less known symbols, like a simple star. Starting fights over religion is not the route to go. They aren't going to listen to you if you fight with them. Be respectful of others' beliefs, but do not compromise your own. If someone invites you to go to youth group with them, consider going. Then consider inviting them to an open ritual or simply to a celebration of a sabbat or esbat after your personal rituals. Try not to be offended if they are not open minded about it. (Never invite an outsider to a meeting of a coven without previous permission from the circle.) If you are being bullied or threatened, do not be afraid to go to counselors or teachers for help. It may end up with you being outed to parents or friends (which isn't the end of the world), but your personal safety should always be your biggest concern. Most counselors need your permission before parents are consulted anyway, and they can see to it that the problems end. Never let the problem go until you are actually hurt. Remember that you are likely one of the few pagans or Wiccans that your classmates have ever met. They will judge all followers of the religion by your conduct. It's a heavy burden to bear, but the reputation of a sizeable group of people rests with you. Try not to be hostile. Hostility only breeds more hostility. It will be hard taking the first step, but it will have to be you. If you want people to have a positive idea of your faith, be a positive representation of it. Actually live the Threefold Law and the Wiccan Rede, don't just pretend to. If you do want to tell a few people about your religion make sure its somebody you trust and know . And even though you may be bullied or ridiculed or looked down upon, be sure not to stray from your beliefs. Have you ever been ridiculed for your religion? Tell all.