School Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week
***October 19, 2015 through October 23, 2015***
“Team Mountz” has the following school wide activities planned to observe Violence and Vandalism Week. We hope your child can participate!
Morning Meetings during Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week will focus on age-appropriate discussion about conflict resolution, respect for everyone in the school community and respect for school property.
Monday, October 19th will be: “Team Up Against Violence Day” Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey. Celebrating school spirit, working together as part of “Team Mountz” to make the school a positive, learning and respectful environment.
“HW Mountz students and staff respect the school, community and friends by being positive/safe and knowing when to ask for help”.
Tuesday, October 20th will be: “Mix It Up At Lunch Day”
Students will sit with someone at lunch they don’t usually sit with, which shows tolerance, acceptance and kindness toward others. Students will find out something they liked about the “new “person and share during Morning Meeting on Wednesday, 10/21/15.
Wednesday, October 21st : Wear orange and black ”HW Mountz” Cares…. about our school, community and friends. This symbolizes working together for the benefit of everyone in the school.
Thursday, October 22nd : Language Arts Activity
Students will participate in writing activities and cooperative learning activities during the school day. “Why schools celebrate Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week……”
Friday October 24th: “Give Violence The Boot Day”
Students and staff are encouraged to wear boots to school.
*Please remember to send sneakers to school with your child if he or she has gym on “Give Violence The Boot” Day.
Responsive Classroom Activity -Teachers lead a discussion with the students about what it means to be an upstander, (See attached Stand Up Pledge). The students should generate the ways to carry out the Stand Up Pledge with their peers through the school year.
The Spring Lake Police Department will be coming in during lunches to discuss ways to keep our school and community free of vandalism.
Resources
Provided below is a list of resources that may be helpful in planning activities for School Violence Awareness Week, as well as for improving the safety of schools. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of violence-related resources, but a diverse collection of supportive resources.
NASP Resources
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/schoolsafety.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDCP provides a variety of fact sheets on violence and injury prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/cmprfact.htm
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning
Provides research and publications on the relationship between social and emotional learning and school success.
www.casel.org
Keys to Safer Schools
This website equips teachers, students, parents, administrators and counselors with tools, training and materials.
http://www.keystosaferschools.com
Stand Up Pledge
Every day we have the opportunity to make our schools (and our world!) a better place. Putting an end to bullying is everyone’s responsibility. Read the Stand Up Pledge below to see how YOU can help. Join thousands of students and adults from across the country by signing the pledge and becoming an upstander today!
● Supportthose around me who are being bullied or victimized.The best way to stand up to bullying is to treat everyone with respect and kindness, especially those of us who are being targeted or bullied. You can make a big difference just by acknowledging the person who is being bullied and letting them know you are there for them!
● Tella friend, teacher or parent when I see someone being bullied.When you witness bullying behavior, are a victim of bullying, or are unsure if actions/words are okay, talk to a teacher, parent, or other trusted adult to get support. Bullying is serious and will not go away on its own. Speaking up is a very important way to stand up to bullying, and it does not mean you are being a snitch or tattle tale.
● Askmyself, “how would I want to be treated?”We all want people to be kind, respectful and caring to us. Considering the other person’s feelings before acting or speaking is a helpful way to make sure you are an upstander every day.
● Notewhere and when bullying occurs (bathroom, playground, online).Bullying most often happens when and where adults are not present. Be aware, and let the adults in your school and neighborhood know when and where bullying is most common. This is an important step to stop bullying from happening in the future.
● Dosomething when I see someone being bullied—be an UPSTANDER!Being an upstander is being a hero: we are standing up for what is right and doing our best to help support someone who is being hurt! Read the 10 Ways to be an Upstander on Bullybust.org for more tips about being an upstander.
● Understandwhy bullies bully.Bullies are not bad people; they are just doing bad things! Did you know that most bullies have been bullied at home or in their neighborhood? They often have something else going on in their life that is making them feel really bad, and think that making someone else “hurt” will make them feel better. This does not mean that bully behavior is ok, but understanding this behavior can help get them the adult support they need.
● Practicebeing a good role model for my fellow students and share “STAND UP to bullies” strategies.You can make a big difference in your school just by being kind, respectful, and caring to people you meet! Show your friends, parents, and teachers that you are an upstander, and remember that standing up to bullying is everyone’s responsibility.