Now the other “R” word - respect. For most students it s really a hard word to define. They know what it should feel like, they want it, but they have a hard time putting it into words. The verb “respect” as defined by Merriam-Webster is “to consider deserving of high regard or esteem.” We treat our students with respect and feel that it is the best way to teach them how they should treat others. We believe it is respectful to say “Yes, Ma’am,” “No, Sir", etc. We expect students to be quiet while others are talking. They should not raise their hand or call out while others are speaking. (Most of the time we find, when the hand goes up, the ears turn off.) It is not acceptable to talk about teachers, students, or strangers in a derogatory way. We encourage an environment of tolerance and acceptance. We expect honesty at all times. We can deal with the truth…we are a team dedicated to each and every student.J Truthfulness is part of being respectful.
Respect is also encouraged when we are dealing with how students treat themselves. We are very positive when talking with our students. We are not demeaning or deflating. We promote a healthy, positive, life style. Comments like, “I am so stupid” or “I’m ugly” are always addressed, and the student is re-directed to think and act positively. Each student is a beautiful child of God and each student needs to know and feel and own that perception. It is our job to see that this happens for each student
This, in turn, leads to our expectations regarding etiquette. What is socially acceptable behavior? Simply put, we are expecting the basics. Keep your hands to yourself; chew with your mouth closed; don’t talk while you are chewing; say “excuse me”, “thank you” and “please”; let ladies go before gentlemen; open the door for others; be polite; pick up debris on the floor in the classroom, lunchroom, anywhere; take care of your things; take care of others; treat your class as part of your family; tell your parents and siblings you love them...we cannot assume children know these basics: they must be taught by parents and teachers.
We feel very strongly about responsibility, respect and etiquette because we believe this is an area where, as a society, we have strayed away from, and yet it builds the very foundation of our future adults and leaders. We are accepting of too much that is really unacceptable. We gently encourage and guide all of our students to see the value in positive behavior and how others respond when they act politely.
Responsibility, Respect and Etiquette: the focus for the 2010-2011 school year. Please partner with us in this endeavor. I look foward to having further conversations with you regarding how we can be effective in teaching all of our young people to be the "best" citizens they can possibly be in our school of excellence and in the larger world.
God bless,
Karen L. Lyon,
Head of School