Mix It Up Day was successful in promoting tolerance/diversity, and showing Orchard students that we are capable of getting along with each other (even those we don’t normally associate with). Based on student reflections, Mix It Up had a positive influence on our students and culture.
Words Can Heal is a national campaign to eliminate verbal violence, curb gossip and promote the healing power of words to enhance relationships at every level.
It is very simple: students commit to a pledge to think more about the words they use (see below).
During December (6th grade) and January (5th grade) classroom guidance lessons, which revolve around bullying/gossip/rumors, Mrs. Koenig and Mrs. Westendorf will first introduce the Words Can Heal pledge to Orchard students. Each homeroom teacher will be provided a laminated copy of the pledge to hang in his/her classroom.
During the week of January 22-26, in lieu of reciting the Orchard pledge each morning, students will be asked to recite the Words Can Heal pledge. Students can also go to http://www.wordscanheal.org/takethepledge.htm to officially take the pledge (this will be optional). I pledge to think more about the words I use.
I will try to see how gossip hurts people, including myself, and work to eliminate it from my life.
I will try to replace words that hurt with words that encourage, engage and enrich.
I will not become discouraged when I am unable to choose words perfectly, because making the world a better place is hard work.
And I am pledging to do that, one word at a time. |
