Press Release: Summit Schools observe ‘Week of Respect’

Introduction to the state’s new anti-bullying law began last spring for the administrators, faculty, and staff of the Summit Public Schools. Now the students are joining in the spirit of the new legislation, considered the toughest in the country.

Along with developing protocols for reporting and responding to reports of bullying, the law designates the week beginning the first Monday in October of each year as a “Week of Respect” in New Jersey schools. During that week, October 3-7 this year, districts are directed to provide age-appropriate instruction for its students by focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Districts are also expected to reinforce this instruction throughout the school year.

“The Summit Schools already have a number of programs in place that support the goals of the new law, such as “Taking a Stand” in our elementary schools, the middle school advisory committee, and the peer leadership program at the high school,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Parker. “However, we appreciate the reinforcement of these lessons through the activities each of our schools has planned for the ‘Week of Respect.’”

Here are some of the events that took place at each school in observance of the “Week of Respect”:

Respect Week at Jefferson School kicked off Monday morning with PA announcements by 5th graders. The concept of respect was reinforced throughout the week through additional announcements, classroom activities, and viewing a YouTube video.

At Lincoln-Hubbard School announcements related to the theme of respect were made over the PA system. Teachers engaged students in classroom lessons on the topic, and each student made a respect banner. The banners are on display in the halls of the school. Future events include a Mix-It-Up Lunch, when students are asked to meet and sit with new friends during lunch, and the School Pep Rally and Safety Patrol Induction, which will be held on October 21.

Each morning at Brayton School, students hear PA announcements by 5th grade leaders regarding respect. The students were challenged with the goal of showing respect to people throughout the week, and on Friday they discussed their success with this goal with a classroom partner. Teachers also covered the topic in classroom activities.

Teachers at Summit High School took advantage of  “teachable moments” during regular instruction to talk about respect, the consequences of bullying, human rights, and other relative topics. Featured in the school’s art gallery was a photography exhibit with the theme of respect, and the library showcased media material related to the topic.

Several future events are also being planned. The statistics class will be graphing and charting data related to bullying. An event will be held in which faculty members will show their support to students in need of help who fear they have no one to turn to. SHS’s Back to School Night also focused on respect.

Plans at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School include introducing the theme of respect during Respect Week and carrying the message throughout the school year. The school’s motto,  “We Give Respect; We Take Responsibility,” will also be reinforced.
Among a number of student activities: Sixth graders in social studies classes will be writing sentences beginning with “I feel respected when . . . “

Photos of students who demonstrate respect will be featured on bulletin boards. The Advisory Team lesson for Friday of Respect Week  focuses on community, bullying, and respect. Eighth graders in the Digital Newsroom classes will write articles about respect.

LCJSMS will also host nationally noted speaker John Halligan on Thursday, October 27, when he will present a powerful and informative assembly for parents, “Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Youth Depression.” The event will begin at 7 p.m. Parents from all Summit Schools as well as other adult members of the community are invited to attend. There is no charge for admission. Seventh and 8th grade students will hear a student version of Mr. Halligan’s presentation during two daytime assemblies.

Teachers at the Primary Centers at Jefferson and Wilson will incorporate lessons from the district’s Taking a Stand curriculum into their lessons.