“How would your life be different if you stopped making negative, judgmental assumptions about people you encounter?” Does this sound familiar? This quote from author Steve Maraboli has been on the announcements every day this week as part of the celebration of the Week of Respect at MHS.
Week of Respect is a part of a New Jersey anti-bullying effort that requires every school district to dedicate the first week in October to raising awareness about respect and bullying. (Week of Respect is similar to Red Ribbon week and School Violence Awareness week, which our school also participates in.) The Peer Group Connections class is excited to be leading the week and setting an example of respect and leadership for other students. MHS junior Nikki Taylo, a member of PGC, describes the Week of Respect as “having a positive influence on students at MHS.” Carlee Kluge, another junior and PGC member says, “I think having Week of Respect be mandatory is good because it spreads awareness and information about bullying.”
The color theme of Week of Respect is blue, as seen in the blue makeover of B-Hall with blue balloons, blue streamers, and blue signs announcing this very special week. Additionally, students have been dressing in blue to celebrate this week, most notably the field hockey team for a spirit day. Members of PGC have been doing special activities during lunch at a table in the lobby this week that center around the themes of respect and blue as well.
On Monday, October 7th, students could get their pinky nails painted blue to show their support for the week if they signed a respect pledge telling how they will show respect. On Tuesday, the PGC members gave out blue ribbons and blue candy in return for another pledge. Wednesday offered nail polish, ribbons, and candy again. On Thursday, October 10th, PGC had a scavenger hunt with letters spelling out respect hidden around the school. The eight students who found these letters received a blue “Rainbow Loom” bracelet. Surveys will be offered on Friday, along with the previous prizes of bracelets, ribbons, nail polish, and of course, blue candy.
Catherine Brennan, a MHS Junior and PGC member, summed up the Week of Respect, commenting, “Week of Respect is a great way to spread awareness about respect and bullying.”
Be sure to check out the PGC table this week during Common Lunch to pledge your respect!
http://www.njea.org/issues-and-political-action/anti-bullying