We ALL are different/unique
Disagreements are a path to understanding
Empathy brings our relationships closer
We ALL have a right to feel safe, to learn, and to be respected
We don't HAVE to be best friends, we should be friendly
I can ask a trusted adult for help and they will listen
The above is a short list of the work the adults in school do everyday to help our students develop positive social skills which includes managing conflict. As students learn to interact with others, conflict might occur. We encourage solutions through restorative practices and our Second Step Problem Solving Steps.
Please refer to the School Handbook for more information regarding how GCS responds to reports of bullying or harassment.
Second Step Bullying Prevention Program. The program is a great match to the social/emotional lessons taught by all teachers in the classroom to all students. The program builds on those foundations and language through video segments and activities. Students are able to recognize the difference between bullying and unkind behaviors, how to report and to whom, and how to refuse unkind behaviors and be an upstander and not a bystander.
Restorative Practices. The foundation of restorative practices is the focus on listening to, and understand each other. Through the classroom meeting circles students build empathy and understanding within their community. When we understand who someone is and how they feel, we are less likely to seek them out as a target of our verbal/physical aggression or exclusion. As conflicts arise, we use restorative conversations with the parties involved. This work is primarily done through our amazing staff in the Hive.
Small Group Counseling. There are times when friends have some struggles with relationships. We make efforts to bring the students together to help navigate the challenges of friendships. Sessions focus on empathy, listening and not talking, advocating without aggression, managing conflicts, and seeking understanding before making assumptions.
Guidance Activities. Besides using curriculum like Second Step, lessons that focus on empowering the bystander are provided. A simple game of triangle tag or hit the mark can be vehicles for students to explore empathy, bystander empowerment, asking for help, and more. It is all about how we frame the activity and utilize the metaphor during our debrief.