Kindness
By Phelana
In Learning Team Meetings this past week, we celebrated many successes, discussed opportunities for growth, and set goals for the final term of 7th grade. During LTMs, students reflected on how inclusive they were both in and out of class. As a school, we encourage students to think about their role in creating and maintaining positive relationships within the school community. In Class Meeting on Tuesday, students wrote about acts of kindness they have witnessed in our 7th grade community. Teachers read aloud what students wrote, and we celebrated these positive contributions to our community.
When actions that are not kind happen (whether intentional or not), many students say that they don’t do or say anything, and sometimes they wish they had said or done something about it. On Friday during Advisory, we practiced (1) how to speak up to someone whose actions are not kind, and (2) how to own our impact when given feedback that our action was not kind. Below is the lesson we used on Friday. We encourage you to continue this discussion with your student at home. Help them continue to practice speaking up when needed, practice receiving feedback graciously when appropriate, and ask for help when necessary. Please feel free to contact your student’s advisor if you have any questions about this lesson.
Taking Care of Our Community
We all have a right to be heard and respected in the SGS community.
What Happens
When acts of kindness occur, it connects us more strongly as a community. We celebrate with appreciations and shout-outs.
When actions that are not kind happen (whether intentional or not), many people say that they don’t do or say anything, and sometimes they wish they had said or done something about it.
What To Do
Here are some phrases you will practice today while communicating directly, authentically, and respectfully.
Stating the Impact
Owning the Impact
If you are told about something you did that had a negative impact, you should give the person your full attention, prioritize the impact over intent, don’t try to defend or respond right away,
acknowledge your feelings, and take some deep breaths.
When Should You Ask for Help from an Adult?
When you have communicated directly, authentically and respectfully and the behavior continues, ask for help. We don’t want anyone to feel unsafe or as if they have to deal with these issues by themselves.
PRACTICE (a) stating the impact, and (b) owning the impact for the following scenarios: