The first week of October is designated as New Jersey’s Week of Respect. New Jersey school districts take this opportunity to recognize the importance of developing and maintaining positive school climates, providing students with a safe and supportive school environment devoid of harassment, intimidation and bullying and encouraging academic success along with increased social and emotional competence. All Montclair schools participated in meaningful virtual classroom and schoolwide activities that focused on character education.
Elementary schools discussed what respect means and engaged in a variety of fun ways students and staff could show respect. Classes read books, watched videos, and created artwork highlighting respect. Activities included wearing favorite sweat pants because “respect is no sweat!”; representing a favorite sports jersey to show that "Together Everyone Achieves More" (TEAM); wearing a superhero shirt to “stomp out bullying”; wearing backwards clothing because “hurtful words can’t be taken back”; wearing colorful clothing to “throw kindness around like confetti”; and of course, wearing school colors to show unity, pride, spirit and support.
Above from top left: Hillside staff show their team spirit; a Bullock 4th grader creates a Respect poster; Nishuane students share their Respect artwork.
At the middle school level, students discussed different types of bullying. Buzz Aldrin students created a “Positive Buzz” with students posting positive messages/images on the Buzz Respect Wall (Google Drawing). Glenfield challenged students to do random acts of kindness in safe physically distant ways, as well as intentionally taking time for self-care. Restorative Justice Teachers on Special Assignment held virtual circles with students surrounding the themes of respect, relationship building, and social awareness.
Buzz Aldrin's Week of Respect Wall.
Montclair High School focused on “Powerful and Positive Choices.” On Oct. 5, World Day of Bullying Prevention, students were encouraged to wear Mountie blue to stomp out bullying. Students and staff were encouraged to leave a positive note via email or social media post to a peer or staff member. Restorative Justice Montclair invited students and peers to engage in a virtual experience. On Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day, students were encouraged to celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, LGBTQ+ questioning or to show/pledge support for the community by posting a positive social media message for all to see.
An MHS student posts a positive social media message; MHS staff members stand together to Stomp Out Bullying.