The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L.2010, c.122) requires that the week beginning with the first week in October of each year be designated as the Week of Respect in New Jersey. To recognize the importance of social and emotional learning and character education, school districts are required to observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focused on preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. Montclair recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining positive school climates, providing students with a safe and supportive school environment and encouraging academic success along with increased social and emotional competence.
All Montclair schools participated in the Week of Respect with meaningful classroom and school-wide activities that focused on character education. Students decorated walkways with positive chalk messages, rocked their school spirit gear, had assemblies and morning meetings highlighting respect and more.
Northeast
“This recognition has become a way at the start of each school year to emphasize community and belonging. At Northeast we expressed messages that punctuated our duty of being a good people who are responsible, engaged and positive global citizens. Ms. Kuppermann, our school counselor, led us each day with a mindfulness message of respect to reflect on,” said Principal Joseph Putrino. Additionally, she worked with the school climate team to design a spirit week where everyone’s similarities and differences were showcased to elicit a connection about meaningful relationships. Added Putrino, “Whether wearing mismatched socks, bright colors or Northeast School spirit wear, our community displayed our togetherness, positive climate and authentic Northeast vibe!”
Edgemont
Students celebrated, discussed and explored different ways to show respect and be respectful towards one another. The “themed” days were also quite fun Buzz Students participated in Week of Respect activities and had the first Spirit Week of the school year. The students defined the word respect, and discussed how it looks in different forms. Additionally, they participated in a Week of Respect Jeopardy game. And engaged in conversation starters like: How do you define the word respect? What does respect look like in the real world? How are self-respect and respect different from one another?
Nishuane
Learners actively engaged in the Week of Respect as a school community. Learners explored what respect sounds and looks like, as well as ways that they may respect themselves and others. A special theme helped us to set the intention for each day. Learners worked with their classmates to define respect and discuss what it looks like and sounds like. During Morning Meetings, teachers encouraged students to dress according to each day’s theme as they explored each of the themed days like “Stomp Out Bullying,” “Respect Others: Hurtful Words Cannot be Taken Back and “Follow the Golden Rule.”
Watchung
School Counselor Briteja Williams provided each classroom with fun activities that focused on respect to help prevent harassment, intimidation, and bullying behaviors in our school. Students were encouraged to come together to promote school spirit, uplift and stand up for each other, and show respect for their school!
In addition, Watchung held a school wide assembly with special guest speaker Joe Alberci who serves as the Head Lacrosse Coach at West Point Military Academy. He has become a trending topic on social media for his hard-hitting team talks about respect and sportsmanship. Coach Alberci shared his inspiring words of wisdom with our students.
Lastly, students had the opportunity to use chalk to show off their healing words all over the front walkways and stairs as we learn to talk out our problems with kindness and respect!