Learning How to Be Peacemakers

Gail Salmon, a guidance counselor at the , stood before three classes of fourth-graders Tuesday and did her best cheerleader imitation.

“Give me an R,’’ she barked through cupped hands.

“Give me an E,’’ she hollered.

The drill continued until the 67 students had spelled out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’’

“What’s that spell,’’ she asked.

“Respect,’’ they answered.

“I can’t hear you,’’ she told them.

“Respect!’’ they yelled enthusiastically.

The state-wide Week of Respect in the Berkeley Township School District began with an up-tempo presentation that prompted students to think, participate and learn. The Week of Respect activities, which will be done in every township elementary school at every grade level, are designed to help Berkeley Township Schools meet state mandates as part of New Jersey’s new anti-bullying law.

“The district sets a tone and establishes a culture at every one of our schools,’’ said DyAnn DeClerico, the district’s director of Elementary Education. “The kids pick up on that climate.’’

“Our students know what is and isn’t tolerated,’’ Salmon said. “Respect is part of our school’s character. The kids know what is expected of them from the day they walk in until the day they leave.’’

Salmon said there are very few bullying-type incidents at Bayville School. Her presentation is one she has done annually for years, not because of new state laws.

DeClerico said there has been one documented bullying incident in the district so far this year. That incident is being reviewed by Superintendent of Schools Joseph H. Vicari, she said. DeClerico noted that for the first time each district is required to document all bullying incidents.

“This is the first time I’ve met with the fourth-graders this year,’’ Salmon said. “They gave a lot of great answers. It was clear they are getting the message.’’

The Berkeley school district program will be reinforced during the entire school year. The program received no additional state funding even though it is required for every school district in New Jersey.

DeClerico said the district used professional development monies to fund the anti-bullying sessions. Salmon said the Bayville School PTA also contributed to her programs.

Each of the students in Tuesday’s session was given a bracelet with the words: “Help Encourage Respect.’’

“It’s a good law,’’ DeClerico said. “There were issues that absolutely had to be addressed.’’

Salmon asked the students how they wanted to be treated by other students.

“Nicely,’’ said one fourth-grade girl.

Salmon noted that respect begins with each student respecting themselves.

“You set the standard about how others are going to treat you,’’ Salmon said.

Salmon asked the students what it takes to have a happy heart.

The answers ranged from courage to having fun to laughing.

She asked the students what makes them different?

One male student in the fourth row responded with “our cultures.’’

 “And do we make fun of someone who comes from a different culture?’’ Salmon said.

 “No,’’ the group said in unison.

“Does it mean that because they come from a different culture they don’t have the right to be at Bayville School?’’ Salmon asked.

The students responded with shaking their heads no.

Salmon also asked the fourth-graders that while they were all different, what were some things they all had in common?

“We’re all human,’’ one student said.

“We’re all in the fourth grade,’’ said another.

“We all want to be treated with respect,’’ noted one student in the second row.

As part of the Bayville School program, each student signed a ‘Respect Pledge.’

The pledge states each student will “treat other people the way I want to be treated – nicely.’’

Banners and bulletin boards reinforcing respect and tolerance are located throughout the school. In Karen Ratushny’s art class each student has designed a flower that will be part of a multi-purpose room display that noted “every child is like a flower – special like they are.’’

That banner is expected to be displayed later this week.

“You are all peacemakers and you all can make a difference,’’ Salmon told the fourth-graders. “You are all heroes. You help and you encourage. You need to practice respect and stick with it until it is 100 percent at Bayville School … even on the bus.’’

In other Respect Week activities at Bayville School students will wear white Wednesday or peace, love and friendship T-shirts and in gym class good sportsmanship will be the focus of activities.

Kindergarten: Students will make self-portraits to learn about self-respect.

First grade: Will learn and practice good manners.

Second grade: Will make a Wall of Respect.

Third grade: Will create a display for the word respect.

Around the district, some of the activities include:

Lessons in diversity and understanding differences at the . Students “caught being good’’ each week for the remainder of the school year will be given a certificate and cafeteria snack coupon.

At , students will participate in an essay contest writing on the theme: “What Respect Means to Me.’’

At , the week will culminate with a pep rally.

“Everyone promotes good character,’’ Salmon said.