Montclair Students Celebrate Kindness During ‘Week Of Respect’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s public schools recently participated in a “Week of Respect” across the district, decorating walkways with positive chalk messages, rocking school spirit gear, gathering for assemblies and holding morning meetings.

According to a news release from the Montclair Public School District, the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L.2010, c.122) designates the week beginning with the first week in October as the Week of Respect in New Jersey.

Montclair took part in the campaign again this year. Here are some of the activities that took place:

NORTHEAST

“At Northeast, we expressed messages that punctuated our duty of being a good people who are responsible, engaged and positive global citizens,” principal Joseph Putrino reported.

“Ms. Kuppermann, our school counselor, led us each day with a mindfulness message of respect to reflect on,” Putrino added. 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.

“Whether wearing mismatched socks, bright colors or Northeast School spirit wear, our community displayed our togetherness, positive climate and authentic Northeast vibe,” Putrino said.

EDGEMONT

At Edgemont School, students celebrated, discussed and explored different ways to show respect and be respectful towards one another.

Students also took part in “theme” days, enjoyed a “Week of Respect Jeopardy game,” and engaged in conversation starters that asked questions like “What does respect look like in the real world?”

WATCHUNG

Watchung School counselor Briteja Williams provided each classroom with fun activities that focused on respect to help prevent harassment, intimidation and bullying behaviors. 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. Alberci has become a trending topic on social media for his hard-hitting team talks about respect and sportsmanship.

Students also used chalk to show off their healing words all over the front walkways and stairs, learning to “talk out their problems with kindness and respect,” administrators reported.

NISHUANE

At Nishuane School, students explored what respect sounds and looks like, as well as ways that they may respect themselves and others. A special theme helped to set the intention for each day, administrators reported.

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.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.