Letter to the Editor: Bolich Makes a STAND

I am a teacher at  and the advisor for our newly formed STAND group (Supporting Tolerance, Acceptance, uNderstanding and Diversity).  This week the STAND students at Bolich are doing some great things to help promote the core principles of STAND, to improve school climate, to help stop bullying and to spread kindness:

Monday morning as students and staff came into the building, they were greeted with positive messages written on post-it notes on their lockers/doors.  Everyone was given a "fuzzy," which is a necklace with some pieces of yarn attached.  Anytime students or staff want to compliment someone or thank them, they can pull off a piece of yarn and give it to the other person.  Throughout the week STAND students will be selling extra yarn (50 cents per string) at lunch to raise money which will be donated to a Bolich student in need as a random act of kindness. 

Tuesday, we are encouraging everyone to mix it up.  Everyone in the building is being challenged to say hello to five people they don't know and to sit with someone different at lunch. 

Wednesday is Compliments Day.  STAND students will post approximately 150 posters all over the building that have compliments that can be torn off and given to someone (like a help wanted poster).  Students and staff are challenged to give at least three intentional compliments with people. 

Thursday students and staff are asked to wear their clothes inside out and backwards to help reverse hatred. 

Friday there will be a flash mob before school starts at approximately 7:45 a.m. in front of the school.  The students selected the song "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction.  Students Lauren Cea and Shelly Criss choreographed the flash mob dance and students have been working on perfecting their moves.  Throughout the day, students and staff will hear special announcements with messages of tolerance.  After each announcement, music will play and everyone is encouraged to Random Dance for 30 seconds to the music. 

-Jessica Moore

Behavioral RTI Interventions

Bolich Middle School