A signature carries plenty of weight at the John F. Kennedy Primary School.
Students signed JFK Primary School's Peace Pledge poster during lunch period to support the ideals behind the Week of Respect.
The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, as well as all public schools in New Jersey, have recognized the Week of Respect from Monday, October 7, through Friday, October 11.
The Week of Respect is in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, a New Jersey law that was signed into effect in 2011 to combat bullying in public schools.
The law requires that New Jersey public schools acknowledge the importance of social and emotional learning while emphasizing age-appropriate instruction that will focus on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).
Carly Peña, the JFK School Counselor, was the guiding force behind this crucial week.
“During Week of Respect, the students of JFK celebrated the week with daily themes and activities emphasizing the importance of showing respect to ourselves, others, and the planet. Each student was asked to sign our Peace Pledge to demonstrate that they would do their part to bring kindness, caring, and empathy to the JFK community and the world,” Ms. Peña explained.
She revealed what was a productive Week of Respect at JFK.
“We acknowledged those who were caught being respectful through shout-outs during morning announcements and teachers completed respect activities throughout the week,” she said.
Ms. Peña shared what was held each day to celebrate the Week of Respect.
“Our daily themes further emphasized the importance of this week and demonstrated the benefits of being respectful in a fun way!
“Monday - 'Ohana Means Family / World Day of Bullying Prevention: Wear blue or JFK spirit wear to show that at JFK we work together to make sure everyone feels welcome and accepted”
“Tuesday - I Am Incredible: Wear your favorite Superhero shirt to show just how INCREDIBLE you are!”
“Wednesday - Don't Sweat It, LET IT GO: Wear sweats or pajamas to show that you respectfully work through problems and let it go.”
“Thursday - We Are Wild About Respect: Wear something Wild to show that you respect all creatures and our planet.”
“Friday - Hats Off to Being a Respectful Friend: You've Got a Friend in Me: Wear your favorite hat or headband and show what a great friend you are to others.”
“We acknowledged those who were caught being respectful through shout-outs during morning announcements and teachers completed respect activities throughout the week,” Ms. Peña concluded.