A Culture Of Kindness at Thomas Jefferson Middle School Where all students, staff, and families are treated with dignity and respect.

What Is A Culture Of Kindness? A culture of kindness focuses on teaching the difference between tattling and telling, performing small acts of kindness, and validating and rewarding behavior that promotes positive character development. A school climate that promotes a tolerant inclusive environment where kindness is the cornerstone of our daily lives. An environment that brings out the best in students, sets high standards, holds students, parents, and community members accountable, and celebrates successes of everyone.

Why Create A Culture Of Kindness and Respect? Develops and improves social awareness. Promotes the basic foundation of character development. Teaches life skills and empathy for others.

The Culture Of Kindness and Respect At TJ We offer the following activities and programs: Peer Mediation Program. Student Ambassador Program. TJ Big Brother/Big Sister Mentor Program. iCare Club – Kindness Club. Paws and Claws – Animal Advocacy Club. Beta Club Reporting boxes in TJ Office and Counseling Corner. Designated safe zone for all students. Learning activities for all students to experience and practice empathy and respect. Character education activities that encourage prosocial skills such as listening, empathy, respect, kindness, and conflict resolution skills. Student Senate Club offers a pathway for students to voice their concerns. Assemblies and programs that promote and teach kindness and respect. Kindness Pledge Leadership opportunities for students to develop and improve their skills to help others.

“JAGUAR WAY” Jaguar Expectations: Respect Everyone Respect Learning Respect the Environment “You must always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” –Winnie the Pooh

What Can Parents Do To Help Create A Culture Of Respect and Kindness? Support your school staff by showing respect and kindness. Promote participation in school activities and clubs. Be a good role model. Teach and practice empathy each day. Be alert to “teachable moments.” Teach manners and encourage your child to use manners. Encourage your child to communicate with adults and other children face to face without access to cell phones or social networking technology. Provide and encourage volunteer experiences and caring opportunities. Be aware of your language around your child. Be aware of what shows they watch, their internet involvement, who they hang around with, and how they spend their time after school. Celebrate their achievements and successes, in addition to helping them be accountable for how they treat and respect themselves as well as others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_CmBsi17_0

What Can Our Community Do To Create a Culture Of Kindness and Respect? Provide opportunities for students to volunteer and provide services to give back to their community. Provide community events that encourage kindness and respect. Recognize students that honor respect, kindness, and other character count traits. Create a strong school and community partnership. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1m3-Dl_Q “You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you, you have to go to them sometimes” -Winnie the Pooh

Kindness … Pass It On Make a new friend Respect others Share a snack Leave a thank you note Do a favor Encourage a friend Celebrate something new each day Forgive Donate your gently used clothes Eat lunch with someone new Say hello Smile Open a door Say thank you and please Respect your elders Thank your teacher Pick up litter Help a student make friends Do a kind act daily Be tolerant Bake cookies to share Follow the golden rule

Kindness No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. ~ Amelia Earhart