Getting Along

I don’t know about you, but it seems like everywhere I go I hear people lamenting the lack of civility in the world.  Unfortunately, flagrant examples of adults behaving badly literally assault us daily.  Even more unfortunate, in my mind, is that we experience this negativity, this lack of respect for each other, and basic dearth of common courtesy right here in Milton.  I find it embarrassing and disheartening.

On the other hand, I look at our kids and my spirit soars.  In every one of our school buildings we have a majority of kids behaving in very positive ways that we adults should emulate.  How do I know? Because every day our kids are caught doing things right – caught by their classmates, their teachers and other staff members – and then they are called-out, recognized, and celebrated for the way they go about their day and treat others.

The School District of Milton is clear in its expectations of students.  You will see these words (or variations on them) everywhere throughout the District – RESPONSIBLE / RESPECTFUL / SAFE / & KIND.  Some buildings, like Northside, have additional guides:

S afe                                                             C ooperation

O rganized                                                    P articipation

A ccountable                                                 R espect

R espectful

They are great guidelines but what do the words really mean? How would you articulate the behavior expected by these guidelines for your own everyday life?  Our kids clearly know.  Let me provide some examples.  Recently I had the privilege of attending a Superstar Lunch at Northside. Principals Jon Lyon and Julie Musgrove hold these lunches monthly and separate lunches for each grade level.  As I arrived for the fourth grade lunch I found the Large Group Room filled with students along with parents and grandparents.  Everyone was brimming with pride and anticipation.  Jon and Julie began to introduce the students and showcase the actions – the daily behavior – that brought them honor.  This is what I heard:

• ·         Works through conflict in a fair & kind way
• ·         Demonstrates willingness to work with all
• ·         Works hard at getting along
• ·         Shows that it’s important to be kind
• ·         Willing to lend a hand
• ·         Gets along with everyone
• ·         Demonstrates good listening
• ·         Shows a positive attitude
• ·         Has a kind demeanor
• ·         Shows respect for others
• ·         Models kindness
• ·         Exhibits thoughtfulness
• ·         Supports classmates
• ·         Sets an example of how to play fair
• ·         Is helpful to others
• ·         Knows how to let others be special
• ·         Includes everyone
• ·         Welcomes others with a smile
• ·         Shows a getting-along attitude
• ·         Is accepting of others
• ·         Makes others comfortable
• ·         Will help anyone
• ·         Makes a friend’s day better
• ·         Excels in the way she treats others
• ·         Works in a kind & helpful manner
• ·         Is kind & respectful of everyone
• ·         Shows a smile
• ·         Knows how to SOAR
• ·         Lives the Golden Rule Daily
• 
  

WOW!  And this from 10 year olds.  I was and am impressed; impressed by this positive behavior and further impressed that similar recognition ceremonies are duplicated at all grade levels across our School District.  It’s fun.  It’s uplifting.  It’s inspiring.  It is truly a “feel good” experience.  It is wonderful.

I am so glad I was able to participate but it created this question for me.  Where is the disconnect between the students of Milton and the adults of Milton?  The gulf seems deep and wide.  Let’s take a lesson from our kids.  While we may not agree, let’s be responsible, respectful, safe, and kind with each other.  Let’s SOAR in our homes and our community.

Let’s pledge together to rise above this miasma of local divisiveness and rancor.  Let’s allow our kids to teach us how to truly live and treat each other.

After all – KIDS MATTER – and so does our community.

Jon Cruzan

Community Catalyst

cruzan4milton