R for Respect

Hanging in my classroom, is a large R decorated by a former student. The first day of school I refer to it as the good R because everything we do for ourselves and others should be about Respect. It's amazing how quickly this message is accepted. Some examples:

From a student - It is 4 year old Will's first school experience so his Mom has been asking him every day to talk about school. Will said it was fine and that's all he would contribute until last week. Then he said, "I went to the It's OK to be Different class today and we talked about Respect and being kind to one another."

From a teacher - "When school starts, I spend several weeks on listening skills, consideration of others and cooperation before I delve into the curriculum. Without Respect for ourselves and others, we cannot learn."

Susan deBrigard, Director of Tower Hill School reflects on the It's OK program

"It's OK to be Different teaches children at an early age about respect for others but more importantly, respect for themselves. It strengthens their self concept and expands their social world. It takes the fear away when meeting someone in a wheelchair, someone who speaks differently or looks different than you. It allows children to explore their true feelings and emotions and share them with others, especially their parents. It teaches children to stop a minute to think about the words they say to others and understand the hurt that bullying causes. It also teaches them the hurt you feel when you are being bullied and how to stand up for yourself and say the right words.
It's OK to be Different has changed the children and families lives who attend Tower Hill School by making it comfortable to speak about topics that are generally avoided.I am PROUD to have the program touch the lives of our children, staff and families at Tower Hill School. It has changed each one of us who has participated in the program, for the better."

Reflections from Harriett Hinton, Volunteer and Friend

"I was fortunate to be a part of the It's OK to be Different program when it was implemented in the Fair Haven school district by founder Laraine Gaunt. During that time, we introduced the Understanding Disabilities portion of the curriculum. As a parent, it was a wonderful experience to help in the clasroom and see the reaction of the children to our many role-playing activities and the guest speakers. Being involved on that level allowed me to continue the teaching at home with my own children. Now, 30 years later, I am still involved in the program as a guest speaker or a visiting reader in the classroom. The addition of the Celebrating Cultures and the Anti-Bullying crriculum to It's OK make it such an attractive teaching tool which addresses many issues that young people face today. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had over the years to work with this wonderful program and its founder!"