Thank you to all of those students who attended our How to be an Upstander! training on June 1. We all learned a lot from each other and have taken big steps toward making Hillcrest an even greater place to be!
We look forward to coming together again after the summer break to continue our work of making Hillcrest the inclusive, equitable, kind place we know it can be! But in the meantime, being an Upstander takes practice, so we’ve put together a list of things to review at home:
It’s not easy to put toothpaste back INTO the tube!
- It’s fun to squeeze toothpaste out of a tube into a pile or design on the ground, but there are consequences. It tends to make a mess, and it’s difficult and time-consuming (if not impossible) to put it back in the tube.
- The same can be said about bullying, or even speaking unkind words without really thinking! It might seem funny in the moment, but there are consequences. Feelings can be hurt, or you could develop a reputation as a bully.
How to tell if behavior is bullying
- Someone who says or does something unintentionally hurtful once is rude
- Someone who says or does something intentionally hurtful once is mean
- Someone who says or does something intentionally hurtful repeatedly, and continues doing it even if you ask them to stop, is a bully
What is the difference between Telling and Tattling?
- Telling means you’re trying to keep someone OUT of trouble
- Tattling means you’re trying to get someone IN trouble
How to be a Bully B-U-S-T-E-R
- Befriend the bully’s target make sure they feel supported when they aren’t being bullied
- Use a distraction try to interrupt bullying by ignoring the bully and talking to the target
- Speak out and Stand up make sure people know bullying is NOT ok with you
- Tell someone sometimes you’ll need an adult to help
- Exit, alone or with others walking away from a bully can drain the power of an audience
- Review why the behavior is wrong, talk about why certain things are wrong (they’re mean, could get someone in trouble, could hurt someone, etc.)
What are some ways we can demonstrate that we’re Upstanders!?
- Invite someone to join you at recess
- Spread interesting facts instead of gossip
- Thank someone you see doing something kind
- Stick encouraging notes where people don’t expect them
- Look people in the eye and say hello
- Speak up when you see someone who can’t
- Help others if you see they’re hurt
- Make sure you have a trustworthy adult you know can always rely (a parent, teacher, counselor, etc.)
Thank you again for your time and your trust!
