Start the School Year with RESPECT

School starts for my children next week, which means that GIFT will be starting soon, too.  To prepare for the year, I have been cleaning out drawers and closets.  I'm sort of a "tosser" - I adhere to the "If I haven't used it in a year..." rule pretty well.  But doing a program on a 4-year rotation means keeping things around for those 4 years, in case I want to bring them back.  Some things I pull out and can use as-is, others I feel the need to tweak or change out completely.  Occasionally, I come across something that makes me think, "Wow.  That's pretty good; I should share this."  That's what happened with the R-E-S-P-E-C-T handout I found yesterday.  I used this as part of a PCYI safety program in 2009/2010.  I will most likely bring it back to GIFT next year.  But I felt like it was so timely, I was compelled to share it right away.

Click here to download the PDF of the handout

I think this is a great message as kids go off to school, play fall sports, and spend more time away from the eyes of their parents.  It goes like this...

R: I am Reliable - I can be counted on to do what I say and be where I say I will be.
E: I am Encouraging - I don't put down myself or others
S: I am Strong - When I say NO, I mean it.  I can say no even if my friends don't like it.
P: I have a Purpose - God created me to be good in the world.  God created everyone else with a  
     purpose, too.  I will remember that!
E: I make an Effort - I am not perfect, but every day I do my best at being who God wants me to be.
C: I am a Child - The grown-ups in my life are there to guide and protect me; I will listen to them.
T: I am Truthful - I tell the truth, even if I am afraid I might get in trouble.

Parents, I encourage you to print the PDF, and sit down to talk with your children about what these words mean, and how living them can help them be safer, as well as helping them to achieve.  Try to think of real-life examples of when these virtues come into play.  For example, my son had some problems with getting in trouble on the bus last year, because he didn't know how to say "NO" to a friend.  When we talk, I can remind him of the importance of standing strong when a friend is trying to talk you into bad behaviors.

Teachers and Program Coordinators - print it, copy it, do what you like with it.  I hope you find it useful!