Safe & Caring Schools in Action

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Real stories from Minnesota schools about how they are creating safe and caring environments where students can thrive and achieve.

February 2009: Dr. Petersen celebrates the Safe & Caring Schools program in Hawaii.

Leadership, Cooperation, and Teamwork
Learning to be part of a team, setting goals, and having a common vision to complete a task and accomplish something meaningful are part of experience. Students have a chance to practice their communication skills, and their abilities to listen and share responsibility with those around them. They explore the qualities of leadership and what it takes to make dreams become a reality. If we want our students to succeed in life socially, emotionally, and academically it’s important to motivate and encourage them to take risks. There is a sense of hope we can instill in children by nurturing their curiosity and showing them how the abilities they each possess can help them explore the world around them and become influential leaders.

What Can Be Done About Bullying? Beyond Policy and Procedures
Creating clear classroom and school-wide expectations about bullying is an essential part of the Safe & Caring Schools program. Ultimately it is the responsibility of adults to create a safe learning environment where students feel respected and protected, especially once they report bullying because they have witnessed or experienced it. If adults are not consistent, students quickly will learn to either take matters into their own hands or remain silent.

Respect Yourself and Others
We are all better off when we learn to be inclusive, use good manners, and have empathy and compassion for others.

Creating Support for All Children in Our Schools
Everyone deserves to have a support system, especially kids.

Esko Students Become Ambassadors of Peace
Our students are focusing on treating others with respect, helping friends do the right thing and having the courage to ask for help.

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

651.999.7310 MN toll free 800.642.6807

Fax: 651.999.7311 E-mail: mespa@mespa.net