Dear Families,

Last month all the students completed “Respect Check-Ups” in class. The

Check-Up is a questionnaire with ten areas of Respect listed. The students

evaluated themselves and then had a classmate and the teacher rate them. They

were asked to decide whether they demonstrated the various respectful

behaviors consistently, sometimes, or never. In the lower grades, teachers

handled the activity as a group discussion. The results were interesting. The

areas of respect that seem to need improvement here at school are empathy

(caring about how others feel), the use of respectful language, and respectful

listening in class. We’re working on it.

This month I invite you to do your own Family Respect Check-Up using the

items listed below. Rate yourselves with the “consistently, sometimes, or

never” scale. I suggest that you discuss it together and encourage everyone to

be open, honest, and of course, respectful. I hope it will help you focus on

important issues and improve the “climate” at your house.

Family Respect Check-Up

Circle the best description after you and your family discuss How we are doing

in demonstrating consideration and high regard for each other!

1. Adults and children listen to one another without interrupting.

(consistently, sometimes, or never)

2. We show that we care about how other family members’ feelings.

(consistently, sometimes, or never)

3. Everyone is treated as equally important in the family. (consistently,

sometimes, or never)

4. We speak politely to one another and don’t use put-downs. (consistently,

sometimes, or never)

5. We ask permission to borrow each other’s belongings and then return them in good

condition. (consistently, sometimes, or never)

6. We have family rules which everyone respects. (consistently, sometimes, or never)

7. Adults model respect for the rules and laws of society. (consistently,

sometimes, or never)

8. We use appropriate language at home and in public. (consistently,

sometimes, or never)

9. We show respect for our bodies by exercising, eating healthy food, and

getting plenty of sleep. (consistently, sometimes, or never)

10. We show respect for the environment and property by doing our part to keep

our homes and yards neat and clean. (consistently, sometimes, or never)

– Randy Coleman