Dear Parents and Guardians,
During the week of October 19, public schools in New Jersey observed Violence and Vandalism
Awareness Week. At Dogwood Hill School we are fortunate to experience so little violence or
vandalism. The week, however, did give us another opportunity to discuss ways to settle
disagreements peacefully and how to deal with bullying situations.
The fifth grade had a two period lesson on identifying and distinguishing between bullying situations
and regular conflict. As part of the lesson, students worked in small groups/pairs to discuss and
role-play scenarios, as well as creating a web using words and phrases they associate with bullying.
The Fourth Grade visited the Stop Bullying Now website, coordinated by the State Department of
Health and Human Services. This site includes Webisodes on bullying behavior and how to protect
you, cyber-bullying and a link for parents. The students also read The Crayon Box That Talked,
which is a story about diversity. They then explored the beauty of diversity based on drawing with
one color, then drawing with all of the colors showing how important it is that everyone is different
The objective for students in third grade is to identify ways to protect the school against violence and
vandalism. Students reviewed what was learned in our bullying/teasing curriculum and then listened
to two stories, “Enemy Pie,” and, “The Ant Bully.” Students then discussed why people become
bullies, how to deal with bullies, and how to prevent bullying. Students also discussed school
vandalism - what it is, what to do if they see it, and how to prevent it. The lesson included a journal
writing activity of how students can prevent bullying and school violence throughout the year. Other
third grade students participated in role-playing scenarios involving bullying/violence and discuss
ways to resolve the conflicts peacefully. Following the lesson all students will be signing a class
pledge that states the actions they will take to help a victim of bullying.
The second grade utilized the New Jersey Bar Association’s Conflict Resolution curriculum through a
Win/Win Poster exercise. Win/Win explores peaceful options when facing a conflict, so nobody,
“loses.” This will allow children to brainstorm ways to avoid acting out when they are frustrated or
angry.
First grade read the story, “Miss Nelson is Missing,” by James Marshall. Students discussed the story
details and charted the "behavior problems," that took place in the story. Then the students
brainstormed and charted appropriate ways the students could have acted. Lastly, the students
decided on one charted fact and fill in a, "Problem/Instead," worksheet.
Kindergarten classes read a story entitled, "The Playground Bully," and discussed the different
incidences in the story. Children made a, "Good Manners Booklet," showing how to be a good friend
to someone.
Please talk about these concepts with your children at home. Join us in ensuring that Dogwood Hill
School remains, “A nice place to grow.”
Regards,
Glenn R. Clark
Principal
