In essence, H.E.A.R.T. stands for:
Honor We behave in a manner which displays respect and integrity.
Empathy We reflect upon and try to understand the feelings of others.
Acceptance We accept all individuals and groups regardless of our differences.
Responsibility We take responsibility for our own actions, the well-being of others, our environment, and our community.
Tenacity We display determination and grit when faced with adversity.
As part of our introducing the values to our school, all students attended an all-grade assembly where I shared my own reflections on how each of the core values are the foundation to our work here at the John Glenn Middle School. In the near future, all students will take part in an "opening ceremony" on October 4th, which will include the speaker, Mr. Wayne Soares, faculty-led conversations in Advisory, team-building activities and some healthy afternoon field day-ish competition. For more information on our speaker, please visit his website www.waynesoares.com
It is important for all to embrace that these values are at the core of what and how we teach,interact, perform, compete and behave as members of the JGMS community. Furthermore, they drive our decisions, policies and practices both as individuals and as a school. The staff and students are very excited to launch this renewed focus on civic and social values with our extended Bedford community and encourage everyone to fully immerse themselves in the challenge of portraying these values on a daily basis.
For reflection, we are asking our staff and students to consider:
What do the words honor, respect, and integrity mean to us?
What does behaving with honor look like at home, with friends, on the playing field or at school?
What can a person say or do to show empathy?
What does it mean to be accepting when differences arise?
What are our responsibilities in life, in our community, in our neighborhood or town and globally?
What are some difficult situations or obstacles we may face that require tenacity, persistence and grit? What are some strategies to use when facing a challenge or feeling stressed?
As the Principal of the building, I am incredibly proud of the work behind this initiative. Moreover, I am proud to report that I have observed the language and actions of the initiative permeate throughout the building, classrooms and events since the start of this school year. As I impressed upon the students at the start of the year, it is really easy for the Principal of a school to go out and purchase some nice posters, a few t-shirts and a banner or two. What is difficult is understanding and truly owning the words on the page. I do feel that we have traditionally always held these values; however, we are now putting our pledge out there to the community that we all do our best to consistently adhere to them both in and outside of school every day. Go Bucs!
Respecfully,
Kevin T. Tracey
If you have any questions regarding the J.G.M.S. H.E.A.R.T. initiative, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].