Steps to Respect STEPS TO RESPECT is the bullying prevention program at Prosperity Heights. This year, each 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classroom will participate in Steps to Respect. The curriculum is divided into 10 classroom lessons, which include discussion, role-playing, video clips, and other activities. Each grade also receives a set of books illustrating similar issues through the characters and story. The students are taught skills to make friends and join groups, as well as to speak up assertively for what is right. They learn to recognize bullying behavior, how to refuse to be bullied, and when and how to report it. Perhaps most importantly, students are encouraged to be bystanders who are part of the solution instead of part of the problem. SECOND STEP is a new social skills curriculum we will present to all Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students this year. Each lesson is based on a story and may include role-plays, songs, puppets, video clips, posters, and hands-on activities. The children gain language and communication skills while learning to identify feelings, get along with others, and solve problems. Parent handouts are included with both programs so that parents may reinforce the skills at home. Watch the school calendar and the newsletter for a Prosperity Parent-Teacher Group meeting on the topic of teaching kids social skills and promoting positive behavior. Together we are working to promote respectful and responsible student behavior, and to create an even more positive learning environment at Prosperity Heights. If you have any questions about the Steps to Respect or Second Step programs, please contact Jane Butterfoss, School Social Worker, or your child’s teacher, at 293-8695.