No Name Calling Week in HEDP

Dear Families,

In an effort to highlight the impact that name calling and bullying leaves on individuals, HEDP is turning Governor Patricks "No Name Calling Day" into a week of fun easy to participate activities for our entire program.

“No Name Calling Week” at HEDP will consist of one phrase a day for all Pre-K-grade 6 children to help build awareness, understanding and compassion for those who may be affected by name calling.

According to the anti-bullying law, the purpose of No Name-Calling Day is to “increase public awareness of the devastating effects of verbal bullying, to encourage students to use positive dialog and pledge not to use hurtful names on this designated day. The day “promotes tolerance and respect for differences and to reaffirm the commitment of the citizens of the Commonwealth to basic human rights and dignity.”

At HEDP, we are extending this one day into a week full of reminders that will encourage one another to be kind to others and use meaningful
words and displays of compassion and respect.

Monday, January 23
Put a Cap on Name Calling: All HEDP children are encouraged to wear hats to support the fight against name-calling and bullying.  Hats will be worn in HEDP after 2:20pm since this is a HEDP special.

Tuesday, January 24
You Can’t Take It Back: HEDP children will be allowed to wear their shirts backwards to help reinforce the message that once you say something, you can’t take it back.

Wednesday, January 25
Take a Stand and Lend a Hand:  HEDP children will be encouraged to help others and give someone a message of proud praise or kind compliment so we can add it to our caring chain.  The HEDP Caring Chain will be used as a visual reminder of how kind we can be to one another.  The entire group will measure how long the caring chain is at 5:30pm on Wednesday 1/25.

Thursday, January 26
Show you Care and Share: Children will be given special sticky “badges” to wear that recognize their efforts to make OUR school a better place.

Friday, January 27
Team HEDP: We’re all on the same team against name calling. Students will be invited to wear their Heath School Spirit Wear or the Color Green to show we are all on the same team.


Please mark your calendars to help you remember what each day will stand for.  We also encourage you to discuss name calling and bullying with your children and hear what they know and how they feel about this important subject.  HEDP will also be focusing on many social skill activities to help children build confidence, learn compassion, build leadership skills, develop problem solving skills and more in an effort to stamp out name calling and bullying.

Sincerely,
Noelle and the HEDP Team