DO SCHOOLS NEED RULES OF CONDUCT POSTED?

DO SCHOOLS NEED RULES OF CONDUCT POSTED? 

One of the joys in my life today is the opportunity to watch my granddaughter, Helen, play soccer. She is eleven and has been playing for about five years. We attend all of her games and enjoy them, win or lose. 

Upon entering the soccer facilities where she plays, there is a large sign that you pass as you enter. When I first read it I was most impressed and was pleased to see it posted. The sign reads:

PLEASE 

 REMEMBER 

                                                                     1. THESE ARE KIDS

                                                                 2. THIS IS A GAME

                                                                 3. THE COACHES VOLUNTEER

                                                                 4. THE REFEREES ARE HUMAN

                                                                 5. RESPECT IS NOT AN OPTION

As much as I loved the message of the sign, it disturbed me that it even needed to be posted. It is sad that it is aimed at parents (and grandparents) and they need to be told that verbal abuse and angry outcries and rudeness have no place in the fields, parks and arenas where our children and grandchildren are playing a game with their peers. It is a game, not a mortal competition. It is supposed to be fun and enjoyable for all. It is expected that the children will not only learn the game, but they will also learn good sportsmanship. They should go hand in hand. I loved the sign. I was just saddened that we needed one.

Then my mind began to start vibrating. If a sign at a soccer stadium to spell out acceptable behaviour was a good idea, perhaps we should develop a sign for some other gathering places. How about a school? What kind of rules might guide the behaviour of children and teachers in a school? For your consideration, I would offer the following sign for all schools:

MAKE OUR SCHOOL BETTER BY:

GREETING EVERYONE WITH A SMILE

REGULARLY USING THE WORDS PLEASE AND THANKS

MAKING POLITENESS AND COURTESY THE NORM

COOPERATING AND WORKING TOGETHER

SHARING WITH OTHERS AS NEEDED

RESPECTING THE DIFFERENCES OF OTHERS

I am sure the list could go on and on, but the above six suggestions if practised by all, could make a very visible difference. It definitely seems to work in the soccer stadium! I would love to see the above creed for behaviour practised in all school! Are you with me? Or, am I just sailing further out onto the sea of senility?