17 Quotes by Jacqui Rivait

Let's put our feet in their shoes and think about how embarrassed they must feel going to school without all of the comforts we are so lucky to have.

One of the things I tell my own daughter and also the children I work with is something I learned long ago from my grandmother. Your word is your honor. If you make a commitment it is your responsibility to live up to your word. If you don't then this is a reflection on your character and ultimately on your honor as a person of integrity.

I don't believe that children are born with empathy. It is something they learn by seeing it modeled by others.

Just recently I was reading a message that was hurtful and hateful. People are not perfect and sometimes we don't always behave appropriately. We make poor decisions and we wish we could take something hurtful back that we have said. But this is not a perfect world. That is why children become scared, worried, and anxious. The Core Values and programs like STAND (students taking a new direction) are a means in which to make our students safer and more successful.

It is so important that we give our children tools in their tool box called life that will help them resolve conflict peacefully and non-violently.

Our Core Values Program doesn't sit on a shelf. We feel the opportunity should be seized every day, in every class and infused into the curriculum.

While there are certain social graces or politeness which involve not hurting another's feelings ? if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all ? it is very confusing to children. The whole issue of honesty can be very frustrating for parents to teach.

Reaching out to help others is a great way for children to learn to become responsible. Younger children may not understand the concept of social responsibility, but they will understand the importance of collecting mittens for children who have nothing to keep their hands warm in the winter.

It is so simple. It is important that we teach our children the importance of having respect for themselves and other people. If they are not being respectful or if someone is being disrespectful to them, real learning cannot take place.