This year adults and children alike are having difficulty with relationships after the COVID lockdown and restrictions separated us and as they lessened, brought us all back together. Many of our students have experienced conflicts with each other and we work to help them understand each other's perspective, while rebuilding their relationships.

This Q&A article published by Pacer.org provides more detail about the difference between peer conflicts and bullying.

Conflict is a natural part of human relationships as people grow and change. Even though it can cause us stress and can hurt, conflict is not bullying.

With bullying, the person (or group of people) who is doing the bullying means to hurt the other person. The hurt or harm is done on purpose to make the bullying target feel like less of a person. There is always something unequal about the relationship between the two people; maybe the person bullying is physically stronger and creates fear because of that, or maybe the person bullying is more popular and has the kind of social power that can turn a whole group against one person.

"Caring" is essential to supporting the culture of the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School. The expectations for our students and staff is that we care about ourselves, our school and each other. We show that we care by being responsible, respectful, empathetic and inclusive. As previously mentioned, the events of these past couple of years have had a significant impact on social interactions. Students have been exposed to many negative images and events through the news, social media and YouTube. Much of our focus this year has been to help students return to one community. We have partnered with many families to help support their children who have had a difficult time interacting with peers and staff members. These partnerships are extremely important to maintaining the positive culture that is crucial for all students and staff to thrive and achieve academic success. We ask for your help to remind students to practice appropriate social skills as much, if not more, than their academic skills. At the elementary level, it is all part of the learning experience. Below you will find some additional information about how we support students with Social and Emotional Learning and how we promote a kind and caring learning environment for all.