I recently had the privilege of co-facilitating the Zero Conflict picnic with Mrs. Stacey Besand, the 7th grade counselor.
39 students took time out of their summer vacation to meet in the NEMS Great Hall where we discussed the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude (PMA) and the different ways in which we can handle conflict. ~
These students also learned that there are two different types of conflict and that cognitive conflict—where we respectfully disagree with one another—is good conflict; however, affective conflict—where we hurt others with our words and actions—is never OK. This is the conflict that Zero Conflict hopes to “stop before it starts.”
As the picnic came to a close, students reflected on how it feels when they have done their very best and accomplished a goal they have set.
Before leaving, these students then set goals and committed to making Northeast a better place by signing up for different committees for the upcoming school year.
These committees are:
- Viking Values Week: Responsibility, Honesty, Caring, Respect, & Integrity
- Mix It Up Day
- No Name Calling Week
- Hallways
- Cafeteria
- New Student Orientation
- Stand for the Silent
If your child could not attend the picnic, or would like to support Northeast and Zero Conflict by helping with one of these committees, please e-mail me or have your child speak with his/her counselor at the beginning of the year.
These are amazing students. They understand that there might be times when their classmates’ opinions of what they are doing will be in conflict with what they believe, but they are committed to supporting one another through any challenges with a positive mental attitude and the belief that they CAN make a difference!
Kim
