Category Archives: Character Education

Spirit of Community Assemblies About Bullying, Cyberbullying and Respect at Waterloo Region School

“Respectful students make a respectful school.”

That statement really rings true here in Elmira, Ontario. We found the spirit of community to be alive and well at Floradale Public School in Elmira (Waterloo Region District School Board).

This is a farming community where people really help people. That feeling came through as we spent time with the students today, talking about cyberbullying and respect. The role-plays drove home the point that we need to be respectful in the real world and the virtual world, no matter what. Students at Floradale care about each other. We could feel the passion for respect as we presented the Stand Up Against Bullying assemblies to the students.

Floradale Public School, Elmira Ontario

Floradale School Principal, Leslie McNabb said, “All three assemblies were phenomenal ! The kids were riveted, the teachers were raving, and the students really GOT the messages.”

Arrange to have Bruce Langford present assemblies at your school by contacting Stand Up Now Productions at 1-800-901-8831 or visit the website at www.standupnow.ca

Building respect assembly in Waterloo Region District Schools

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Building a better world, one student at a time.
This is the slogan at New Dundee Public School near Kitchener, Ontario.
These students really understand RESPECT. They work on these things every day:

Friendly language
New Dundee Dragon
Including others
Cooperation
Helping each other
Being polite

New Dundee Principal, Mrs. Debbie Scholl makes sure the students are thinking about respect. She has made sure the walls are covered with positive messages and character-building reminders. See for yourself. Even the New Dundee Dragon mascot is a respectful fellow! Here are just a few of the positive messages we saw here at New Dundee Public School.

Mrs. Scholl was totally enthusiastic about the ‘Stand Up For Respect’ assemblies.
“You really made respect come alive to our children!”, she exclaimed. “We were completely delighted!”
Mrs. Deb Scholl, Principal, New Dundee Public School

Cyberbullying taken seriously at Coledale School where meanness is not tolerated

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Coledale Public School Cyberbullying Program

Cyberbullying Program at Coledale Public School

The 7 steps to Cyber-safety were talked about and taken seriously by students and staff at Coledale Public School in Toronto (Markham) on Friday.

Step # 4: Never meet people you have met on the web.

The above cyber-safety/internet tip was highlighted in a role-play where two girls arranged to meet someone at the mall. This was no stranger. After all, one of the girls had been chatting on-line with ‘Georgina’ for three months. Suddenly she was in town for a swim meet and offered to meet in the food court at the local mall. Gasps could be heard from the audience when it turned out ‘Georgina’ was not a 13 year old girl at all, but in fact a 43 year old man.
Police became involved and the potential victims were protected from the close call.

Following the assembly, we talked personally with some staff members who commented:
“The role-plays really drove home the points about misrepresentation on the internet and I loved your songs as well. We were very pleased with the Stand Up Now assemblies at Coledale!”
Donna McGann, Principal, Coledale Public School, Markham Ontario, York Region District School Board

“Bruce Langford tapped into the multiple intelligences with his dynamic, clear, engaging way of reaching the audience. This was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen at all the schools I’ve been at!”
Karen Monteith, Teacher, Coledale Public School, Markham Ontario.

Bruce Langford of Stand Up Now Productions can be contacted at 1-800-901-8831 or through the website at www.standupnow.ca

Intermediate Respect Assemblies a Hit with Windsor School Students

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Bullying Prevention at Marlborough PS

Positive remarks from Grade 7 and 8 Marlborough Public School students flowed after the assembly there earlier today.
“I really liked the videos and the songs!” (Grade 7 student)
“You got me thinking about how I treat other people. I will treat my brother better from now on.” (Grade 8 student)
“When can you come back to Marlborough?” (Grade 8 student)

The students got me thinking too. If I can feel so appreciated at Marlborough Public School, what are they doing under that roof that I can learn from?
Number one, I believe that Marlborough principal, Jessica Reimers treats her staff and students with respect. That came through to me as a visitor there.
Number two, I believe the teachers treat the students with respect. Extra-curricular activities mean a lot to the students and they are proud to participate. Students talked about the great sports opportunities they have at Marlborough and they talked about the music program. An example is the Drum Line band led by music teacher, Mr. Tim Beneteau. The students admire and respect him. They talked about him from the time I met the first students in the morning.
This brings me to a tip to help improve your own school climate.
Get involved in some extra-curricular activity. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a support person in the school, extra-curricular activities can really boost the school morale and help everyone feel of value. It can build confidence and school spirit too!

GECDSB Logo

Following the ‘Stand Up For Respect’ presentation, one of the comments we received was:
“Bruce Langford’s assembly grabbed the students’ attention in an instant. Really great program!”
Mr. Tim Beneteau, Music Teacher.

It was great being visitors in a school where the feeling of respect can be felt from both students and staff. Keep up that great community spirit, Marlborough Mariners!

3 Tips to Help Build Positive School Communities

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Dougall Avenue Public School in Windsor is diligent about building positive communities. I’m sure the Greater Essex County District School Board is proud of the work that is being done at Dougall to grow respect and build an even more positive community. As part of Stand Up Now Productions, we were honoured to be part of the initiative at Dougall today, to teach and encourage students and staff to ‘Stand Up For Respect’ through three interactive assemblies.

Dougall Avenue Public School, Windsor On

If you want to help build your own positive community, just follow the lead of Dougall Public School and Principal Clayton Callow.
1. Diversity – Embrace the differences of the people you meet on a daily basis. Being open to the rich diversity of our people is a truly rewarding experience. Over 50 nations are represented at Dougall Avenue Public School.
2. Diligence – apply a constant and earnest effort in order to accomplish your goal of building a stronger and more vital community. Don’t let up!
3. Determination – Keep your focus in constant sight and stay on course with genuine effort.

As visitors today, it was apparent to us that students and staff take community building seriously.
Principal Clayton Callow said he was pleased with the ‘Stand Up For Respect’ assemblies and Child and Youth Worker, Noelle Papak was also very appreciative:
“All three assemblies were excellent. The students loved the set-up, the music and the DJ. The intermediate assembly really met the needs of our staff and students at Dougall. Bruce did a great job of giving our grade 7’s & 8’s a chance to speak and be heard in a diplomatic way!” (Noelle Papak, CYW, Dougall Ave PS)

For more information on ‘Stand Up Now’ assemblies, contact Bruce Langford at 1-800-901-8831 or visit the website at www.standupnow.ca

Bullying Tips for Kids in Toronto School with DJ Benny DL

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Benny DL rocked the house in Toronto today with cool songs and bullying tips for kids as he went on the air live at Lynngate Public School in Toronto (Scarborough). Staff and students gave the ‘Stand Up For Respect’ shows two thumbs up as Bruce Langford (aka Benny DL) gave out prizes, showed videos, and featured role-plays by Lynngate’s own students.
Lynngate really believes in living respect and growing character. That is proven when you meet the children and glance around the halls.

This poem spotted on the wall is only one of the signs of proof:

Watch your thoughts;
they become words.
Watch your words;
they become actions.
Watch your actions;
they become habits.
Watch your habits;
they become character;
Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.
Frank Outlaw

Lynngate School Principal, Ms. Diane Kriksciunas, remarked that the assemblies were ‘simply excellent’ after watching her students interact with presenter Bruce Langford of Stand Up Now Productions.
Here are three tips to help you deal with bullying in your life:
1. In some cases, ignore the bullying. The bully is often trying to test you to see if you will lose your cool. Don’t lose your cool!
2. Tell a parent, teacher or other adult if you feel you are being bullied. If you get no help, talk to someone else or ask the original person again. Call Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) if you have no one else to talk to.
3. Try to keep acting and looking confident. Don’t let the bullying think he or she is winning.

Contact Bruce Langford at 1-800-901-8831 or by emailing through the website: www.standupnow.ca

Anti-bullying videos featured in Thames Valley School, Ontario Canada

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River Height Public School Sign

‘Stand Up – Keep Your Kids’ was the name of the parent/student anti-bullying session at River Heights Public School (Thames Valley District School Board) presented by Bruce Langford, of Stand Up Now Productions. During the day, the students learned to ‘Stand Up Against Bullying’ in two assemblies which took place in the gym. Then the children brought parents back for more videos, music and role-play at 6:30. Benny DL, DJ for radio station ATFM appeared in all the assemblies. Cyber-bullying, bullying and parenting tips were outlined. Free Stand Up Now CD’s were given to the twenty-five families who attended with over 45 children also receiving stickers promoting bullying prevention.

In one video, the ‘Seven Steps to Cyber-Safety’ were featured, which included a tip about not telling passwords to anyone except parents.

Consider arranging assemblies for your school by contacting Bruce Langford at 1-800-901-8831 or visit the Stand Up Now website at www.standupnow.ca

Respect Assemblies Teaching About the Bystander in Sarnia Ontario Canada

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Colonel Cameron Public School

Mrs. Cindy Kramer of Colonel Cameron Public School in Corunna (Lambton Kent District School Board) was excited about the Stand Up For Respect Bullying Prevention assemblies by Bruce Langford and Stand Up Now Productions.
A role-play about a student who was shunned by team captains helped students identify with the person. We talked about empathy and how empathy means putting yourself into someone else’s shoes. We talked about bystanders who see or hear meanness and do nothing about it. Bystanders are not bad people. Maybe they just didn’t know what to do. Maybe they were scared. Maybe it happened so fast, they didn’t have a chance to act. Even adults will be bystanders sometimes. As adults, we always need to be aware that it is our responsibility to protect children. Be visible and keep an eye open to make sure our children are safe. We do need to teach our children to stand up for themselves and others, but we need to also teach them to stay safe.
As part of our assemblies today, adults and kids vowed together:
“I will stand up for respect”.
We met many respectful people at Colonel Cameron Public School and received a warm and caring welcome.

To arrange programs for your school, contact Stand Up Now Productions at 1-800-901-8831 or visit the website at www.standupnow.ca

Ottawa Students Stop Bullying Now

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Maple Ridge Elementary School, Ottawa

Intermediate Grade 7,8 bullying Prevention Assembly (Ottawa) at Maple Ridge Elementary School gets thumbs up from principal Madame Celine Leduc. “The assembly was not about the songs or the performance, it was about the message. I really liked it.”

We certainly felt a high level of respect from the students at Maple Ridge. They answered questions, participated in role-plays and responded with enthusiasm to the music.

Maple Ridge Mural

They really proved they know what it means to ‘Stand Up Against Bullying’. Being a bystander accomplishes nothing. You need to do something when you see bullying behaviour.

Tell someone
Talk to the targeted person later
Speak up when you see meanness happening
Be a good role model with others
Don’t participate in the nasty behaviours

Book assemblies for your school. Visit our website at www.standupnow.ca

National Gallery of Canada Inspires Creative Ways to Stop Bullying

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Artists get bullied more than the rest of the population.

National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa

Do you believe the above statement? Some people do. Artists think outside the box. They are unique. They have a creative side that much of society doesn’t understand. Go to the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa like we did today and we think you will agree that we must encourage creativity. It is people with creativity who create everything from new inventions to games to entertaining movies &

National Gallery Looking Up

books. Creative people are inspired by that which is artistic. We would be lost in this world without those people who are able to create.
So we must stand up against bullying of creative and artistic people. How to stand up against bullying?
1. Don’t just look the other way, do something.
2. Speak up for the person.
3. Talk to them later with encouraging words.
4. Let people know you don’t agree with bullying.
5. Be a role model who will inspire others.
6. Live your life as a positive example for people to see.

Stand Up Now Productions (Bruce Langford) visited St. Anne Catholic School

St. Anne Catholic School, Kanata

in Kanata (Ottawa) today to teach children how to stand up against bullying.
Principal, Mrs. Jane Hill of St. Anne School spoke highly of the Stand Up Against Bullying assemblies and will recommend Stand Up Now to other schools.
Arrange ‘Stand Up Now’ Programs to take place at your school. Visit the website at: http://www.standupnow.ca</object