In the forward to his book, Choosing Civility P.M. Forni states, "I am convinced that, to a signficant extent, life is what our relationships make it." (p. 6) |
As I look through our weekly newsletter, I notice that every article in this week's Gabber is about relationships: about all the neighbors who come to Town Meeting to discuss issues of vital importance to their communities; about folks taking time to have fun together in the midst of winter; about young people volunteering to help others; and about our sixth graders going out to visit their new schools where they can start to build new connections. Civility is a key to living happily and well with one another. This is a skill we practice every day at school, whether it is learning to move quietly through the halls, remembering to take our hats off when we come in the building, or simply acknowledging one another with a friendly smile or good morning. As we practice civility, we develop thoughfulness, effective
communication skills, and deep appreciation of others. Finding a comfortable balance between asserting ourselves and respecting others is how we find ourselves in happy and productive relationships, and what civility is all about. As we look forward to the last third of the school year, as a school community we will continue to practice maintaining this balance. |
