FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2003

Don’t Laugh at Me transforms classrooms into respectful environments
It is a well-known fact that for students to flourish in learning and personal growth, they need a safe and secure environment. That is why the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board strives to maintain safe and caring school communities. Today, the Board is pleased to announce a new initiative taking shape at 44 of its elementary schools. The “Don’t Laugh at Me” project serves as an introduction to, and enrichment of, ongoing efforts that nurture young people’s emotional, social and ethical development.

Background on Don’t Laugh at Me
Don’t Laugh at Me was developed by Operation Respect, a non-profit organization that focuses on children and youth, and works to transform schools, camps and organizations into more compassionate, safe and respectful environments. Founded by Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, Operation Respect develops educational resources that are designed to reduce behaviours such as ridicule, bullying, and—in extreme cases—violence. There are two programs, one for Grades 2 to 5, and another for Grades 6 to 8, both of which use music, video and curriculum guides to evolve the culture of classrooms so they become more respectful, peaceful and safe.

“The Don’t Laugh at Me project is in keeping with our philosophy of creating safe and caring communities in all of our schools. Every student has the right to be accepted. The songs and lesson plans will sensitize students to the hurtful effects of ridicule, scorn, name-calling, bullying and other forms of disrespect in and outside of the classroom,” states Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

Don’t Laugh at Me was announced to school and senior administrators, trustees, board staff and other invited guests by Larry Langdon, Director of Education, at the Director’s Address on August 21st. Since then, 43 elementary schools have taken up the Director’s challenge. Frankford Public School, which has been involved with Operation Respect for a number of years, will champion this project and be available to provide support to other schools as they begin the rollout.

“I am extremely pleased to see that a large number of schools have joined together in this initiative. It is a valuable part of our character education approach, and will lead to a positive reculturing of schools. Don’t Laugh at Me, a North American-wide initiative, has been successful in promoting a culture of respect and will have a similar impact in the elementary schools of Hastings and Prince Edward,” remarks Larry Langdon, Director of Education.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,900 students and employing 1,083 teachers. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For information, contact:
• Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board, (613) 921-3203
• Larry Langdon, Director of Education, (613) 966-1170 ext. 2257, or 1 800 267-4350 ext. 2257