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Eastern Mennonite Elementary students took part in an annual tradition this week, with each student adding their name to their classroom\u2019s pledge of nonviolence poster, and then washing one another\u2019s hands.<\/p>\nEastern Mennonite Elementary students took part in an annual tradition this week, with each student adding their name to their classroom\u2019s pledge of nonviolence poster, and then washing one another\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have this tradition as a way of promising we will care for each other and try our best,\u201d explained Lynette Good \u201884 Mast, peacebuilding teacher and kindergarten assistant. \u201cWe won\u2019t always get it right, but when we hurt each other, we will talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is the 14th year the school has used the pledge at the beginning of the year, according to Mast. The pledge highlights seven tenets (full listing below): To respect self and others; to communicate better; to listen; to forgive; to respect nature; to play creatively; and to be courageous.<\/p>\n
The pledge signing and hand washing took place during the school\u2019s weekly K-5 community building \u201cgathering time.\u201d Older elementary students reviewed the pledge\u2019s seven tenets for new and younger students, demonstrating American Sign Language for each one.<\/p>\n
Mast shared how Jesus washed his disciples\u2019 feet \u2014 as told in the book of John, chapter 13 \u2014 to show care and an attitude of service. Washing each others\u2019 hands reminded students to show care and service to each other.<\/p>\n
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The pledge \u201cgives us a framework that teachers, students and administrators use all year to \u2018hang a hat on,\u2019\u201d says Mast. For example, she notes, when there is an incident in the playground, \u201cwe can refer to our intention to respect each other as a conversation starter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cListening to a different perspective, taking responsibility for our mistakes, talking about our differences, and standing up for those who have been wronged, are important for our students to practice,\u201d says Maria Bender \u201981 Archer, K-8 principal. \u201cNot only does this make good sense for our society, but it is also how we live as people of faith. Jesus teaches us about how we should live and be together, and at EMS, we take his words and actions seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tenets are:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is our pledge. These are our goals,\u201d closes the pledge. \u201cEliminating violence, one school at a time, starting with our own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n