BACK TO SCHOOL ETIQUETTE

BACK TO SCHOOL ETIQUETTE

The president of Gitto Consulting says a return to school could include a refresher course in playground civility. Parents might want to remind their children about the importance of manners in school after a summer of lots of fun in the sun and unstructured activity. Respect for teachers, school personnel, and other students is necessary for building healthy relationships that make the child’s year productive and memorable. Here are a few etiquette reminders:

1. Whether you walk to school, ride the bus, or carpool, punctuality shows consideration to those who otherwise would have to wait. Parents definitely play a role in getting the children out the door on time, especially younger children.
2. Greet bus drivers and fellow students with a smile and a friendly “Hello.” Be aware of students new to the school and introduce yourself. It may be the beginning of a new friendship.
3. Introduce yourself to your new teachers with a handshake and a greeting. You will make a great first impression.
4. When asked to line up, don’t push your way to the front. There are no special rewards for being first in line.
5. Do not place backpacks or personal belongings where others might trip over them whether you are at a desk, cafeteria table, or in an auditorium.
6. During class, follow the teacher’s guidelines for raising your hand to speak, getting up out of your seat, and using the rest room.
7. Sitting up straight at your desk shows respect and will keep you more alert.
8. Be mindful of your locker space even though it is tight. Let others get to their lockers next to you by not opening your door too far and not allowing your friends to congregate around you.
9. Remember your table manners in the cafeteria even when others forget theirs. Do not ask to share food or make fun of someone’s special dietary needs and make sure you clean up after yourself.
10. You must respect and obey school officials and personnel such as the secretaries, nurses, janitors, and others. There common goal is for the well-being and academic success for all students.


"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you." Proverbs 3:1,2

SPORTSMANSHIP VS. GAMESMANSHIP

As I, too, have gotten drawn into the adrenaline rush of the Olympics, I began to hear the term “gamesmanship” tossed around in regard to the Chinese gymnasts. It brings to mind a children’s class I developed on sportsmanship vs. gamesmanship. Even though many of my students play various sports, they have never been introduced to the word “gamesmanship.”

The definition of sportsmanship is recognizing and observing the rules of fair play, being respectful and gracious even when losing. Gamesmanship is playing or winning by questionable means, not necessarily breaking the rules. This is placing performance over character. The Encarta World Class Dictionary also defines gamesmanship as “the use of tactics or stratagems to gain an advantage in business, politics, or life.” What our children learn today will definitely be applied to their future actions in life and career.

In recent years we have learned about some of our favored athletes using performance enhancing drugs to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors and, unfortunately, tarnished their achievements, reputations, and careers. Our children are watching, listening, and learning and to think otherwise is foolishness.

There is a prestige attached to the Olympics and people from around the world wait for even a glimpse of their countries athletes competing even if they have never tasted a medal victory. Their victory is just the privilege to participate. The United States is center stage with some of the worlds most accomplished athletes with the opportunity whether win or lose to demonstrate an example of sportsmanship. Going back to the 2004 Olympics, I hope to witness again a similar act of humbleness such as that of Michael Phelps when he gave up his spot to Ian Crocker in the final men’s 4X100 freestyle relay. Unfortunately, Team USA took the bronze, but the act took the gold.

We need to consistently emphasize to our children the legacy of character lives far past the performance and the true victory is to choose integrity and truth no matter what the score. For more information on this subject, I recommend the Institute for International Sport and you can visit their website at www.internationalsport.com.