Midland Park September 12, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 The nearly 600 students in Godwin and Highland schools in Midland Park and many of their parents started off the school year last week holding hands as a symbol that all are together in kindness and respect. The outdoor “We Are Better Together” event, led by Highland Principal Danielle Bache and new Godwin Principal Matthew Murphy, kicked off the schools’ character education theme, and was meant to underscore the fact that keeping schools safe and free of bullying and teasing is a community effort, Bache said. “Our goal is to ensure that every student can learn in an environment that is comfortable, positive and enriching. We need Students hold hands to show ‘We Are Better Together’ to remove the harmful behaviors from our schools and community activities so students can experience all life has to offer to them, without the fear of ridicule or failure,” the Highland principal told the crowd gathered under clear skies. Another symbol of kindness and respect at the school are buckets kept in each classroom, and Bache reminded students that the buckets must be filled with “tolerance, fairness, friendship, kindness and respect.” “We know you have the ability to follow the Golden Rule and treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. We hope to see that every day throughout this school Highland School students Helena Van Vliet, Meredith MacLean and Allison Vreeland fill 6th grade social studies teacher Mary Simmons’ bucket symbolizing their commitment to display kindness and courtesy towards others. year,” Bache said, ending with the “Pledge to Create Safer Schools”: • We will treat others with respect and kindness. • We will not bully, tease, intimidate or harass others. • We will try to help students who are bullied. • We will include students who are easily left out. • We will report any bullying we know about or see. “And don’t just do it because an adult is watching you; do it because it feels good to fill someone’s bucket while filling your own,” she encouraged the students.