By Danny Teigman
Teachers at Lindell have implemented their own version of the Don't Laugh at Me tolerance program since 2004. The program will be expanded this year beyond classroom discussion and assemblies to include the sponsoring of charitable organizations dedicated to helping children in need both domestically and abroad. Fund-raiser ideas include holding dance-a-thons and having lemonade stands set up at after school events.
One of the groups with local representation that stands to benefit from Lindell students' efforts is Best Buddies of Oceanside. The organization helps developmentally disabled children make friendships and better integrate students into the surrounding community. Penny Ellis, one of the advisors to the program, said she was appreciative that neighboring schools took the time to care about them.
"What a selfless act by Lindell school to reach out to help promote friendship between children with special needs and typical students," she said. "I applaud their efforts and hope other schools emulate their model. It truly is an act of kindness."
The school became involved with the project after Amy Leder, a Guidance Counselor for Lindell, told Carol Cintorino, teacher-in-charge about New York City-based non-profit Operation Respect and its mission. Wasting little time, a brainstorming session was held by various teachers over the summer, curriculum material was sent away for, and Don't Laugh at Me began to be taught throughout the school. Although Cintorino did not specify how much time was spent on each of the four core topics, which include expressing feelings, building cooperation, compassion and community, learning how to resolve conflict and understanding and celebrating diversity, she explained that teachers must meet monthly deadlines on what's being discussed. Lessons on morality are also incorporated into other classroom learning and through music classes, she said.
"It's pro-caring and an anti-bullying program," Cintorino said. "It teaches students to care for one anther and to reach out and care for the community as well."
For the last two years, Lindell has further adapted its own program and calls theirs Habits of the Heart, with an added focus on how to be caring to others. Every two months an assembly will be held in the auditorium that will showcase through role-playing skits, what the students have learned, said Karen Sauter, Lindell's Principal. September and October's theme will be on friendship and how to recognize when someone is not being treated kindly.
Operation Respect was founded in 2000 by Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary as a way to promote mutual respect between elementary and middle school-aged children and reduce the incidence of bullying, teasing and physical violence. Yarrow's daughter, Bethany, first heard a song titled, "Don't Laugh At Me," performed at the Kerrville Folk festival in Texas in 1999. It was adapted by Peter, Paul and Mary and later performed at a meeting of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
