Most People Do Include Others

I have written and spoken a fair amount this year about bullying -- as we all know, bullying is an important topic these days. I wanted to share with you, though, a letter I recently received from a student describing the ways in which most students work to be kind and to include others, as I think it gives us a good perspective and speaks well for what kids are learning. In the note, this student says:

"I know how you have been talking about including everyone and if you see someone bullying or excluding you should tell a teacher. I have seen the opposite. I am writing this note to tell you that I have seen kids including everyone and being nice to everyone. The other day I sat down at a table with only one of my other friends. My friend had to get her water bottle so I was sitting alone at a table while she went to go get her water bottle. When some people saw me sitting alone, they invited me to their table. There were around 5 people, both boys and girls, who invited me. I felt happy that people noticed that I was sitting by myself. Also the other day at recess I noticed a girl sitting alone on a bench. Then I saw a group of friends invite the girl to play with them. The girl smiled and told them that she was just waiting for her friend. I just wanted to tell you that I have seen kids being very friendly and including each other. Thank you for taking time to read my note and I hope you realized that most people do include.

As is often said, we all need to work together to make things work for everyone, and I am glad to share the positive side of things that can sometimes get missed in all the concerns -- as this student notes, most people do include others.