Observed across New Jersey during the week beginning with the first Monday in October, Week of Respect gives schools a dedicated opportunity to focus on preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. This year’s school observance ran October 5–9.
According to the New Jersey Department of Education, public school districts provide instruction and activities suited to students’ ages, emphasizing empathy, positive relationships and responsible choices. The goal is to help every student feel safe, supported and valued.
For younger children, respect can begin with everyday actions: inviting someone to join a game, listening when a classmate speaks, sharing materials or asking a trusted adult for help when someone is being mistreated. These examples make an important idea understandable and practical.
Including these conversations in school gives children opportunities to consider how their words and actions affect others. It also reinforces that differences deserve respect and that everyone has a role in creating a welcoming classroom.
The photographs offer a cheerful glimpse of the local celebration, with students standing together, putting arms around classmates and showing their school spirit.
Although the observance lasts one week, its message belongs throughout the school year. Families can reinforce that message at home by discussing kindness, modeling respectful disagreements and encouraging children to include others every day.
