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hat: Release the Fear, a nonprofit health and human-services organization, teaches youth through Character Education. Students discover within themselves the life skills needed to combat the effects of peer pressure, gang involvement, bullying, abuse, and violence in our society. Release the Fear (RTF) has worked with thousands of at-risk youth inspiring and empowering them with the tools to make better life choices, while offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing effects of fear and diminished self-worth. RTF programs encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills through our evidence-based curriculum that meets AZ Career and College Readiness Standards. Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona, nationally, and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands.
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ow: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive-thought processing by utilizing new applied-knowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Our trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based-learning experiences, an educational practice where the facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students toward new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices as the student is able to take ownership of new findings. The facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns that connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still-maturing minds of school students and detained youth view their futures as bleak, with no hope for a “normal” life.
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pproach: At the onset of setting up the program, students create the expectations for the workshop as a group. Facilitators guide them through inquiry based learning skills, to create a safe space while empowering and embracing their ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interaction. This approach is based on the awareness of ethical standards and social norms, the consequences of their actions, and of the well-being of self and others. They, as a group, set up guidelines and choose consequences as a way of controlling impulses and a means of motivating themselves, creating an environment for achieving personal and academic goals while empowering a sense of confidence and optimism. Through these experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible and that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter—to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.
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ransformation: Through one of many quantitative studies, Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities© workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped to 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped to 16 percent—nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general.
Arizona Department of Education Solicitation Number: ADED16-00005460
Arizona Department of Education Solicitation Number: ADED16-00005460 Release the Fear, Inc. Outcomes: Release The Fear™ (RTF) signature Character Education/Social Emotional Learning Program, Bridging Possibilities©, closely follows ARS 15-154.01 and is aligned to Positive Action (PA) (The National Institute of Justice. Rated (check+) (SAMHA) in the area of Mental health, (no rating needed for this registry). RTF is an active partner of the Character.org, authors of What Works In Character Education: A research-driven guide for educators, (WWICE). RTF has represented Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and has utilized their five keys of social emotional learning core competencies for 3 years. (Rated: excellent, as found on crimesolutions.gov) Evidence of program's outcomes have been tracked for eight years, as well as current data provided by participating School District and Charter Schools as seen in attachments included in this report. As a preapproved vendor with the Arizona Department of Education, Character Education Program, as well as the recipient of the Character Education License Plate Grant (Awarded in 2014) License Plate Grant is only awarded to programs with proven and effective character education programs in Arizona. Positive outcomes and recognition are as follows:
Since September 2012, RTF has participated in an Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) longitudinal three year study on participant recidivism. Recidivism is defined as “a return to custody,” in either the ADJC or the Arizona Department of Corrections. Twenty-nine RTF workshops (mid-report findings) successfully conducted between September 2012 and the end of December 2014, serving 721 juveniles age 14-18 years of age. Seventeen workshops took place in secure care (562 individuals) and twelve workshops (159 participants) occurred in the community (RTF at Grace Chapel). ADJC further reports that 19% of participants in secure care attended more than one RTF workshop. Of the 562 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while in secure care, 66% of the population (370 youth) have been released from custody, while 34% (192 youth) remain in custody. Of those released or discharged from secure care, 31% (116 individuals), have returned to secure care as a result of violations of their community supervision. Of the 159 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while on community supervision, 78% (124 individuals) have been released or discharged. The remaining 22% (35 individuals) are still under community supervision. Forty-eight individuals (39%) who participated in one or more RTF workshops during community supervision have been returned to secure care due to violations of the terms of supervision. These results reinforce how effective RTF programs are for youth 13-18.
In June 2013, RTF was invited to present its mission and programs and to discuss solutions to youth violence and how RTF programs are reducing recidivism, at the 81st Annual US Conference of Mayors in Las Vegas
New Mexico State University just released a two-year in-depth study of RTF Program, with results showing the positive effects on participating Arizona youth and communities. (Francisco Alatorre Ph.D. /New Mexico State University and Leslie Chilton Ph.D./Arizona State University December, 2013).Please see attached document
Statistics from Maricopa County’s Juvenile Probation Department demonstrate that the recidivism of incarcerated youth (which is around 30 percent) is reduced in participants of our Inside Out, Bridging Possibilities© (IOBP) workshop, and for those participating in multiple IOBP workshops, the recidivism rate is reduced by nearly half.
Release the Fear was honored to be a guest speaker at the Women of Color Summit: Shades of Violence— Culturally Responsive Approaches to Domestic Violence for Women of Color.
Most recent request for our services has come from the Arizona Governor's Office of Family, Youth and Children to provide Bridging Possibilities© for 2015 Arizona Teen Leadership Day.
Objective: Release the Fear’s™ (RTF) evidence–based program “Bridging Possibilities©” (BP) has the ability to change the course of the lives of the youth who participate in it. RTF ™facilitators, teachers, and participants experience these life changing behaviors in the youth/teens during the various activities. We know this because we have seen the collected data for both qualitative and quantitative survey information collected and interpreted by RTF for over eight years. We have seen the results achieved on reducing recidivism rates, and the workshop’s effect on the participant’s behavior. As in (PA), that is grounded in a broad theory of self-concept. It relies on intrinsic motivation for developing and maintaining positive behavioral patterns and teaches skills focused on learning and motivation for achieving success and happiness for everyone. The premise—that you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions and there is always a positive way to do everything—is represented by the self-reinforcing “thoughts–actions– feelings” circle: positive thoughts lead to positive actions, positive actions lead to positive feelings about oneself, and positive feelings lead to more positive thoughts. The character building skills that are an integral part of the BP through Character Education workshops are citizenship, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, and discernment. One of our areas, the common was Social-Emotional Curricula, which includes: 1. Social skills and awareness (e.g., communications skills, active listening, relationship skills, assertiveness, and social awareness. 2. Personal empowerment/ Self-management and awareness (e.g. self-control, goal setting and emotional awareness. RTF has represented Social and Emotional Learning Core Competencies (CASEL) findings and found the master key to engaging the (SEL) five keys of core competencies is to empower the entire workshop group through choice. Through inquiry-based learning, students have an opportunity to assess and discern their options and they get to own it and this empowers them in their choice and helps build a stronger comprehension in understanding these core competencies. A particular form of class discussions, Moral Dilemma Discussions (MDD), has been studied for over three decades and numerous meta-analyses of close to 100 studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting the development of moral reasoning. When our students complete each activity, the students engage in facilitated peer discussions after each activity and assess the tools learned. Students model development in moral reasoning capacities. We have included (MDD) as a common practice in our program. (What Works In Character Education, 2005). The youth participants learn sensitivity to and recognition of social cues and the requisite skill to deal with social situations. Students are taught strategies to overcome shyness including how to initiate social contacts, in order to comprehend good citizenship as part of their team and as a part of the entire group as a whole.
The Following are a few of our activities that are designed to improve youth, academics, behavior and character and that can be used by school, families and or communities. Activities have also been used as Professional Development for School Boards, Administration and staff: At the onset, Release the Fear™ (RTF) sets up the program, students create the expectations for the workshop as a group. Facilitators guide them through inquiry based learning skills, to create a safe space while
empowering and embracing their ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interaction. Based on awareness of ethical standards and social norms of the consequences of their actions, and of the well-being of self and others, they as a group, set up guidelines and choose consequences as a way of controlling impulses and a means of motivating themselves, creating an environment for achieving personal and academic goals while empowering a sense of confidence and optimism. Through these experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical thinking and problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible and that they have a purpose in life. Through social awareness, they also discover the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms for behavior, and are enlightened of family, school, and community support resources. They see why they do matter— to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves. “Who am I?” with the objective to understand cultural diversity, how much everyone has in common yet often “judge a book by its cover” as a judgmental initial reaction. This activity fosters and helps students understand the legacies of prejudice and discrimination, resilience and courage. (PA) identifies itself as Positive Action: The Key to Character. Students learn responding in peaceful and positive ways. During the evaluation of "Who am I?” students discover that individuals take on several roles; leader, follower, poser, and ultimately the importance of being who they are and not succumb to peer pressure. In the “Mirror work” activity, participants embrace all the good within themselves. This helps to build confidence, respect and responsibility and that they MATTER! Assessing the importance of a hero and what it takes to be a good Hero from their point of view – the qualities they respect and the responsibility of that. Six content units on self-concept; positive actions for body and mind; social and emotional positive actions for managing oneself responsibly; social and emotional positive actions for getting along with others; social and emotional positive actions for being honest; and social and emotional positive actions for self improvement. (PA) Each participant must trust their teammates in order to complete assignments, as seen in the “Seeing Beyond” activity where the objective is to have students use their senses to describe and identify an object. This activity demands trustworthiness if they want to be successful as a team. Participants learn to assess and build a hypothesis. All participants realize their individual responsibilities in the “Through the Hoops” activity where the objective is to learn to work as a team and identify the skills of self and others, asking for help when needed, so if you see others have a skill you want to have in order to achieve your dreams, ask for help. In the “Drawing Our Memories, Fears, Hopes, and Dreams,” the objective is to discuss the concept that drawing is a means to communicate feelings and ideas. They overcome doubts and recognize fears, then achieve their dreams by listening to themselves rather than others. In this activity, participants learn to care for team members as they listen to their individual memories, fears, hopes and dreams. It is essential that each participant learn what discernment means as it relates to the group’s activities, goals and accomplishments. In order to grasp all the new concepts and skills they are engaging in, they must be discerning in their decision making and deciding the best way to “walk-the-walk”.
The results from the surveys and evaluations are published in the sponsor’s reports produced for each sponsor after their workshops are presented.
Describe if your Character Education or Social Emotional Learning program is age specific, stand-alone and contains the elements pursuant to the Scope of Work. Release the Fear™ Bridging Possibilities© through Character Education workshop provides evidencebased education for vulnerable and troubled youth/teens, 13-18 years of age, in schools and community centers as delinquency prevention, and juvenile detention facilities to teach life skills to help youth in school and out. The Bridging Possibilities through Character Building workshops are 3 days, 2 hours each day with our facilitators guiding youth through interactive activities analytically exploring their lives. Using the creative processes of art, music and communication, including public speaking, we teach cognitive behavioral skills to build self-esteem, while also providing character education that teaches our youth and teen participants how to become productive members of their families and communities. Release the Fear™ programs align with What Works Clearinghouse / WWC Evidence Review Protocol for Character Education Interventions and with Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The Multiple Intelligences are Interpersonal (within the self), Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Naturalistic, Intrapersonal (between people), Visual-Spatial and Musical. There are values in both the WWC and Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences that directly align with each other. The WWC describes these two values as: “These are Intrapersonal values – those characterizing the individual’s behavior and attitudes in a wide range of situations and activities (e.g., honesty, courage, perseverance, self-discipline, responsibility, integrity) and Interpersonal values – those characterizing the individual’s behavior and attitudes toward others, especially as expressed in relation to family, peers, teachers, and persons in the student’s immediate social environment (e.g. caring, respect, empathy, trustworthiness, fairness, tolerance of diversity).”
Describe the Character Education or Social Emotional Learning curriculum and materials being proposed. Include a description of instruction individualized to at least five of the following attributes and, if applicable, expected behaviors and/or skills that will improve: Citizenship, trustworthiness, respect, responsiveness, caring, discernment. The character building skills that are an integral part of the Bridging Possibilities © through Character Education workshops are citizenship, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, and discernment. The curricula common was Social-Emotional Curricula, which includes: 1. Social skills and awareness, (e.g., communication skills, active listening, relationship skills, assertiveness, and social awareness. 2. Personal empowerment/Self-management and awareness (e.g. self-control, goal setting and emotional awareness. A particular form of class discussions, Moral Dilemma Discussions (MDD), has been studied for over three decades and numerous meta-analyses of close to 100 studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting the development of moral reasoning. When our students complete each activity, the students engage in facilitated peer discussions after each activity and assess the tools learned. Students model development in moral reasoning capacities. We have included (MDD) as a common practice in our program. (What Works In Character Education, 2005). The youth/teen participants are asked to pick a character trait and as a team develop a play. They must create and agree on the trait, act it out without sharing with the other teams which trait they are demonstrating. The participants are asked: “Why do you think we have you act it out?” Through this process they learn and understand they must walk-the-walk and see first-hand to think that way.
All activities are interactive and participants share their findings, as they reflect on what they discovered. This teaches them to think differently when faced with a situation – they will draw upon this newly learned skill -- a fine example of kinesthetic and visual learning. Less than 25% of us learn audibly, although the learning is reinforced as the participants reflect and share with the entire group using their public speaking skills. We, Release the Fear, continually evaluate and modify our curriculum as we learn what is most effective for our participant’s success.
Demonstrate how activities that provide a forum for practical application and an environment in which character-related behavior is identified, recognized and reinforced, such as literature or visual media presentations or discussion of character values as they relate to a specific story are or will be incorporated into your design Throughout the Bridging Possibilities© workshop, participants engage in several activities so that they experience and learn about themselves, their abilities and how they can make positive changes to move forward in their lives inspired and empowered to make better life choices. The youth participants learn good citizenship as part of their team and as a part of the entire team in one of their first activities: “Who am I?” with the objective to understand cultural diversity, how much everyone has in common yet often “judge a book by its cover.” As in “Creative Storytelling activity, the objective is for the participants to learn to express themselves as they create a short interactive play, rap or song inspired by a group-examined “Character” vocabulary word. This activity allows participants to fully recognize the quality of a particular character trait through defining the word with synonyms and antonyms (what the word is not) and visually creating “what the word looks like,” before beginning the creative writing process of illustrating the “truth” of the word through their play, poem, rap or song. Additionally, there is great opportunity for problem-solving and improving interpersonal skills within the small group discussion. Students learn to use various skills to build memory, understanding, and respect for one another’s ideas and opinions. One of the most important questions asked is, “Why do you think we had you perform rather than just write about it?” Some of the answers shared by the students are, “We get to feel what it's like to be doing…we get to see what it's like to see it in action.” Therefore, when we need to draw upon the knowledge it's much easier for us. This activity may also be included in cross curricular/academics to varying degrees within several different forms of communication, including media, literature and real time oral presentations. Reflection: *Students get into their teams. In the reflection process is repeated: Team Leader leads the discussion using the Reflection Form. What skills or tools did we learn from this? How can we apply this in school? How can we apply it in life? In the “Mirror work” activity, participants embrace all the good within themselves. This helps to build confidence, respect and responsibility for all they are. Assessing the importance of a hero and what it takes to be a good Hero from their point of view – the qualities they respect and the responsibility of that.
Each participant must trust their teammates in order to complete assignments, as seen in the “Seeing Beyond” activity where the objective is to have students use their senses to describe and identify an object. This activity demands trustworthiness if they want to be successful as a team. This activity is a direct link to academics, such as literature, science and mathematical problem solving. .
Describe the individuals who will be served (e.g., principals, teachers, support staff, students) and any other useful descriptive information (e.g., grade level(s), subject area(s), student characteristics, geographic targets). The individuals served will be troubled and vulnerable students, ages 13-18, who live in low- moderate income level communities, and may have been neglected, having had little positive influences in their lives. An example of a school we have successfully worked with for the past two years is Larry Kennedy School in the Creighton School District. The Larry Kennedy School has a 92% free and reduced lunch population. A quote from their Principal, Andy Gutierrez shares, “Through these programs our students have learned about cultural diversity, how to use their leadership skills to resolve conflicts not only in school but all other environments. Working with Release the Fear’s programs have helped Larry C. Kennedy keep the lowest suspension numbers in our district.” Murphy School District demonstrated a reduction in behavior referrals. Principals benefit because there are fewer referrals to the office, teachers have less classroom disruptions, parents see that there child is more respectful and less combative. Describe how you will assess customer satisfaction and solicit customer feedback for continuous improvement of delivery of services. Release the Fear™ receives positive endorsements from school teachers and principals where our program has been provided, which allows RTF to continue to monitor and adjust our program to only make it more comprehensive. Some of these positive endorsements are in the form of letters of support; RTF has built relationships with school teachers, principals, and administration and continually conducts behavioral assessments with them. Release the Fear continues to maintain these relationships, making it is easy to solicit feedback for continuous improvement of delivery of services. One way this feedback is conducted informally is by visiting the school and asking questions of the stakeholders, parents, teachers and community members. The question could be as simple as, “Do you feel the students at this school have respect for one another?” Release the Fear™ also encourages a specific individual on Campus to be part of the planning, implementation of the activities as well as the evaluation process. An example is Murphy School District’s Final Report that describes the effects the Bridging Possibilities© through Character Building workshop had on reducing harassment, aggression, and violations of school policy. Please see attached 2014/2015 School Year Report.
Provide an executive summary to summarize overall capabilities and approaches for providing timely program curriculum and materials and effective training and technical assistance. Release the Fear™ encourages two way communication at all times. Our program provides extensive facilitator training; the Bridging Possibilities© curriculum and student materials are continually assessed and updated or revised to meet both student and community needs. This year, RTF hired an Internal Coordinator to implement necessary communication, phone calls, letters, coordinating schedules to ensure a great experience for our partner schools, their student participants, volunteers and teachers, as well as RTF facilitators and volunteers.
Develop an implementation plan that outlines proposed delivery of services, timeline, and responsible personnel. Relate the implementation plan clearly to the budget and budget justification. Release the Fear, Inc.™ agrees to the following timeline and stated responsibilities of each party as follows:
MONTH September 2015
October 2015
November 2015
December 2015
TASK Introduce program to new Schools and Planning for upcoming workshops Meet with various schools to coordinate schedule for workshops/ larger schools mini presentations for the kids of the workshop. Hand out scholarship forms. Schools collect them, and the student’s pre-surveys close to the scheduled workshop. We have an Internal strategic planning meeting with all volunteers, interns, facilitators bringing administration and teachers to the table for many workshops so they have firsthand experience with what the workshops can do. Workshops begin mid October. Additional orientations at various schools on character education for parents/ guardians Implement various Bridging Possibilities through Character Education workshops with one of five facilitators
Continue presentations of Bridging Possibilities through Character Education workshops. Assessments of pluses and minuses within working relationship with the school and program
PERSON RESPONSIBLE Mr. Miley /Ms. Vark
Coordination schedule workshops Mr. Miley and Mr. Davirro presentation to school Facilitators and Mr. Miley
Ms. Vark
Ms. Sara Davirro, program coordinator and RTF facilitators and volunteers
January 2016
February 2016
March 2016
April 2016
May 2016
June 2016
July 2016
August
Continue workshop presentation Mid Report
Facilitators and Ms. Vark Lisa Moore workshop statistical and Mr. Miley mid report coordination
Recap and Evaluation meeting with facilitators after gathering input from school Mr. Miley / Ms. Vark and entire administration. Recap with facilitation staff and volunteers school administration on the schedule and the outcomes from workshop assessments. Continue implementing presentation of Bridging Sara Davirro/Facilitators and Ms. Vark Possibilities through Character Education workshops Continue implementing presentations of Bridging Ms. Davirro /Facilitators Possibilities through Character Education workshops Continue presentation of Bridging Possibilities through Character Education workshops Ms.Vark Ms. Davirro and RTF Event invitation to parents and facilitators and volunteers guardians At the various schools with the students have done Conclude workshops 2016 school year of Bridging Possibilities through Character Education Mr. Miley /Ms. Sara Davirro and RTF workshops together completed facilitators and volunteers information for final report Lisa Moore gathering full statistical gather from school behavioral information discipline information to assess and to turn into charts for final report Turn in final report meet with school and outline and assess strengths and weaknesses in Mr. Miley program and in ongoing delivery Ms Vark within the schools for any future modifications
Provide a description of your company’s organization and staffing, including the names and position titles of personnel who are being proposed to be responsible for performance of the contract. The organization and staffing description must clearly demonstrate the capacity, expertise and ability to supervise and administer all aspects of fulfilling this RFP. All Release the Fear™ Hiring Procedures: All staff are contracted employees which are hired through our extensive hiring process to ensure the quality of all RTF Staff members involved. RTF Hiring Procedure insures that applicants are fully researched. The screening process includes: Background Checks Fingerprint Clearance cards References – All references listed are checked The contracted employees for Bridging Possibilities through Character Education are: Robert J. Miley, CEO/Founder and Lead Facilitator Ms. Charlie Vark – Internal Coordinator, School Outreach, Daily Administration, billing and CEO’s support staff Lisa Moore, Statistical Evaluator: Pre- Post qualitative and quantitative reporting and evaluations. Lori Bruggemen, CPA-Accountant Ms.Sarah Davirro – Facilitator and Program Coordinator, in charge of volunteers, scheduling and confirmation of workshops. Michael Schneider – Lead Facilitator Hector Cedillo, AA Fine Arts, Facilitator Wendy Drew, M.Ed. Asst. Facilitator ASU Criminal Justice Program and Scottsdale Community College Interns: Anthony Howard, Francisco Garcia, Alexis Villegas
RESULTS SEL Keys, Letters of Support, and Quantitative and Qualitative Results
Social and Emotional Learning Core Competencies Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has identified five interrelated sets of cognitive, affective and behavioral competencies. The definitions of the five competency clusters for students are:
Self-awareness: The ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one’s strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism. Self-management: The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. This includes managing stress, controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and setting and working toward achieving personal and academic goals. Social awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms for behavior, and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports. Relationship skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed. Responsible decision making: The ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others.
Empowering the five keys: Release the Fear™ has found that the master key to engaging the (SEL) core competencies is to empower workshop participants to make choices. Through inquiry-based learning, students have an opportunity to assess and discern their options and they get to own them. This empowers them in their choice and helps build a stronger comprehension of understanding these core competencies. Case in point, two years ago at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, there was a group of youth in a workshop that were a bit challenging. At the end of the first day, the Sergeant in charge of the unit posed an inquiry-based question to the group. He said, “I understand we had some good stuff happen today and we had some challenges. Which one would you like to talk about first?" They said "the good stuff," Quite a few of them shared all the good tools they learned to help them make better choices and activities they had fun doing that day. He asked, "Regarding the challenges, how would you handle them differently tomorrow?" Then, they shared their resolves to the situation and solutions to how they would be more respectful of themselves and others the next day. This empowered them and turned their behavior in the workshop right around. This was one of the most memorable Bridging Possibilities© workshops as also reflected in the quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices. . . TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES,POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE www.releasethefear.org 602-818-6959
School District No. 21 of Maricopa County. Arizona
}IURPHY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Administrative Center 2615 West Buckeye Road . Phoenix, AZ 85009-5783 Phone: 602-353-5004 . FAX: 602-353-5081
Governing Boqri Eric D. Buckmaster. President
Ellisaveth Franco. Mcmbcr
Arthur V. Murillo, Vlember
November 4,2014 To whom it May concern:
Daniel Palomino. Llember Raymond NI. Rodriguez. Nlember Superintendenq Lenora D. Jenkins
Director of Infonnatiot, Isaac Farm
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Director of Hunon Resources Starlett D. Weltzin Director of Education & Healtlt Center
Margaret Nloya C-* t:ti c !4u !,
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Senior Director Jose Diaz
Director of Federal Projects Gloria Rivera Director of Sn,derrt Stryport Services
J. David Williams
The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge that Murphy School District 21 has partnered with Release the Fear, lnc. (RTF), to receive program services for students between the ages of 12 - 14 in RTF Bridging Possibilities workshops. We entered into the partnership with RTF because of the program's character education" program. Students learn how to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. These life skills include: reipect, responsibility, trustworthiness, [nitiative, caring; and good_citizenship. Utilizing the creative protesses of art, music and communication, students learn about cognitive behavioral skills. Learning skills to help with schoolwork, peer pressure, and conflict resolution. Participants have learned how to respect themselves and in turn respect others. The Arizona Department of Education accredited R'elease the Fear's Bridging Possibilities workshop as a Character Education program in 201 4, The district is located in the inner city of Phoenix (85009). Its boundades are between '1gth and 35th Avenue, Durango St. and Van Buren St. The district has a povefi rate of 56%, all (4) schools qualify for Title I services. 86% of the community is Hispanlc ahd 78% is Spanishspeaking. 95% of our students qualify for free and reduced runches (2,3g5), Murphy School District #21will continue the partnership with RTF so that additional students have the opportunity to change their lives and benefit from participating in a RTF Bddging Possibilities workshop.
Director of Head Sturt
Laurie BIack Business Services
Senior Director Joseph P. Cucinotta Director of Food Services Charlotte Archuleta Direclor of Maintenance & Operations
AIan Kratz Trun sportation Supen,iso r
)iaomi Ferguson
As a community we pride ourselves in acknowledging the merits and potential of our youth and community. We believe that our partnership with RTF will enhance this effort. lf additional information is required, please call Gloria Rivera at (602) 353-5070 or email grivera@msdaz.org. Sincerely, \-!
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Gloria Rivera Director of Federal Programs Murphy School District #21
Superintendent: Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux
ELEMENIARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 3802 N. 91't Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85037
Governino Board: Susan Serin, President
Office: (623) 772-2200 Fax: (623) 877-8188
Jose Arenas, Vice-President
Visit our website at www.oesdg2.org
Martin Quezada, Board Member
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
Hilda Ortega-Rosales, Board Member
Rub6n Guti6rrez, Board Member
July 20,2015 Robert Miley, CEO Release the Fear P.O. Box 3815
Phoenix, Az 85030 Dear Robert,
I sincerely appreciated receiving the thorough report detailing the Release the Fear results from our Pendergast Administrators Workshop held on June 4,2015.It was evident from the 42 participants present, that they understood how this valuable information is and how it applies to the students and staffs they are responsible for each day. It was so powerful to not only have the tools necessary to reach students, but also for each of us to experience the success model ourselves in order to plan our 2015-16 year with new insight and a collaborative team.
For us, as a new team coming together, we learned about each other on a deep and personal level with just the right amount of humor and competition. As you well know, administrators have a daunting job, not only to increase student achievement but also to be responsible for empowering students and teaching the "whole child." Students come to us each day representing different family structures, nationalities and situations and it is our job to show them how successful they can be.
Your team did an outstanding job of demonstrating through their activities how vital our work is how to apply this information to work with studentsto Release Their Fears. I heard amazingcomments from the staff and I know they are planning on following up with you and your staff to have you working at our sites with our students. Thank you so much for enabling us to experience this. It is easy for me to see why so many have signed on as supporters of your program. Please count me in as a believer and let me know how I can help spread the word on the impactfulness of Release the Fear and its benefits. For all of us in Pendergast, there is nothing more important than character building and we believe it is our responsibility to show students through our belief system and modeling so they can use these strategies to make good decisions in their lives.
Gratefully,
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Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux Superintendent
OPENING THE YOUNG MINDS OF YOUTH FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.
“When I arrived at this class I did not think much of art. As the days went by I started to realize that this group was not just about art, it was about learning about yourself. This group has helped me look inside my heart and mind to see the answers to life’s questions. It was an awesome experience being here and it has impacted the entire way I see life. This group can be helpful to not only teens across the world but many adults as well. Thank you for taking time out of your life to help teach people how to come in contact with their inner selves.” Sincerely, Jana B.
For eighteen years, Release the Fear has
Youth Inspired Character Ed. Eight Years Study 400 (2007)
had the opportunity to interact with over 7,500 troubled youth; these youth now know they have a life purpose. They know their wishes and dreams can come true. They know they are worth it and that they matter!
1216 (2014)
488 (2008)
Our evidence-based curriculum has helped
615 (2009)
540 (2010)
troubled kids in schools, jails, detention, and treatment centers. Through the creative processes of art, music, and communication, we teach kids cognitive behavioral skills to build self-esteem. They learn tools to help them succeed in school, conflict resolution, and to address peer pressure, and bullying.
816 (2013) 583 (2011)
Between the years 2007 and 2013, Release
790 (2012)
RTF-Aggregate % Increase 2007- 2014 Growth of Learning
50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
Post % Pre %
Realized Not Alone In Fears
Post %
3.88
Realized CAN Make Dreams A Reality 23.77
Pre %
13.91
22.4
Discovered Something New About Self 10.2
Discovered Something New About Peers 12.4
.
RTF Aggregate % New Survey Questions 2012- 2014 3.5 3
3.2
2.5 2 1.5 1
1.52
0.5 0 Learned Something About Bullying
Stated WOULD Do Something if Witnessed Bullying
Fear has shown constant improvement upon youth’s pre- and post-reporting’s learned about perceptions of themselves.
In addition, during the years of 2012 and 2013, Release the Fear has contributed to an overall improvement of youth’s self-reported willingness to assist another if bullied. Despite a decline of reported learning’s about proactive options to prevent being bullied, their learning consistently remained over 78 percent.
Release the Fear Collaboration with ADJC on Recidivism Research Update through December 2014: 27 months - ADJC Report Submitted January 20, 2015 Since September 2012, Release the Fear has participated in an Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) multi-year study of participant recidivism. Recidivism is defined as “a return to custody,” in either the ADJC or the Arizona Department of Corrections. Data from the first 27 months of the study are reported below. Twenty-nine “Release the Fear” workshops were conducted between September 2012 and the end of December 2014, serving 721 juveniles age 14-18 year of age. Seventeen workshops took place in secure care (562 individuals) and twelve workshops (159 participants) occurred in the community (Release the Fear @ Grace Chapel). ADJC further reports that 19% of participating individuals in secure care attended more than one RTF workshop. Of the 562 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while in secure care, 66% of the population (370 youth) have been released from custody, while 34% (192 youth) remain in custody. Of those released or discharged from secure care, 31% (116 individuals), have since returned to secure care as a result of violations of their community supervision. Of the 159 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while on community supervision, 78% (124 individuals) have been released or discharged. The remaining 22% (35 individuals) are still under community supervision. Forty-eight individuals (39%) who participated in one or more RTF workshops during community supervision have been returned to secure care due to violations of the terms of supervision. PARTICIPANT STATUS BY RTF PROGRAM LOCATION 9/25/2012 - 12/24/2014
Total Released from Secure Care -ORfrom Community Supervision Returned to Secure Care (Recidivated)
Total Participants
Participants in Secure Participants in Care Community Workshop
* ADJC notes that the follow-up time for this report is limited (ranges from one day to one year and five months), which may result in inaccurate statements of recidivism rates than if the cases could be followed for the preferred 36 months. 60 12 months 50
24 Months
40
36 Months
30 20 10 0 2009 Release (N=675)
2010 Release (N=588)
2011 Release (N=523)
2012 Release (N=470) .
.
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Recidivism Rates (%)
W
hen troubled youth participate in a RTF workshop, a transformation takes place
that changes them from angry and withdrawn to inspired and empowered. Here is a couple amazing quotes from a youth participant.
When Release the Fear came to Flo Crit I was a angry 15-year-old w/a bad attitude. I wore my hair in my face and walked with my head down because of low self esteem and zero self confidence. When the facilitator was talking, I kept thinking, ”this is crap, this won’t help me.” When they introduced the mirror work, at first I didn’t even consider it but after Release the Fear left I started doing it a couple times a day, then I did it once a day. I now do it several times a day and have higher self esteem and even higher self confidence. I can stick with my decisions and am making one of the biggest decisions of my life, TO TAKE MY LIFE BACK. I’m really just trying to say that no matter who you are or what you’ve been through, this can help you if you let it. I walk with my head high and a smile on my exposed face and so can you. Take a chance and do this, it’s worth it.
.
-Robyn F. 15
When troubled youth participate in a RTF workshop, a transformation takes place that changes them from angry and withdrawn to inspired and empowered. Here is a couple amazing quotes from a youth participant.
”This experience helped me open my eyes and realize all the many opportunities I’ve been ignoring all along. I also learned to express your feelings to others to understand and relate to others’ emotions. The Hopes and Dreams activity taught me that in order to reach your dreams, you must overcome difficult obstacles.” —Tyrone 15 “I learned to express yourself and to raise your voice and
not give into peer pressure. I learned that you and everyone [have] a fear and that you can overcome the fear. I learned to look for the positive and to accept everyone for who they are and to see the colors of us all.” —J. R. 17 “It opened up a lot of areas I thought were closed. Thank
you for securing my future,” -Devin 16
REPORTS 2014 -15 Character Education Workshops ADE Matching Grant Reports Murphy School District 21, Florence Crittenton Leadership Academy & Genesis City
2 0 1 4 -15 CHARACTER EDUCATION REPORT...
Thank You Murphy School District & Arizona Department of Education's Character Education Grants For Helping Us Realize Our Hopes, Fears, and Most of All, Our Dreams...
RELEASE THE FEAR'S BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES=
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to the foresight and generosity of
funds from Murphy School District, 21st century and Arizona Department of Education Character Education matching grant. This is the final report of 24 different workshops making a difference in 632 young lives and their families. Tomorrow's leaders in Arizona, experience the Pain being transformed into Possibilities and Purpose .They are now Inspiring and empowered find their gifts, know that they matter and lead a more meaningful productive life and a brighter tomorrow.
24 Matching Grants October-May 2015
Character Education Matching Grant Murphy School District OVERALL PERCENTAGES RELEASE THE FEAR 2014-2015 RTF Key Pre/Post Survey Results of 632 Students (24 BP Workshops) Male 51.6% Female 48.4% – Youth Ages 10-16 93.85% discovered something new about themselves 95.57% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 72.92% compared to Post 81.19% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 85.94% compared to Post 98.55% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 88.77% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 93.59% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. Individual Workshop Percentages 1. October 20-22, 2014 Sullivan Elementary School 36 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 53% Female 47% – Youth Ages 12-13 97% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 75% compared to Post 86% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 72% compared to Post 97% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 81% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 94% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 2. October 20-24, 2014 Hamilton Elementary School 30 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 40% Female 60% – Youth Ages 11-13 97% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 83% compared to Post 90% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 97% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 97% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 93% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 3. November 3-6, 2014 Kuban School 25 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 64% Female 36% – Youth Ages 12-13 92% discovered something new about themselves 96% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 72% compared to Post 80% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 92% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 84% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 92% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 4. November 3-6, 2014 Garcia School 23 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 65% Female 35% – Youth Ages 12-13
100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 83% compared to Post 100% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 91% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 5. November 10-14, 2014 Sullivan Elementary School 34 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 12-13 94% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 56% compared to Post 62% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 78% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 94% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 94% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 6. November 10-14, 2014 Hamilton School 25 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 56% Female 44% – Youth Ages 12-14 91% discovered something new about themselves 96% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 70% compared to Post 87% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 96% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 92% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 96% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 7. December 8-11, 2014 Kuban School 21 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 48% Female 52% – Youth Ages 12-13 100% discovered something new about themselves 95% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 43% compared to Post 86% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 81% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 86% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 8. December 8-11, 2014 Garcia School 23 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 51% Female 49% – Youth Ages 12-13 87% discovered something new about themselves 91% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 79% compared to Post 92% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 96% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 100% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 91% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 9. December 11-18, 2014 Sullivan Elementary School 30 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 33% Female 67% – Youth Ages 13-15 100% discovered something new about themselves 93% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 70% compared to Post 67% realized that they are not alone in their fears.
Pre 67% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 87% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 10. January 5-8, 2015 Sullivan Elementary School 18 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 11-12 56% discovered something new about themselves 78% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 72% compared to Post 56% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 78% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 89% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 78% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 11. January 5-8, 2015 Hamilton Elementary School 35 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 46% Female 54% – Youth Ages 12-13 97% discovered something new about themselves 97% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 89% compared to Post 86% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 91% compared to Post 97% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 94% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 12. January 12-15, 2015 Sullivan Elementary School 28 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 67% Female 33% – Youth Ages 13-14 93% discovered something new about themselves 93% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 83% compared to Post 90% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 90% compared to Post 93% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 87% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 97% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 13. January 20-22, 2015 Kuban Elementary School 21 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 62% Female 38% – Youth Ages 13-14 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 71% compared to Post 95% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 86% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 100% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 14. January 27-30, 2015 Garcia Elementary School 27 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 67% Female 33% – Youth Ages 11-12 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 42% compared to Post 70% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 59% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 74% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 89% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.
15. February 2-5, 2015 Kuban Elementary School 20 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 60% Female 40% – Youth Ages 11-13 95% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 90% compared to Post 65% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 85% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 90% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 95% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 16. February 9-12, 2015 Sullivan Elementary School 23 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 43% Female 57% – Youth Ages 11-12 88% discovered something new about themselves 96% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 92% compared to Post 92% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 78% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 92% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 96% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 17. February 9-12, 2015 Hamilton Elementary School 27 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 56% Female 44% – Youth Ages 13-15 96% discovered something new about themselves 93% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 81% compared to Post 82% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 89% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 85% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 93% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 18. February 23-26, 2015 Garcia Elementary School 24 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 58% Female 42% – Youth Ages 11-13 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 79% compared to Post 92% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 88% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 87% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 92% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 19. March 10-12, 2015 Sullivan Elementary School 26 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 54% Female 46% – Youth Ages 11-13 100% discovered something new about themselves 88% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 84% compared to Post 69% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 88% compared to Post 88% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 77% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.
20. March 10-12, 2015 Garcia Elementary School 29 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 48% Female 52% – Youth Ages 13-14 90% discovered something new about themselves 93% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 76% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 90% compared to Post 96% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 83% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 94% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 21. March 23-26, 2015 Garcia Elementary School 28 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 54% Female 46% – Youth Ages 13-14 93% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 68% compared to Post 75% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 96% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 93% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 93% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 22. March 23-26, 2015 Kuban Elementary School 19 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 37% Female 63% – Youth Ages 11-13 95% discovered something new about themselves 95% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 53% compared to Post 58% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 95% compared to Post 89% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 90% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 23. April 20-23, 2015 Kuban Elementary School 17 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 41% Female 59% – Youth Ages 13-15 94% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 88% compared to Post 94% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 82% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 94% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 24. April 27-29, 2015 Sullivan Elementary School 44 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 54% Female 46% – Youth Ages 10-16 87% discovered something new about themselves 82% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 68% compared to Post 80% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 84% compared to Post 98% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 73% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 93% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.
Aggression Violation
School May-14 May-15 Sullivan 12 12 Kuban 4 5 Hamilton 10 0 May-14 Aug 2014 to Jan 2015 Garcia 13 9
Other Violations of School Policies School Sullivan Kuban Hamilton
May-14 May-15 25 23 22 31 10 75
May-14 Aug 2014 to Jan 2015 Garcia 2 11
Harrassment
School May-14 May-15 Sullivan 1 4 Kuban 1 1 Hamilton 10 0 May-14 Aug 2014 to Jan 2015 Garcia 1 0
Here are some contributing factors that probably had a negative impact on student discipline in general. The district started the year with 30 teaching vacancies across the schools. In order, to be prepared for the school year the Instructional Coaches (8) were re-assigned to classes as teachers. Instructional Coaches traditionally provide job-embedded professional development and on-going coaching and support to new teachers and staff. Our new teachers did not have the continuous support or mentoring that they have had in the past. New teachers had more difficulty establishing class routines, rules, consequence, they lacked the general "know how" to maintain student discipline.
During the school year, we still had two upper grade teachers (Hamilton and Sullivan), who lost new teachers (resigned), unable to finish the year with the students. Sullivan and Hamilton had larger upper grade classes, (2) classes were combined because the sites were unable to find teachers. It was difficult to secure substitutes for these grade levels. Students need stability, and consistency, which was lacking because of the lack of staffing and/or the inexperience of new teachers in the field. Another factor, at one of the schools, the principal resigned mid-year, again impacting staff and student morale.
Gloria Rivera, Director of Federal Programs, Murphy Elementary School District #21
Murphy School District 21 2615 W. Buckeye Road Phoenix, Arizona, 85009 24 Bridging Possibilities Character Education Workshops Arizona Department of Education matching grant At $1,650 per Workshop Total: $39,600.00 RTF in-kind $400.00 Murphy School District 21Total: $39,200.00 Totals each school as follows: Sullivan Elementary School 8 :$13,066.72 Kuban Elementary School 6 : $9,800.04 Garcia Elementary School 6 : $9,800.04 Hamilton Elementary School 4 : $6,533.36 rounded down to- $39,200.00
RELEASE THE FEAR 2014-15 Program Budget: RTF Character Education Bridging Possibilities: Budget Per Workshop Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer $680.00 Co-Facilitator / Trainee $300.00 Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories $150.00 Final Report $ 70.00 Supplies and Other Workshop Exp Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks $ 80.00 Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng $ 60.00 Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Presentation $260.00 Travel Expenses – Average $ 50.00 TOTAL FOR 1 WORKSHOP
$1,650.00
October 20th, 21st, 22nd 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #1 Sullivan Elementary October 20th, 23rd, 24th 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (12:30 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #2 Hamilton Elementary November 3rd, 4th, 6th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #3 Kuban Elementary November 3rd, 4th, 6th 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (12:30 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #4 Garcia Elementary 1441 S. 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ November 10th, 13th, 14th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #5 Sullivan Elementary November 10th, 13th, 14th 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (12:30 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #6 Hamilton Elementary December 8th, 9th, 11th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #7 Kuban Elementary December 8th, 9th, 11th 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (12:30 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #8 Garcia Elementary December 15th, 16th, 18th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant Murphy Schools #9 Sullivan Elementary January 5th, 6th, 8th 2015 9:30am-11:30am (9:00 show) , Character Education Matching Grant #10 Sullivan Elementary School 2 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 January 5th, 6th, 8th 2015 1:30pm-3:30pm (1:00 show) Character Education Matching Grant #11 Hamilton Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman. Phoenix, AZ 85009 January 12th, 13th, 15th: 9:30am-11:30am (9:00 show), Character Education Matching Grant #12 Sullivan Elementary School 2 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 January 20, 22, 23rd: 9:30am- 11:30am (9:00 show) (23rd) Character Education Matching Grant #13 Kuban Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman St. Phoenix, AZ 85009 January 22, 23, 30th: 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (1:00 show), (23rd), Character Education Matching Grant #14 Garcia Elementary – Aguilar’s 6th Grade Classroom 1441 S. 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ February 2, 3 & 5th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 am Show) Character Education Matching Grant #15 Kuban Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman St. Phoenix, AZ 85009 February 9, 10, 12th: 9:30 am -11:30 am (9:00 show) Character Ed Matching Grant #16 Sullivan Elementary School 2 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 February 9, 10, 12th: 1:30 pm- 3:30 pm (1:00 show), Character Education Matching Grant #17 Hamilton Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman. Phoenix, AZ 85009 February 23, 24, 26th 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (1:00 show) Character Education Matching Grant #18 Garcia Elementary School 1441 S. 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ March 9, 10, 12th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) WD, AD, MS Character Education Matching Grant #19 Sullivan Elementary School 2 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 March 9, 10, 12th 1:30pm-3:30pm (1:00 show) WD, RM, WP, AH Character Education Matching Grant #20 Garcia Elementary School 1441 S. 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ March 23rd, 24th, 26th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) MS, AD Character Education Matching Grant #21 Kuban Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman St. Phoenix, AZ 85009 March 23rd, 24th, 26th 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (1:00 pm show) RM, RP Character Education Matching Grant #22 Garcia Elementary School 1441 S. 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ April 20, 21, 23rd 9:30am- 11:30am (9:00 show) MS, WP Character Education Matching Grant # 23 Kuban Elementary School 3201 W. Sherman St. Phoenix, AZ 85009 April 27, 28 & 29th 9:30 am-11:30 am (9:00 show) MS Character Education Matching Grant # 24 Sullivan Elementary School2 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009
24 Bridging Possibilities Character Education Workshops X $1,633.36 =$38,200.40
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 36 young lives from Sullivan Elementary experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on October 20-22, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Get know each other, communicate, honesty. Make friends, know people. Not judge, open minds. Be better at goals, respect. / Friends, be kind, be in better moods. Not judging, friendship, social. Respectful, responsibility, fairness. Meeting people, apply into good college, successful. / Friendships and knowing others and yourself. Get along better being responsible. Not judging, make friends, teamwork. Reach for your goals, work hard, get smart. / Getting to know people, communication, respect because if you don’t give them they won’t treat you the same. Make new friends. Meet and get to know them. Be friends and confident. / Being social, not judgmental, citizenship. By being able to know people better. By sitting and just talking to the person. To help you be a better person. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Respect, friendship, social skills, responsibility, citizenship. Make friends, get along, have respect for others. Being a leader for yourself. Being responsible and making the right choices. / Proud, had confidence, happy, self-respected. To reach dreams and goals. Believe in yourself so no one can get to you. Jobs, sports team, grades. / Not being afraid, being happy. Make you confident. It’ll help you make the right choice. It’ll build because you’re learning. / We learned to respect. We have to respect our elders. It would help by trying to be the best so we would be good in life. / We learned responsibility and respect. It would apply with homework and turning it in. It builds our confidence. Everyone is going to respect and trust you.
Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.It makes me feel proud about myself and it will be a good day. / Nice, awesome, great. / Confident, awesome, cool. / Awesome, cool, unique. / Confident. / This make me feel good cause I just release some stress. / I like myself. It make me feel good. / Weird, happy. / Like I’m worth something. / Proud, happy, and good. / This makes me feel good inside. / This makes me feel good. / It. / makes me feel good. Cool and awesome. / I love myself. / Good. / I feel goofy sometimes but sometimes feel happy about me. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel not so good. / Happy, cool. / Grateful, trustworthy, and responsible. / Good, happy / It makes me feel like me. / Happy, proud, amazing. / It makes me feel happy because I am telling myself that I like myself and nobody is judging me. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My hero is my dad. He is my hero because he always help me. Trustworthy. / My hero is my dad. / My brother because he is in the Marines. They fight for us. Nice, caring. / My uncle is my hero. To me I would consider him my dad. I know if anything were to happen to my mom or anything, they would take me as his own. He is important because he’s my hero and I love him. He’s my uncle and he’s family. Loving, cares for me, brave, caring, strong, kind, funny, I can count on him. / Martin Luther King Jr.. He freed the African Americans. Respected. / My hero is my mom. She’s important because she gave birth to me and she gives me love. I look at their love and also their personality. / Dizzy Wright. They are important because they talk about being confident and to be good. Their personality. / My hero is my mom. She is always by my side. I look for kindness. / Batman. / Grandma. My grandma is my hero because she gets food and other stuff for us. Because she takes care of my siblings and cousins. Citizenship and responsibility, knowledge. / Batman. Leadership. / Kobe Bryant. He is a beast at basketball. How good they are at something and how cool. / My hero is my mom. She is important because if she wasn’t there, I would fall apart. I look for kindness and determination. / My hero is Fluffy(Gabriel Iglesias). I look for kindness and determination. / She is important because if she wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here. I look for kindness. / Messi. Because he is a professional soccer player. Soccer skills and awesomeness. / Mom. Because they raised you to be a good kid. A lot of respect. / Superman. He can’t die. Can fly. / My hero is my sister because she understands me and when have a problem, she’s always there. / Football is my hero. Because if there was no football, I probably would have been fat. A great sport. / My mom. She is important to me because she is important to me. That they are kind and not rude. / Dad. Because he makes me feel safe. Responsible, trustworthy. / Family and friends. Cuz I trust them. Cuz they can. No. / My friend. They support me. Supportive, helpful, nice. / Superman. I think he’s important because he saves people. Umm…..well he is cute. / My grandma is my hero. My grandma is my hero because she cared when no one else did. I look for kindness and respect in her. / My mom takes care of me when I’m sick. She helps me in everything. She takes care of me. Trustworthy, responsible, nice, respectful. / My hero is my mom because she is important to me. She is manage to take us to school clean and make food and still being there for me. If I were to pick a hero I would pick Superman because he saves people and has citizenship and that’s what I want in a hero. I would like for a hero leadership, citizenship, and to be funny and fun.
Seeing Beyond: Imagination, 5 senses, details. It would apply in writing because it will help you make you have a better story. You’ll have more imagination. / Strategy, imagination. Science because you need strategy to know how to make something work. Use strategy to help people. / We learned about teamwork and cooperation. Grammar and writing because you can describe things better. Working with your team better and get along (teamwork). / Imagination, clues, and details. Clues would apply in school with reading because we would use the clues that we used in seeing beyond. It would help us because we can use the imagination and clues. / Using context clues. It would apply in writing because you always have to think about it. It’ll help us figure things out. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Creativity, reflection, thinking. Think before you write. So you can stand up for yourself. So you could get a good career. / To not worry about the fears and worry about hope and dreams. Give you confidence to follow your hopes and dreams. You will stand up for yourself and not have fear. Respect, leadership, confidence. / To be confident, thinking memory. Stand up to people. You’ll know what to do. It’ll help you accomplish things. / Overcame fear, express your feelings. So people can know you better. Standing up for yourself. Achieving goals. / Achieving your goals. Thinking, memory. Putting in more effort. Not letting it put you down. With achieving your goals and what you want to do in life.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Optimism, effort, success. Help you be happier. It’ll help you reach goals in life. / Be sure of yourself, confidence, brave. Confidence to talk in front of class. Confidence and brave in job interview. / Describing things in the bags. Working together, trustworthy. Learning to work together with people. / Responsibility, confidence, cheerful. It gives you joy and confidence. Going to college happy might help to enter. / Five senses, imagination, detail. It’ll help by getting good at using your imagination. Later in life it might be handy. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
Trying a ride because it look scary but I tried it and now I like that ride so I can get on it when I won’t pass by. / It’s good to have a positive experience. / It was when my dad promised me to take me somewhere but never did. I was sad but then I found out it was important. / I thought that I will be born in New York but I was in born in Arizona with no weather. / I felt bad because they just kept on bothering him and I stopped it. / At first I did like a girl in my class then we sat next to her then I met her. She turned out pretty cool. Now she is a really close friend. / When I got taken away and I moved with my tia and I thought it was gonna go bad but it turned out to be good. / Coming to Arizona. I met friends. There was football here. / Last year I was bad then my mom said I’m going to act up this year but I did not. / Once we took a trip to Flagstaff and it felt like it was going to be boring but it turned out ok because my aunt came alone with us because we walked through Flagstaff. / I saw a dog got crashed but later that day I hugged Deja and I got happy! / I was walking one day then I fell but I found a quarter and walked away. / The time I moved I thought it was bad. After a while I saw it was really good. / I seen a chair with a sweater and thought it was an evil monster or person. / When I went to Colorado, I thought it was boring but no it wasn’t. / When I saw a clown I thought it was scary. Then I went closer to it and was cool. / When my friend Dennis moved in I didn’t like him at first. But when I started talking to him he turned out to be cool. / At first I didn’t like a ride. Then I tried it and I enjoyed it. / We went to a trip to Colorado and I thought it was going to be boring but it was cool. / I think of that they would be critical. / Yes because a time negative was something positive. / A time I experienced that I was bad something was when I thought I was bad at soccer, it turned out I was good. / When I moved to this school, I thought I was not gonna make friends. But then like a month later I made a lot of friends. / Thinking a movie is bad but it turns out to be good. / I went to a move theater and watched the Harrison movie. I thought it was going to be boring. It turns out it was great. / The time when I thought a movie was bad then it turned out that it was actually a good movie. / Going to the movies and thinking it would be not good at all and at the end it turns out being good. / When I went to the mountain and broke my hand. But the nice thing is I missed school. / I remember the time we went to the lake and I thought it was going to be boring but it turned out to be fun. / The first day I went to preschool I was afraid but then that day was so much fun. Color: Creativity. Help you think. Be better person. / Courage, bravery. Believe in yourself. So you’re not too scared when you’re in front of everyone. / Strong movement. Having creativity and mind. Seeing the world in a different view. / Responsibility, confidence, cheerful. Make you happy. Help you by achieving something. / Family. They will always push you to your limits. They will make us better people. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: We learned to use our minds a little more. / To always believe in yourself, be brave, and never think negative. / That people have the same fears as you and can help you with what you need help with. / I learned that they all participated. / About release our fears and accomplish our dream.
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 53
%Female 47
Dates: October 20-22, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 73 %NO 19 %Other 6 Post %YES 86 %NO 11 %Other 3 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 25 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 19 Post % Not at all 14 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 22 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 19 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 36 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 39 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 8 % Equal 47 % Leader 45 Post % Follower 6 % Equal 33 % Leader 61 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 47 % No 53 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 81 % No 19 Did you do anything? % Yes 53 % No 25 % No Answer 22 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 81 % No 19 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I didn’t go so I don’t know. / Respect. / Confidence. / To stand up for yourself and be brave. / Standing up for yourself and go tell that bully something. / Yes cause I stopped since the first day. / To change bad things to good. / It would help by just ignoring them and keep walking and tell someone. / Because I never had bullying. / I feel the same. / Using the who am I. / Yes to talk to them about it. / I will stand up to bullies. / Don’t be afraid step up. / Brave to speak up. / To not do it. / I’ll just keep myself up and going. / Sorry. / Yes I did you guys taught me that you never should be bullied. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: So they won’t feel down. / I would tell a teacher. / Because it’s rude that they can hurt other’s feelings. / I would go and tell someone. / I would stop it. / Stop and call a teacher. / Because the people being bullied are nice. / Yes I will tell the teacher. / Because it is not my business. / Help them. / I’d help them. / Help the person who gets bullied. / I would stop the bully. / Because you need to speak up. / Confident. / I would help or get an adult. / I would say or tell an adult. / I would cuz that’s mean. / Yes I would do because I care for other people.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Don’t let them push you. / My decisions will be responsible. / How to achieve my dreams. / We should be equal and respect others. / They want to respect I will give them respect back. / Yes because I don’t pay attention to the kids. / Don’t get it. / Because if you are on peer pressure sometimes you can get hurt. / Yes I did we have to know what it is. / Because I do my own decisions. / I feel the same. / I learned how to be my own person. / Yes to calm myself and answer. / Do the right thing. / Because you believe in you. / Responsibility. / I learned not to do something if you don’t want to. / Yes, because you do what you believe in. / Responsibility. / I learn that peer pressure doesn’t really matter to make good decisions. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 72% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Yes, because why do we see in color. / Black and white. / I don’t care. She is black or she is fat. / What I think about color is blank. / I see color as something that makes it alive. / I think color is beautiful. / What do I think about color I don’t know. / Color is happiness. / I think color is equal. I never thought about color. / I think about color that is beautiful. / I think that the color are feels. / Color is something that makes a picture more creative and alive. / I think it brings out the nicest things. / I think color brings out the best in everything. / I think that everyone deserves to be treated and be equal with respect. / Color doesn’t matter in life. / I think it’s a kind of thing that is in you. / I do think about color all the time. / Red, purple, and yellow. / The rainbow doesn’t have all colors. It’s not a rainbow without all colors but only bright ones. / What I think about color is we all are equal and I don’t judge others. / No I never thought about color. / I like things when they’re colorful. / I don’t really care. / I don’t care about other people’s color. / No not really. / I have nothing against color. / No I don’t think about color because I don’t really care as long as I play. / Color is something that expresses you. / Color like race. / It’s a thing that fills in a blank. / Yes I think about color. I think color is a nice thing. / Pink. / I think colors are cool but I have not thought about until now. / Rainbow I think it is where unicorns come from. Post: Color doesn’t matter to me, it matters how you treat me. / Pretty impressive. / Be quiet!! / What I think about color is music. / Pick a color that you don’t like to make something good. / Color brings light. / Colors are more than just color on a paper. / More to color than just that. / They all have a meaning. / I learned that color is what supports you also my color is my family. / It’s nice because it is fun to have color in life. / Color is imagination. / I learned to be brave and to like myself. / I like it is like your mood. / That it helps me respect. / It’s great. That color is important. / I learned that color could sometimes be your fear and cool. / Colors mean trustworthy. / Color is something that expresses emotion. / That everything has color, music and people. / Color is something that describes. / I think they’re beautiful. / The color don’t matter because is the person. / My color is my family. I learned that color supports you. / I think it’s awesome that it’s beautiful. / That color is something to make something else alive, colorful. / I don’t care about color. / I still think everyone is equal. / I think color is important. / Color is life. / Color don’t matter. It’s how you treat me. / Color is beautiful. / I think colors are beautiful and bright. / About how bad the color. / Color shows feels on anything. / Well I think about workshop.
My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 72% Post 97% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t have one. / I don’t have one. / My dream is my mom come to the U.S.. / My hope is to be a professional soccer player. / To see my uncle again. / I do not have one. / My most important dream is I don’t know. / To have a great job and life. / My most important dream is to be famous. / Is that I don’t know. / I think to your hope or dreams will be sometimes. / I want to go see the Eiffel Tower. / No. / No. / to live a happy life? / My hope is to be something big in the world and dream of helping people. / My most dream is to play pro soccer. / My most important dream is to be an engineer. / Going to heaven, being an engineer. / To achieve my goals and walk my talk. / I would want to become a vet or singer. / My most important dream is to go to the NFL. / My most important dream is to become a doctor. / I can’t say. / To have a good life. / Yea I do. / To go to college. / I don’t have a dream. / My most important dream is to become a doctor. / To go to college. / Is to become a lawyer. / My dream is to play basketball or soccer. / My dream is to become a corpsman for the Navy when I grow up. / Going to heaven. / I want to be a cook. / Is be President of the United States of America. Post: To do something that can change people’s lives in a good way. / My dream is being a pro skate boarder. / Is to become a great person. / My dream is to be a professional soccer player. / NFL. / Becoming something successful. / I want to be a cook. / To achieve my goals, go to college and move to Miami and become a CSI. / To have my family together. / My hope is to get a hair salon when I grow up. / My most important dream is to be an orthodontist when I grow up. / Is to have a great family that cares for me. / My most important dream or hope is to be a vet. / Is to graduate college. / Is that I don’t have one. / My most important hope is that I have my mom. My dream is that I have a good life. / Is to be a veterinarian and go to college and help my mom in life. / I would like to be a soccer player. / Is to have a family. / My most important dream is to be a doctor. / To play pro soccer. / Is to become a football player. / My dream is to play soccer. / My most important dream is to become a doctor. / To be an engineer. / My most important dream is to become a doctor. / To have a good education. / I dream of becoming a vet or a singer. / My important dream is to be a basketball player. / My most important dream is to be a vet. / To be something great. / Is to touch a panda. / To become a rock legend. / To go to college. / To have a good job and money dream be a singer. / It is important of your hope and dream. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 97% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Always try don’t let anyone put you down. / Is to believe. / Is to always try. / I could do it even if I can’t. / Don’t give up. / I will be responsible and reach my dream. / Work hard and have fun. / Teamwork and to cooperate. / Is have to know the five senses of details. / I learned to never give up on myself. / One thing I learned is to keep reaching it and never let go. / Is to have confidence and always think positive. / One that I learned to help me reach my dream is trustworthiness. / Is to keep on moving. / Is I don’t have a dream yet. / One thing that I learned to get to my dreams is to not be afraid. / Is that to have confidence in myself. / I help me in being more responsible. / Look at the whole picture. / Using creativity will help me reach my dream. / Is to keep going. / Follow your dreams. / Is to be confident. / To teach me is to be respectful. / I learned to reach my goals. / That the world is colorful. / To be confident. / To not give up. / Respect others and you will be respected. / One thing I learned that to never give up. / Is to be successful. / Don’t let people drag you down. Be confident. / Is responsibility. / To respect others and all. / To believe in myself. / That never give up.
What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 97% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I can make my dream come true if I really try. / No not really. / I know how to draw!! I guess!! / That I am I really good soccer player. / Look in a mirror. / I am respectful. / I learned to respect me and others. / Cooperation and friendship. / That no matter what they say you’re important. / I learned that I am a very strong person. / I learned that when you look at yourself in the eyes with a mirror you can feel proud of yourself. / That I have potential. / I learned to like and love myself. / That I’m very confident. / That mixing colors is cool. / That I was afraid of something and I do have dreams. / I learned that I wasn’t confident in myself. / Look outside of the picture. / I learned that I am special. / What I can do to keep going. / To release your fears. / That I’m a leader. / I learn to be nice. / I learned that I have a great friendship. / That I’m good at art. / I can be responsible for my decisions. / That I’m different in many ways. / That I’m afraid of losing my friend. / What I learned new was trust in myself. / That I’m more than I think I am. / I am confident and strong. / That I can be a leader. / That I am an equal. / Yes in summer school. / That color is in everything. / To learn now think yourself. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They now know bullying is wrong. / It’s something that you could believe in yourself. / They draw I guess!! / That all of my friends play sports. / Be respectful. / My classmate is confident. / Treat others the same way you want to be treated. / I learned that there’s more to a person. / That they are all afraid of something. / I learned that Barbara wants to be a doctor. / I learned that you can always be friends when you’re kind to each other. / They’re not always the same. Everybody’s different. / I learned about my class to have citizenship. / That we can all get along. / That they keep you helping others. / I learned that when people look different doesn’t mean that are not nice. / That she is really nice when I thought she was mean. / I learned that you need to be kind. / Not to judge. / I learn that my friend is creative. / Their memories and how they are in their family. / That I thought wrong about them. / That they are different. / I learned that my friend has a lot of confidence. / That they can help. / That they can be shy sometimes speaking in front of class. / That every little people went to summer workshop. / That some people are scared of weird things like clowns or the grudge. / I learned that they are a leader. / Yes I sure did. About Nayely Romero. / They will stop bullying. / That they are funny. / That we are all equals. / to help them. / That all the people have negative and positive thing in life. / Well you meet your friends or a classmate.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 30 young lives from Hamilton Elementary experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on October 20-24, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Communication, trustworthiness. Help us interact with people. Look at yourself before you judge others. Look at yourself before you judge others. It will help me be a better person. / Know people, communicate. None can be alone, exams. Teamwork, sharing with others. Interacting, working together. / How to communicate with each other. When you’re talking to other people. By communicating and asking and learning about each other. It helps you be able to talk to others. / We learned how to communicate with each other. By making new friends. You can just ask them before you judge them. The better you communicate in life, the more opportunities you would have in life. Creative Storytelling: Communicating. Using our imagination. It will make us more outgoing. Help others. It will make me a better person. / How to be truthful. Have a lot of manners, polite. If you’re the witness, tell what happens. More supportive. / Creativity, storytelling, group work. By telling them they made a good story. Respecting others. / We learned how to be fair. By not fighting with each other. By sharing and not fighting over things. To be fair with other people. Through the Hoops: Communicate, work together. Working with each others. Do not. Don’t let nothing bring you down. / Teamwork, communicate. Helping others in problems, fears. Doing what’s right, support them. Going through fears, completing goals. / Working together. Where others need help. When someone is getting bullied you help them. / Teamwork, communication, faith. To communicate with other people. This help bullying by standing up to a person that is bully. It would help by future employment.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: All character traits. People will look up to you. Believe in yourself. Have more confidence. / Responsibility, everyone has a hero. When you get bullied, they can help. Support the pressured. In career, tests and life. / We learned how it feels to be a hero. Help us be responsible. Stand up for people. Learn about responsibility. / Responsibility, character traits. To have more responsibility of what you do. To have a good character and not a bad character. This will help me in life for nobody can’t hate me because of my character. Seeing Beyond: Senses, imagination. It will help us use our senses more often and all subjects. We don’t know what character trait it will give us but we think that it will give us better imagination and stronger senses. / Use your senses, feeling, touch. In science using materials, in math, English. If you become blind, use them to go in path. / We learned how to work together. Working together applies in every subject because you have to work together to get things done. If we help each other, we can become better people. / We learned to use our imagination, our senses as well. It would help us in school with reading, writing. It would help us in our character to imagine how our future will be like. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Some people have the same fear as me. Learning about others. By not laughing at other people’s fear, dream. I would help to learn about other people and overcoming my fear. / Respect, honesty, courage. Listening to others, being helpful. Being honest of what happened. In jobs, in careers, teamwork. / To overcome our fears. To not be scared. It will help in bullying because it will give you enough courage to stand up to yourself. To never let no one bring you down. / One skill we learned was to have courage. It would apply in school by having the courage for class presentation. It would help with bullying because you can stand up for yourself and have courage to tell an adult. By having bravery to get a job interview. Reflective Take Away Assignment: To accept things that go wrong. To be positive, then negative. Think of the good things, then bad. / Turn the bad to good, ignore the bad. In school study, don’t think of bad things. Don’t remember the bad, just the good. / We learned how to accept bad things. It applies in school when you get a bad grade and turn it into a good one. This applies in life when a person says something to you and you have to accept it. / How to fix stuff. To fix the stuff you have to fix. It would help in life because when you have a problem, you can fix it.
Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
When my sister said that the movie I wanted to see it was boring and then I saw it and it was awesome. / Then my story about the time I had a teacher my experience thought it was negative, through time I perceived saw the experience as positive one was my head was cut open in 2002 Dec 18. I was hitting my head on the chair at the same place at the time I was going to the hospital and passed out and don’t what happen but I saw what happen. / When I was very bad then I become better in school. / When my little brother got cut I made hit cut get better. / When I use to live somewhere else and moved I thought I wouldn’t like it but I do! / When my brother was arrested and taken to Mexico. I felt terrible, but then I was able to know about life in Mexico for him. So after that I felt really good. / A dog got hit and I went to the dog vet and he felt all better. / When I had a Nintendo and then I got a PS3 and after that I loved PS3 and PS4. / When I got in trouble and it turned out to be good so I won’t do what I did again. / When my toy broke and I fix my toy. / I changed schools but I made new friends. / When I move of school I thought that I was going to be shy but since my mom told me that my cousin go to that school I was happy and not shy. / At the beginning of the year the teacher was mean and now she is nice. / When my uncle died and my aunt was having her baby. / When my cousin had a broken arm but when he took to a hospital and healed up. / When I thought I was in bad and I was not. It was my birthday they had a surprise party for me. / When I learned how to swim, I felt scared at first but then when I learned I felt more happy and relaxed that I could go on water! / I moved schools. I found new friends. / When I went to the office and I got in trouble but the good thing was I got 2 days of school off. / I remember a time when I got in trouble for my attitude and then changed my attitude. / An experience that I had is that I didn’t want to go to school and now I’m learning many things and I got friends. / I did not want to go to school and now I’m learning many things in school. / I was sick and got my medicine for me. / I was about to move from Hamilton but then my mom changed her mind and I didn’t!!! / When I thought I was never going to finish my homework but I did finish it. / I thought I was not going to go somewhere I wanted and I end up going. / I thought I wasn’t going to go to Las Vegas but when my mom said if I want to go I said yes so I ended up going to Las Vegas. / When I got really sick and I had go to the hospital and after 5 days I got better. / When they told me I sucked at soccer and how I am a good one.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
®
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Hamilton Elementary %Male 40
%Female 60
Dates: October 20-24, 2014
Ages 11-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 83 %NO 10 %Other 7 Post %YES 90 %NO 7 %Other 3 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 30 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 13 Post % Not at all 17 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 30 %No Answer 3 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 43 %No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 23 %No Answer 0 Post % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 43 %No Answer 3 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 7 % Equal 63 % Leader 30 %No Answer 0 Post % Follower 7 % Equal 43 % Leader 47 %No Answer 3 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 54 % No 43
%No Answer 3
Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 77 % No 23 Did you do anything? % Yes 47 % No 33 %No Answer 20 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 97 % No 3 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learn that if you see bully see you stop it. / I decided to start a dance thing to stop it. / It helped me get stronger. / To not bullying. / To stop bullying. / How to respect others. / It helps me respect others no matter what. / When someone is being bullied, do something. / Imagination. / Imagination. / Ignore them. / To have the courage to speak up. / Stand up. / Become help with bullying is not tell people. / Stick up for them. / That to tell a adult. / To not ignore them. / Not just stand there do the good thing. / I learned how to speak for myself a bit. / You can tell a friend. / Do the right thing. / Because I wouldn’t like if someone bullies me. / Because I ain’t going to. / I learned how to work together. / Remember about your hero. / This helps by releasing my fears. / Yes I learned about to be respectful and be a leader. / I learned that you can cheer yourself.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I will talk they to stop it. / I would stop it and stand for the person being bullied. / I would tell someone about it. / Yea cause it’s sad. / Yes because no one wants to be bullied. / I will back that person up. / No one should be treated bad. / I would step up for them. / He’s my friend. / Help them. / Tell an adult. / Because I know how it feels to be picked on. / Stand up and say stop bullying him/she. / I will help the people got bullied. / Yes, because I don’t like people getting hurt. / I learned a lot. / I will because I will feel sad. / Tell a adult. / Tell the bully stop it dude. / Because I learned to stand up. / I would help because that would be right. / I would do something about it like tell a teacher. / Because they are getting hurt. / Because I don’t want to get in problems. / Because I might get in trouble. / I would do something because I wouldn’t like it if people bullied me. / Tell an adult. / I would stand up for myself to a person that is bullied. / Yes I would help that person out. / Yes I would help that person feel better. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Trustworthy yourself. / I learn about citizen ship and what it means. / It made me understand many things. / Respect. / Yes because I can make my goal. / Make your own decisions no matter how much they peer pressure you. / It helps me think what I think not what other people think. / Don’t let no one peer pressure you. / Cause I respected Jesse. / Respect teachers. / Our expectations. / I learned to ignore them. / Peer pressure can be bad. / To respect people. / Yes because I can help myself. / Yea I will help. / Yea I learn a lot of respectful stuff. / I learn caring and fairness. / Color because they can mean something in life. / Be honest help the bullied. / I learned you do what you wanna. / Yes more responsible at home. / I learned responsibility. / To respect our own decisions. / Because you can take all time you want with someone not peer pressuring you. / I learned how to respect others. / I learned how to respect others. / To do what you want. / It helps by thinking of respecting to others. / Yes I learn a lot of skill to be a hero and help. / I learned how to respect your elders. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 93% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I like it. / A rainbow. / A rainbow. / The think about color as one of every pillars. / A rainbow. / I think about my favorite color. / Yes I think they’re pretty. / I think about color as something good. / Color is like crayons you color with. / I think about color that it has different effects. / Black and white are my favorite colors. / Blue stands for sad and red stands for madness. / I like color because colorful things makes me happy. / I never thought about color. / A rainbow. / Yes I love thinking about colors. / I like the colors and the color blue. / I think about purple because it my favorite. / Pink is my favorite color. / I like color because colorful things make me happy. / Yea about green. / I think color is better than none or my favorite color (purple). / A rainbow. / My favorite color is R. / I think about my favorite color. / I think about all the colors. / My favorite color. / It’s bright and colorful. / I think bright colors. / I think about bright colors. / I think about who first created colors. Post: That is rainbow. / I think about color as a mood. / Color can mean anything. / Being bright and not dark. / Color is important to everybody. / Color is important in things it makes it stand out. / I think color is cool. Color is part of music. / Colors mean something. / I learned how I feel. / I think
about music because it changes. / Color can make color. / A happy color. / Rainbow. / I think that it is pretty. / Yea I learned that music has color. / That they have different colors. / That colors could mean something in life. / That everything has color including inside of people. / That music has color. / I learned color can always change. / Color has meaning. / I think that color means something in different ways. / That color is like music. / About sad and other stuff. / I learned that music makes color. / That each color represents something. / I think colors are like feelings. / The color for me is music. / I learned that it has something to do with. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 97% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Play in a international soccer player. / Be a doctor. / To graduate college. / My most important dream is to become a game designer and baseball player. / My dream is to succeed. / That I want to be a football player or soccer player. / My most important dream is to be a FBI and help my mom. / I want to be something in life or be a professional soccer player. / My hope or dream is to graduate from high school and get a good job. / My most important hope or dream is to graduate from high school. / My dream is to be a police officer. / To become a police. / My most important dream is finish college. / To have a good job, get paid well. / My hope and dream is to go to college and to be a doctor. / To become an engineer. / That I get a good job. / My dream is to be a police. / My dream is to be a nurse. / To go to college. / Is to be a football player. / My dream for the future would be to become a doctor. / I don’t know. / My dream is to become a professional soccer player. / My dream is to become a professional soccer player and graduate college. / My important dream is to graduate from all my schools and get a good job. / My important dream is to graduate have a good job. / I want to be a famous soccer player who is cool. / I wanted to be a professional soccer player. / I want to be a professional break dancer. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer and to go to Harvard University. Post: Doctor. / My most important dream is to go to battle of the year. / My dream is to be a teacher and help children. / To graduate. / Graduate from college. / My dream is to follow my future dream. / To go to college and have a good life. / I think both are important. First you dream then you hope. / Having to see my father alive. / Is being a great person. / Do my goals. / My most important hope or dream is to become a lawyer. / Hope about I can stop bullying. / Life and dream. / My most important hope and dream is to help my mom. / My most important is hope. / That I was with my family and I was happy. / My hope is to always be with my family and my dream is to finish high school. / To become a professional soccer player in Argentina, forward. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer. / My hope is to have a family and dream is to become a doctor. / To have a family. / My most important dream or hope is to finish high school. / Is to be a lawyer. / Is to be nice. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer. / To become a lawyer. / My most important dream is great career, college. / My dream is to become a business worker. / I want to graduate and become a police.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Hope to or your dream. / One thing that will help me reach my dream is confidence. / The workshop helped me learn who I am. / Respect others. / Being helpful and grateful. / Follow your path. / To keep my head up no matter what. / One thing is to believe in myself. / Be respectful. / Is respect others. / Work with others. / Is to be responsibly. / To release my fear. / To not be fair. / Is that it is going to be hard. / Doing the same we did today. / It to be caring and respect. / I learned to never give up on myself. / Ignore the people that make me feel sad and say that I won’t make it. / I learned that just believe in yourself and you can do it. / One thing I learned in here to my dream would be respect. / You can do anything you want. / Is to follow my dream or hope and do the right things. / Is to be myself. / Character colors. / One thing I learned was to not let anybody stop me from who I want to be. / To follow your hero. / The one thing I learned in workshop to help me from my dream is how to be to reach my dream. / I learned character counts and to be trustworthy. / He is trustworthy, so I can be trusted. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 97% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Believe in myself. / I learned how to work together. / That I am a smart great person. / Character counts. / You need to care for each other. / Consequences. / That I can do anything I want without anything stopping me. / I can be my own person. I didn’t know about color. / That I have a talent. / Care more about people. / Taking care of other people. / That I can be brave. / That I can tell the truth. / People are shy. / That there will be an obstacle going through life. / That I am brave. / That I could have fun. / I learn that to always hope or yourself. / That I’m special in every way it just takes a little bit to know it. / That I can be who I want to be. / No I didn’t really. / I learned how to work together. / I learned that you could have fears the same as someone else. / That I have to have more responsibility. / Peer pressure. / One thing I learned was that if I really want to do something, then don’t let anyone stop you. / I learned that I could accomplish my dream without no one interrupting me. / The one thing I didn’t know in the workshop is painting is about the feelings. / That we are all hero in life. / About trustworthy. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That they had fun. / I learned that it takes courage to say something. / That they are true caring friends. / To paint teamwork. / That he had a tumor. / To care about others. / That they are always there for me no matter what and they respect me the way I am. / I learned a lot about my classmates and friends. / That Roger loves soccer. / We should all work together. / What their dream is when they are big. / That my best friend is shy to talk in front of a crowd. / That they’re awesome. / To be a good leader. / That they have a little brother. / That I learn their lives. / That their life had hope and happiness. / To never bring other down. / About their fears and dreams. Everyone should be treated the same. / I learned that Paula was actually a good person. / I learned that they have fun with these kinds of activities. / Everyone is scared of something. / About their fears, dreams and memories. / That my friend has to be more respectful. / Trustworthy. / I learned that I am my best friend’s hero. / How they live. / What I learning is they have the same feeling as other class has. / That all of them are responsible and all their dreams. / They have been bullied and never gave up.
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RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc
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Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 25 young lives from Kuban School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 3-6, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Participation, communication. Grades, talk to people. Pay attention. To meet new people. / Math skills, soccer skills, reading skills. Getting better grades. By not thinking of stereotyping. It will help you be confident. / Work together, less shy. Job done faster. Helps us not being judged. Get a career. / Get to know each other, communication. Work together, listen to ideas. Eye contact, describing. Be a better person, respect others. Creative Storytelling: Bravery, confidence, creativity. Working together. Teamwork and confidence. To stand up to each other. / Teamwork, creativity, participation. It will make it easier to work with others. This will help because many bullies don’t learn. It will help you to work better with people you work with. / Public speaking, creativity, confidence. Not by shy when it comes to do a problem on the board. This helps with bullying so you can stand up to yourself. Helps me have confidence to talk in front of people. / Bravery, creativity, participation. Working together, using people’s ideas. It helps because if the bullies will come to this program, they will start to be friendly and stop the hate. It would help because I will be nicer and never be mean to people.
Through the Hoops: Teamwork, participation, senses. Trustworthy. Teamwork. Helpful teamwork. / To get over tough time. It will make us understand that we don’t get what we always want. It will help because of the problem. It will help you get through problems. / Teamwork, trust, senses. Helps get work faster. It helps us to be trustful. It helps us be polite. / Participation, trust, trust, senses, studying. Teamwork, studying, be prepared. Help each other, would be helpful. Helpful, each others, and caring. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Bravery, confidence, special. Helps speaking in public. Helps you to not be shy. Helps be a better person. / Confidence, responsibility, honor. It would give you better self-esteem. It would make you say no more. It will help us be more responsible. / Feel happy and good about ourselves. So we don’t worry about the haters. So we don’t worry about what other people say. Helps you with your dreams and be proud. / Confidence, responsibility, and less shy. It will apply because you’re gonna be less fear to stand up to people. It’ll help because it’ll be less embarrassing. You’ll be less shy. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. It makes me feel that I have a life and that I could be someone in my family. / It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel very happy. / It makes me feel happy. / Happy, humor, silly. / Weird, good. / I feel normal. / It makes me feel better about myself. / Good inside. / It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel happy and to be myself. / Happy, loved, and unworried. / Good. / Happy. / It makes me feel the same. / Funny, crazy, cool, nice, awesome, kind, love, care, share. / Confident, enthusiastic. / Happy, silly, sad, worried. / It helps me feel confident. / It makes me feel happy. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Messi. Because he’s a pro soccer player. / My dad. Because he protects me. Being nice, protection. / Batman. I choose to draw Batman because he stops criminals from doing bad things. I think they’re important because he saves the day. Qualities I look for in a hero is their super power. / Superman. He fights crime. He fights crime and stops the people from doing bad things and puts them in jail. Look like him. / Captain America. He saves the world. Responsible, respectful, honest. / My dad. Because I can trust him and he’s kind and helpful to other people. I think they’re important because they help people. Nice, helpful, kind, responsible. / Dad. He’s important because he raised me. The characteristics I look for a hero is if he’s nice and strong. / My hero is my dad. He shows me to work hard. Working will make me successful. / My mom and dad. They give me food and clothing. Nothing. / My mom. She takes care of me and gives me food, that’s why. None. / My hero is my best friend Jessenia because she is trustworthy. She is kind to me and other people. / My best friend. They are important because they help me in tough situations. / Spiderman. Because he helps people. Braveness. / My sister is important because she helps others and cares for others. In a hero has to be helpful, kind, smart, caring and be there for others. / My hero is Arianna Grande. She is cooool! She is so important because she sings the most awesome songs! I look for strong courage. / Spiderman. He is a hero by saving people. Awesome. / My hero is my best friend, Mitz. I can trust her and count on her. She has been there for me for a long time. Because I can count on her and I’ve known her for a long time. Kind, happy, trustworthy. / Superman. Because I thought he was real. Responsible, respectful, and resourceful. / My hero is my mom. I can rely on my mom. What I would look in a hero is responsibility. / Without him everyone will die. What I would look in a hero is kindness. / Nobody. I don’t know, just courage. Character.
Seeing Beyond: Be quiet, pay attention. To concentrate and to learn more. To be more talkative. / Honesty, creativity, senses. It will help with strategy to find answers to problems. With ways to help solve obstacles. / Senses and honesty, details. Math, reading, and science, and social studies. Working with cubes and books in reading. / Imagination, participation, creativity. Art, science, reading and math and social studies. Actions, movements, talking.
Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To listen more. To pay more attention. To stop it. To listen to people and understand. / Honesty. Gain adults trust. Tell the truth to grown-ups. Gain trust from others. / Participation, creativity. Get good grade, better education, and working in groups. Forget about bad thing and thinking of the good. Art, helping others. / Creativity. You’ll learn to do better. Creativity will plan to stop bullying. It will help me to get a job. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Having respect, being responsible, and resourceful. Being prepared, helping someone getting bullied. Jobs, bills, responsibilities, family, money. / Confidence. It will help you improve your grade. It would make you get a job and get lucky. / Trust, help, caring. To help others and care about them. To treat people like you want to be treated. / Confidence. It will help me in school to improve reading. It will help me find a girlfriend. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? Describe the experience below. Then draw a picture on the back of what the experience looked like. When my friend got bullied and got beat up at the park. The first thing I did was help me grandma clean the whole house. / If I helped someone from getting bullied afterward I’ll feel proud because I had helped some from getting hurt or bullied and would be a saver. / I helped someone pick up their books and it made me feel very happy inside. / I helped my mom to clean around the house. The feel I felt was happy because I help my mom. I help my parents buying groceries store for home. / I help my parents babysitting when my mom goes to work. / I was caring about my little sister. I took care of her and I help her to get the ice cream on top and helping my mom to get foods and other things out of the car. / I had helped someone pick up their stuff when they dropped his stuff. / I was caring to my friend when everyone was putting her down. I felt good to know that I was helping. / I shared candy with my sister and it made me feel real good inside and I felt that I could do that again. / One time I was caring to my niece Dareny when I was helping her to learn how to swim. / When I was playing a very important game, then a boy fell instead of playing. I went and helped him. / One time were I was trustworthy or caring would be when my best friend fell and I picked her up.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Kuban School %Male 64
%Female 36
Dates: November 3-6, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 72 %NO 24 %Other 4 Post %YES 80 %NO 20 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 16 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 8 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 20 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 72 % All the Time 20 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 36 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 24 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 72 % All the Time 28 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 60 % Leader 40 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 44 % Leader 56 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 40 % No 60 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 56 % No 44 Did you do anything? % Yes 36 % No 60 % No Answer 4 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 84 % No 16 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I don’t know. / So I can help them. / I learned nothing. / To stand up to it. / So I can help other people. / Help others. / No because I didn’t see nothing. / I can tell other about the bully. / To be confident and stand up to the bully. / So you can stand up to yourself. / Did not come. / I help them because people need me. / To be resourceful. / I guess. / Stand up for yourself. / To stop bullying others. / Tell someone. / To help others. / I will tell the truth to grownups about the bullying. / Yes I learned to stand up. / No peer pressure. / To trust others. / By forgetting the bad things and think of the good. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I don’t know. / I would go tell a teacher. / Tell someone so they’ll help them. / You can make a difference. / I can fight the other guy. / Defend him. / Yes cuz they’re getting hurt. / Because it’s wrong. / I would do something because it would feel better helping someone and it would be better for the person who is being bullied. / I would tell the teacher. / So that I don’t see kids get hurt. / Yes to help them and protect. / Because it’s the best thing to do. / Because no one should be bullied. /
Yes because kids killed themselves by getting bullied. / To stand for someone. / I would tell a grown up. / Go get a teacher. / I did not go. / Yes I would stand up for them. / Yes I’ll stop it to stop someone from getting hurt. / I don’t wanna be involved. / I would tell a teacher. / Yes, cause I would like to be helped when I’m being bullied. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 88 % No 12 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I don’t know. / Yes because I learn responsibility. / Because it helps me be respectful. / I learned that I control my actions and I’m my own person. / I can help do my chores. / Think twice. / Yes cause my friend taught me. / I did because I learned to respect people’s opinions. / I learned to respect other’s decisions. / Because to make people care. / Yes to be resourceful. / How to stand up for yourself. / Not to be angry. / To respect others. / To learn being respectful. / I did if was peer pressure. / To responsibility to others. / Nobody here peer pressured me. / Yes because it makes me respectful. / Yes I’ve learned respect. / Be respectful. / To do my own decisions. / Yes, because I came up with ideas myself. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 88% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Great because I don’t like anything without color. / Red. / Equal color, it’s right color. / I don’t know. / People. / My favorite colors express me and make me feel happy. / Red because mostly red is love and caring. / It is bright. / My favorite color, purple. / Blue, red, and grey makes me feel happy. / Red because it’s my color. / They make me feel. Purple, black, and never nice, blue, white, red, grey. / Black and grey = shy and kind. / Black, gray, white, and blue. It makes me feel happy. / Red and blue are my colors. / Blue, pink, and purple. They make me feel happy. / Blue and black, red and pink. These colors make me feel happy. / Blue, pink, purple, white, red makes me feel happy and lets me express myself. / I think of green because I see the world in my mind. / Red because people are mean to me. / Sometimes red. / My favorite color is white and black, also red it makes me feel fresh and cool. / I have never thought about color. / The first color that pops in my mind is red. / Blue. Post: No, I don’t know anything about it. / Great you could make everything newer. / Color is great. / I think color is how you express yourself. / I think if it’s my favorite color. / It could be about music. / It is awesome. / I think about the color red and I learned that color has different meanings. / Yes how you feel. / Red because it’s my favorite color. / I think about red because for love. / There’s dark and bright colors. / That everything has color, even people. / Beautiful world. / Red. / Color mean something. / I learned that color has other meanings. / It is life. / Color makes me fresh and cool. / To paint. / That they’re bright. / Color can be a mood for people. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 92% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is to be a football player. / Nothing just having job like owning a company. / To be with my family and boyfriend. / So. / My hope is being a girl! / I want to become a vet to keep animals. / My dream is to be a soccer player and a Mexican singer. / My dream is being with my girlfriend when I grow up. / Don’t have one. / My most important dream is to get a good job. / To be a pro football player. / To be a lawyer. / My important dream is to join the Army. /
My most important dream is to be rich. / My dream is being a doctor. / To be a doctor. / I dream to become a pro soccer player. / A nurse. / I dream of being the richest guy in the world. / To be a pro baseball player. / To go to college/school. / My important dream is getting a education and have a nice job and a house and my parents never die. / My most important hope or dream is to become a doctor. / My most important dream is to go to college. / Get rich. Post: Good education/hope. / Is to either join the Army or play football. / Going to college. / Is to grow up and be successful and have a family. / Growing up with Jessenia and marry her. / Become a soccer player or Mexican singer. / To be a doctor. / Go to college. / My most important dream is to go to college and graduate from high school. / My most important hope or dream is to become a doctor. / Is to visit heaven to see what it looks like. / My most important is hope because it is real. / To go to college. / To be in the Marines and live a happy life with my family. / My dream is to become a pro soccer player. / Is to still have a family. / To go to college. / My most important dream is to join the Army. / Is to see the earth from the sky. / Is to go to college. / Is to skydive once on top. / College. / Go to college. / Is to be a vet to help animals with problems. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: No, I don’t know. / Never give up. / Be good to the people. / I learned to be confident and I will achieve my goal. / To release my fear. / Don’t be afraid what you want to do. / By graduating and going to college. / Determination. / One thing I learned was toe be responsible. / To be respectful. / Is to keep working hard. / I learn to respect people. / Be respectful. / To always keep going no matter how hard. / To not be embarrassed and shy. / Is stay with my family and boyfriend and better job. / Conquering my fear. / To never stop trying. / Is to not be afraid of my fears. / Is never give up. / Is to have confidence in yourself. / No peer pressure. / Yes it will help my dream. / By working hard and to keep believing in my dream. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 92% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: No, I don’t know. / To be creative. / My goofy. / I learned that I have the capability to do anything. / I think I didn’t know what color meant. / That confidence makes you stronger. / How to be active. / I learned about others. / I learned that many people are scared of heights. / I know more than I thought. / How to be careful about myself. / Nobody can treat you the way you want. / To be respectful. / I don’t know. / I could be someone in my life. / To take care of family and work harder. / To be creative. / My shyness. / That I have a lot of confidence. / Yes I learned that I can control anything. / Never do what people tell you, being a leader. / No bullying. / I like to talk in public. / That I am not so shy to talk in front of people. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 96% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: No, I don’t know but listening to the class about the fear, memory, dream. / They sometimes have the same fear. / They’re nice to other people. / They are closer then I think. / I learned that not everyone is the same and everyone has dreams. / My girlfriend released her fear. / That one my friends wanted a girlfriend. / By sharing others. / Most people have the same fear as I do. / I learned what their fear and dreams are. / My friends are not that brave. / How to be nice to one another. / To trust each other. / Their hopes and dreams. / I don’t know. / He was scared to be run over. / To share and care responsibility. / To be nice. / My friend’s fears and dreams. / I learned he was afraid of spiders. / I learned not all friends are trustworthy. / I have learned that never by shy to do something. Be a leader. Don’t be a follower. / She is special. / That they love animals. / That they’re afraid of clowns.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 23 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 3-6, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Respect, honesty, trustworthy, courage. This applies in school for example speaking in front. You need these tools. It gives you the courage to talk to someone. These skills/tools make you a better leader. / Honesty, respectful, trustworthy. So you don’t get in trouble. So you don’t judge, respect. It would make you a better person and makes you realize something you hadn’t. / Honesty, courage, get to know others, listening. Get new friends, gain trust. By saying the truth. People will know that you’re not shy. / Caring, responsible, hard working. Care about each other. Everybody speak Spanish. Hard working, more high in life. Creative Storytelling: Teamwork. Work and get along with classmates. You stick together. Work together. / Not to be afraid, creative, critical thinking. To get better grades. Stand up for yourselves and others. That you would be a better person. / Teamwork, art. Creative with projects. With a team you accomplish more. Feel positive and trusted. / Art, personality. Express yourself. Defend the person being bullied. Help me. Through the Hoops: Teamwork, going through challenges, trust. Bullying, classwork. Teamwork because everyone helps each other. In a job you have to work together. / Teamwork, going through obstacles, trust others. To get good grades. Going through obstacles. You going to meet new people and how you have trust them. / Teamwork, trust. When we need help. To prevent it. To accomplish your goals. / Teamwork, trust. Teamwork means working together. Teamwork means people out of trouble. Going through obstacles.
Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. I like myself. / It makes me happy, good. / Good, glad. / Happy, great. / Good, happy. / I like who I am. / Sooo helpful. / Good, happy. / It makes me feel happy for the helpful thing I’ve done. / Happy, proud, and confident. / Worried, great, weird. It felt good because it look that someone loves me. / It makes me feel a little weird. / Confident. / Weird. / I feel happy. / Happy. / It makes me feel that I have courage inside and I can accomplish things in life. / I feel good, cool, nice. / It makes me feel that I can do what I want to do nobody can tell me what to do. / It feels good because it feels like someone loves you! / Made me feel comfortable. / I’m pretty. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Paul Walker. Because he is a good actor. Good actor, respect. / My dad is my hero. Because he is my favorite person I trust. Be on my best behavior. / Mom. Because I was born. Respect. / They’re important to me because they support me, they’ve always been there when I always need them, and I’ve been with them since I was a little baby. Supportive, nice, responsibility, respectful, honest, and trustful. / Mom and dad. Because they did a lot for me and gave me everything I need. Because they are hard workers. Yes, hard-working, kind. / Leso Man. They’re very wild and energetic. Brave, responsible, courage, caring. / Mom, dad. / My dad. Because he takes care of me. / The Flash. Because I think he’s my hero. / My mom. Because she always helps me. Courage, honesty, and confidence. / My grandma. My grandma is important because she helps me. Honesty, courage. / Patrick from Spongebob Squarepants. He is a starfish and have big hair and have orange and power. / My dad is very helpful. He is important because he is helpful and trustworthy. The characteristic I would look for in a hero is caring, respectful. / My mom. She helps me keep going. Respect, honesty, trustworthy. / Soldiers. Cause they protect us. Brave. / My sister. She helps me with everything and she foundmy half sister. I will tell them that if they would teach me how to be good. / Soldier. They help the community. Brave. / Hope Solo. She is important because she is the best goalkeeper in the whole world and because I look up to her and hope one day to be better than her. That they are strong and really people to know them one that they are nice and social. / Mom. They helped me and never let me give up. Kindness, careness. / Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson, RG Griffin III, Tyrann Mathieu, and my uncle. They make me do better when I’m playing sports and when I’m having a bad day. I very good person that’s nice and is active. / Batman. He is fast, strong and because he saves people. Save me all the time. / Gareth Bale is my hero. He is a soccer player in Real Madrid. He is important because he doesn’t care what other people say because he already has everything. He reached for his dream. I would like that they don’t care what other people say. They believe in what they want and accomplish. / Naya Rivera. She is famous, very pretty, and single. They don’t care what they say about them. Responsibility. / My mom. She has always been there for me. Honest and that you can trust them. / My mom. They protected me! Brave.
Seeing Beyond: Honesty, imagination, teamwork. Reading because you use your imagination. It makes you more creative. / Imagination, honesty, senses. In science because you need it to find out weird stuff. Because you can have fun. / Teamwork, critical thinking. Math because we work together. To work with new people. / Teamwork, critical thinking, senses, honesty. When you think you think about answers. You use senses by open up your awareness. Teamwork works by helping up in life. Honesty is good because people will trust you all the time. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Thinking, respect, imagination. You have to think about the problems. Stand up for each other. / Thinking skills, respect, don’t judge. To be nice to others, to get better grades. Not prejudging others. Few victims could feel more comfortable. You can be better to different people. / Critical thinking, imagination. Work with others. To not prejudge. To make many things possible. / Critical thinking, respect, not judge, imagination. To be nice to other. Stand up. More respect to other people.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Teamwork, respect, kindness, responsibility. You work together, mentoring. Working with people you don’t like. / Teamwork, respect, kindness. To be kind to others, working in groups. To be respectful to others in life even if you don’t like them. / Respect, teamwork, kindness. To be nice to people. We might need help at work. / Respect, teamwork, kindness, trust. Kindness it to be kind to others. Teamwork is to work in groups. Respect means if you want respect, give respect. Respect means in life is because be nice. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? Describe the experience below. Then draw a picture on the back of what the experience looked like. I have been caring by giving away food to my sister when she was small. / When I helped my brother, I felt good. / I helped a homeless guy because he needed some money. / I helped a homeless family and gave them food. It felt great. They were asking for food and I gave them a lot. / I was helpful when I gave my brother my football. / Helping a person with their problem. / When I was trustworthy was when I was taking care of my sister. She was a good girl and she was a piece of cake to take care of. / It was when I was helping my cousin to ride a bike. It felt good. / I was caring when my friend dropped some papers and I helped her. / I help my cousin by cleaning her room. I felt very kind. / One time me and my cousin organized the toys for her mom. It felt very good. / My friend told me a big dark secret and he actually trued me and said you’re the most trustworthy person I met and felt happy. I was caring when a random person fell and dropped his backpack and helped them. / My friend got stolen so I let him use my ball for two days. / My friends got into a fight and I made them hang out afterward and it felt cool. / My friend got injured and I put him up in foot. / I helped my mom clean the house. / The time when I was caring was when my little sister was calling my brother names. I told her how would you feel if I called you names. She said bad. The next day she stopped calling my brother names and said sorry. I felt glad and proud. What I experience was when you see someone being called names you could show them a positive way. / I helped my mom clean her room cuz she was tired. / One time I was caring was when I was at Walmart. There was a person with one arm only and he couldn’t put the groceries in his car. I helped him by putting the groceries. It feels good I helped someone. / I went to a restaurant. When I walked outside, I gave a homeless man a box of food. It made me feel good. / I’ve been caring or helpful when I have a homeless person some money. Afterward I felt helpful and caring.
Yes/No: Confidence, self respect. Believe in yourself. Citizenship, believe in yourself. / Belief, confidence, focusing. For you can go to school. Do what you want to do. Citizenship because you can believe in yourself. / Beliefs, honesty, self-respect. Believe in yourself. Help you believe in yourself. By have courage in yourself. / Respect, honesty. Believe to go to college. Confident. It comes to be respect. Color: Awareness. Pay attention to detail. It’s about the team and not individual. / Feelings, courage. To be brave. To move on and colors have different meanings. / Having a strong foundation, imagination. Multi-tasking. Accomplish anything. / Mindfulness, thinking. Using thoughts. Get a good education.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
®
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 65
%Female 35
Dates: November 3-6, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 83 %NO 13 %Other 4 Post %YES 100 %NO 0 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 79 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 26 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 35 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 35 % All the Time 65 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 62 % All the Time 22 % No Answer 8 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 35 % No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 8 % Equal 57 % Leader 35 Post % Follower 4 % Equal 31 % Leader 65 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 61 % No 39 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 78 % No 22 Did you do anything? % Yes 29 % No 71 % No Answer 0 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 39 % No 57 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: Left. / Bullying is not nice. / Telling somebody. / I learned strategies that help. / Yes work together. / Like stand up to yourself. / To stand up for others. / Because I can face my fears. / You can always tell someone and not be scared. / That you have to stand up. / Like stand up to yourself. / Work together. / Because you have to be honest when telling the teacher. / One thing I learned was to not be embarrassed. / Because now I feel like I can help and stand up for others as well. / Will help them. / Always say something. / To stand up for yourself. / I learned that only I can tell myself what I can do. / To stand up. / That others are perfect in their own way. / Because bullying will not get you nowhere. / Yes to speak up.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would go help him out by fighting the other kids. / Yes don’t want people getting hurt. / Telling the teacher or somebody. / Yes I would do everything to help. / Step them. / Because people don’t deserve to be bullied. / I would tell a teacher. / Because that’s someone who feels scared too. / Yes I should be confident on myself. / Yes I would. / Tell someone. / So he will stop bullying. / Because you have to tell the truth. / Everyone has to stand up to each other. / Because no one deserves to be treated badly. / I would help them. / Tell someone. / Maybe. / They need help. / Tell an adult. / They are not being good. / I will tell them to stop and tell a teacher. / Yes is to protect who is getting bullied. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned responsibility like if you gave me something, I’m responsible about what happened. / Believe in myself. / Responsibility be you can believe on yourself. / Yes because if I respect myself I won’t do bad things. / I explain to do stuff. / Ask someone for help and think. / Do not do stupid things. / Yes because if anyone tells me something too bad. I won’t. It’s my responsibility. / Yes not always have to do what people say. / Yes I did on respect. / It’s not do stupid things. / Sometimes. / Because I didn’t know too much. / I learned that you should respect other people. / Because I’m the only one that truly knows why I do things and make decisions. / I did not judge people. / Go with your own decision. / That not be afraid. / Only I can do my decisions. / To make the right choices. / I have to do my own decisions. / Honesty, citizenship. / It helps do respectful decisions. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 87% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Yes. / I think it expresses feelings. / Color is something beautiful. / No. / Yes I wonder if here was no color if the world would be black and white and not express people. / Colors express people. / I think color is great. It brings cheer to the world. / I think color is colorful and bright. / Color is awesome bright. It actually expresses how you are. / No. / They are colorful. / Haven’t thought about it. / Of everybody the same color. / It is colorful. / It is colorful. / I can color. / It’s what makes our world look amazing. / They are colorful and expresses the way you are. / What think of color is that it sometimes expresses emotion. I have never thought of color. / It’s colorful and cool. / I think about purple. / It’s cool. / No I haven’t but colors are very peaceful. / I think it’s art and good things joined together. / Color sometimes shows expression or feelings. Post: It makes everything amazing. / Music is like color. / When you close your eyes and put music the colors turn light or dark. / I think color expresses things. / In song there is color. / It is very colorful. / That music has a lot of colors. / It’s very peaceful and it’s very cool. / Every color has their own meaning. / That it has music. / That they’re important. / Music is color. / I learned that color is music. / I learned that it can have many definitions. / They have meanings. / It show people who you are. / It differerent kinds of color. / Yes. / It identifies who you are. / That it’s creative. / That it’s important. / Colors are colorful. / It’s what helps everything look amazing. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100%
Thoughts Shared: Pre: A pastry chef. / Is to donate money to people with cancer. / My dream is to go to college and I hope that my parents won’t go away and leave me here. / No. / My dream is to help the poor. / To own a restaurant. / I think both but mostly dream because it gets you going. / My most important dream is to go to college. / Go to college. / To have powers. / So. / Becoming a vet. / To accomplish something important. / I don’t have one. / None. / Have a lot of money. / To become a professional mechanic. / Go to college and be someone important in life. / My most important dream is to become a good baker. / I want to go to college and get a job. / I do. / To be a cop. / Is to be a football player or Marine. / To be an architect and have a good home. / Being a medical assistant. Post: My dream is being a street dancer. / My dream is to go to college. / Is to become a police officer and donating money to people with cancer. / I hope to own a restaurant some day. / Soccer player. / Is to go to college. / To be a baker. / Is to be a professional football player or Marine. / Being really successful in life. / Is to go to college. / Is being a cop. / It is going to college. / My most important dream is to be a baker. / Dream. / Help bullying. / Is to go to college. / Is going to college. / My most important dream is to one day have a family. / Is to become a Nascar driver. / Is to go to college. / Is that my dream will come true. / Is to be a sports car mechanic. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Believe in yourself. / Believe in yourself. / Is that you got to believe in yourself to reach your dream. / Trust because if I trust people it can help. / Never stop to believe. / Is teamwork. / To not give up. / Is to be a leader. / Be confident with myself. / Is to believe. / Is listen. / Going to school. / Being honest and tell the truth. / One thing I learned to reach my dream is to have confidence. / To believe in myself. / Don’t judge. / Never give up. / Is always believing. / Is that I can believe in myself. / To never give up. / Is to have hope. / To become a teacher. / Don’t let people tell you what you can’t do. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: That I can believe in myself. / I can speak up more. / That you can accomplish anything when you keep saying believe everytime. / I learned to be brave. / To do color. / Color expresses me. / That I will be trustful. / I was really not that much responsible. / I’m confident about myself. / That I don’t have to listen to other people opinion. / People have fears. / Everybody is the same. / I didn’t know that people had the same things. / That you shouldn’t be ashamed. / I’m not confident. / I did not know what color meant. / Be trustworthy. / That you could do anything. / Believing in yourself can do many things. / That I’m brave. / That I’m perfect in my own way. / That there are no wrong or right answer. / How smart and nice I am. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That he want to be a sports car mechanic. / That my friend is scared of the same thing as me. / That sometimes colors express feelings. / I learned that sometimes people are going through things and you might not notice. / To never be mean. / Some are scared of heights. / That they have the same fear as me. / It’s a good idea to be a leader not a follower. / They are trustworthy. / That some people have the same fear as I. / People have the same fears. / We are together on this. / Some have the same interest as me. / That you have to support them when they’re feeling bad. / That we all have similar fears and dreams. / They are honest. / People have the same fears. / That to treat them with respect. / He was raised alone by one parent. / That they are very brave. / That everyone is awesome. / It bad to bully. / What’s their fear, dream, and childhood.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 34 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 10-14, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Getting to know others. Talking to them. Know them better. Expressing feelings. / To help us learn in the future and get better education. To learn all subject, to learn about more the person. Everybody has different answer. Work hard and work as a group or by yourself. / A skill is to never judge by attitude or by how people say a book’s cover. It will apply to be judgmental or to bully in school. It would prevent it by you to know the person. It would help us to be a better person. / Not to be shy. To talk to new students. Cause it would make you anti-social. By going top a stage. Creative Storytelling: Teamwork, public speaking. Caring, respect, kind, imagination. Be more confident. Working together. / Inspiration, imagination, bravery. To not be embarrassed in front of people. By helping each other. It will help me in college. / A skill was to speak in public and use your imagination. It would apply to you having respect and to be responsible. It will help by people knowing that you will speak up and also that they can trust you. It will apply to me having citizenship and other responsibilities. / Trust, respect, caring, responsible. Stay out of trouble. When you care for someone they respect you. Make more friends, gain trust. Through the Hoops: Imagination, teamwork. Get more ideas. Change their minds to not bully. Working together and in strategies and games. / Trust, concentrate, mind’s eye. You could and use your mind’s eye. It would apply to you using teamwork. It will help by people know that you’re trustworthy. It would apply in life by there being obstacles to achieve your dreams. / Trust. If you need someone. Stuff I trust my friend to have my back. Trusting your peers to get ahead in life.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, courage. Having responsibility. Having confidence to tell that person no. Having courage and thinking about yourself. / The tools are courage, responsibility, and confidence. This tool will help us by having more responsibility. Our friends force us to do something bad and you say no. The tool build character is to say no to something bad. / To have courage and be confident about ourself. It would apply because in school you have to have courage to talk in public. It would apply with people trying to put you down. It would make us stronger and will courage us to achieve our goals. / Confidence, proud, courage. When you have confidence you can achieve things. When your confidence about yourself you can achieve anything. By achieving your goals. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Good. / Mi sedauw good. / Como cuando soy aferada ser lo que tengo que acer para aprender. / It makes me feel great, strong. / The word confident makes me feel good and brave too. / That I am friendly. / It makes me feel good because it helps me think good stuff. / It makes me feel weird. / Well good. / It makes me feel better. / I feel normal. / It makes me feel good about myself and not worried. / It makes me feel normal. / It makes me feel happy. / It make me feel like I shall help other with your problem. / I think it makes me feel normal due to I see my face every day. / Joyful, happy, positive. / It feels good to help other people. / It makes me feel happy. Boost my courage up. / It make me like I could change my future. / It make me believe in myself. / I feel happy and safe when I am with my hero. / I feel happy and safe when I am with my hero. / It makes me feel good, pretty, and special. / That I’m helpful. / Good, nice. / Respectful, nice, careness, helpful. / Awesome, responsible, amazing, nice, respectful. / It makes me feel proud of myself because I found out the real me. / It makes me have more confidence. I don’t care what other people say about me. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Mom. I think they are important because the heroes know much. / My family takes care of me. The responsibility. / Me siento bien estar con mi mama y que ella meda consejos Buenos cuando me siento triste. Porque medan ganas de seguir siempre adelante. El respeto de todos no se. / Patrick Peterson. He’s strong good at football. NFL. / My hero is Paul Walker. Paul Walker is important to me because he was the first star I ever know. Confidence, bravery, friendship. / Taylor Lautner is my hero because he is caring for others. He is important because he always is caring. Care, trust, citizenship. / I think my uncle is important because he is good person. I look for in a hero is a kind person. / She is my hero because I can tell her all my secrets. I would look for trustworthiness, caring and respect. / My mom feeds me and take me to sleep and helps me on my work and cleans my clothes. My mom because she is kind to me and responsible because she does all her payments and get us food to eat so we won’t die of hunger and clothes. Because she made me who I am and took care of me and I love her what she does. To me she is responsible mom. Responsible. / Mom. They are important to me because she’s my favorite person. I wish she would follow all the characteristics. / I don’t know. / My brother. It is important because it is your hero of life. To be brave, to be smart. / My hero is Batman because he saves people and helps a lot of people. Cause I like how he saves people. That he is a cool hero. / Mom. I think she is important because without her I wouldn’t be who I am. I see these qualities in her: respect, trustworthiness, caring, fairness, responsibility, citizenship. / My hero is my mom. She is important because she is the one who raised me and made who I am now. / My mom to take care of my cousin and my brothers to get care my mother. Yes, because they take care of the people. They are trustworthy to people who want to be like them. / I think it is my pet bird. He helps me through tough times. He is important because it was from my dead grandma. I think I’d look for a caring and trustworthy hero. / Batman is my hero. Batman is my hero because he always thinks positive and never gives up. The characteristics I look in my hero are that they are always positive and help others. / My hero is MJ. He’s a celebrity and a singer. They are important by teaching the world a lesson. Responsibility, caring. / Bonny the Bunny. They’re important because he or she is your hero if you’re sad that hero should make you happy. Citizenship, trustworthy, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring. / Macklemore. It is important because in the future your hero will change you. The thing I’m looking for a hero is song video game and actor. / My grandma is my hero. She is always nice to me. I get along with my grandma the most than the rest of my family. I think my hero is important because she always believe in me. Trustworthy is what I look for in a hero. / My dog is my hero because he respects me and he is fair. He treats me like others and we are all equal. I think my hero is important because without him I wouldn’t be happy! Fairness and respect. / My mom is important because she’s my mom and she cares about me. I love my mom. She is special to me. / My mom is important because she was the one is raising me. I look in a hero is kind, helpful, respectful, responsible, caring, and trustworthy. / Bryan. Because he is like a brother to me.
Trustworthy, fairness, caring. / Ms. Hare is helping her and being respecting her not yelling at her of bullying. She is respectful to us and she nice and helpful to everybody. Respect. / Mrs. Hare sometimes us treat others. We have to earn them by be quiet and listen to the teacher and try to not get mad at the teacher. If she does get mad she will get mad. I think she is important because she will respect everybody. Respectful. / My sister is my hero because I know when I need something, I can talk to her. I trust her and she trusts me. We are respectful to each other and that is why she is my hero. I think they are important because I can talk to them. I would like all the qualities because it would make me feel even better. / My hero is my dad because he has been there for me in the good and bad times of life. I think that person is important because he has been there since I was small. I look for their kindness, helpful and also bravery. / My hero is my grandma because she fought to the very end of her problem. She had breast cancer but she fought and they found a medication. I do think she’s important. I know she’s important because when I am sad, mad, happy, she’s there. Nice, trustworthy, respect, responsible, and such more.
Seeing Beyond: Teamwork, kindness. It would apply in school by group working because you need to work as a team. By being respectful to new people. / Sense, honesty, details. It would help us in art because in art you use your imagination It will help you by imagination. / to collaborate with our teammates and use details. It would apply to the subject writing because you use your imagination. It would apply to being honest and to trust people to say the truth. / Details, senses, mind’s eye, teamwork, and honesty. Use teamwork, you could help each other. Math, English, grammar, science. Jobs, meeting new people. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Courage, no right or wrong. Standing up for yourself. To be a better person. / Courage, no right or wrong, confidence. This will help us by learning. To stand up and be confident. Be a better person. / Confidence, no right or wrong. To speak in our own classroom. Stand up and communicate. To be a better person. / Confidence. To talk in front of students. Having confidence that friend will help you. Having confidence. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? A time I was being trustworthy is when my friend told me something and I didn’t tell nobody because I was being trustworthy to her. / I was caring for my cousin and helping her do her homework. That made me happy. / I helped my mom once that she needs to try her best. At last it feel happiness. / One day my friend had to tell something important and he told me. Afterward it made me feel that I can keep a secret and that my friend trust me. / I was trust some day in 3rd grade a kid I trust to be my friend for a long time and we were going to care for me and him to be my friend. / This one time a old lady was having trouble with the street and I help her out and made me feel good. / It was on Saturday and I was caring about the kids with cancer. My mom took me to see them and I give them my old toys. It felt good to help. / When I saw Dannie’s mom struggling with a 5 water gallon. I helped her out and took it inside her house. After that I felt good about myself. / I helped a bird that broken his leg. He couldn’t land straight he would crash into items. I helped him get better and he became my best friend and pet. / I was caring for my friend the day her baby brother died. I was with her making her feel happy. / When I helped someone with their homework. I felt happy to help. / A time I was trustworthy was when my friend told me a secret and I didn’t tell nobody. / It felt like if I had helped that person and that I go home and felt like I should help myself that way. / I’m always trustworthy with my friends and family. And always caring for other people like I helped them with stuff inside. / I took care of my mom when she was sick. When she wasn’t sick anymore I felt happy because I knew my mom was better because of me. / I helped and cared a dog from the street and adopted it. / The time I was caring is when my friend went to the hospital. I was there for her when she needed me. / It made me feel happy because I help my friend when he broke his leg. I helped him go to the car. / I was caring for my brother because his room was a mess and I helped him clean up and that made me happy! / When one of my team players was locking us down then we were then I said you can it then he did it faster. / A time when I was caring was when I helped a little girl because she fell and scraped her leg and elbow. This was a time when I was caring. / A time I was trustworthy was when my sister told me a secret and I kept it but then my other sister knew of that secret and told my mom. / By letting a lil kid play football with the big kids. / One day I was walking down the street and then one girl was scared to go to the store and I help her to go to school and I took her to home. / One time that I was being caring and trustworthy was when my friend was have a hard time with her boyfriend. After that I wanted a boyfriend. This experienced me by when I have a boyfriend to be careful
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 50
%Female 50
Dates: November 10-14, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 56 %NO 38 %Other 6 Post %YES 62 %NO 32 %Other 6 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 79 % All the Time 9 Post % Not at all 18 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 21 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 16 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 68 % All the Time 32 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 34 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 53 % All the Time 44 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 6 % Equal 47 % Leader 47 Post % Follower 3 % Equal 74 % Leader 23 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 41 % No 59 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 72 % No 25 % No Answer 3 Did you do anything? % Yes 52 % No 32 % No Answer 16 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned that bullying shouldn’t be happening. / By having responsibility. / I can help others. / Helping the people. / Helping the people. / To do something. / Defend others. / I read it and understand. / I learned to ignore that person. / Speak up for others. / Change his mind. / Cuz I learned about colors instead. / No fear for bully. / I could talk to a teacher or adult. / No I haven’t. / You can work things out with bullies. / I will be more caring. / People will have courage. / To tell them don’t to be a bully. / To never bully. / So people can’t beat up. / To be kind to others. / I learn vocabulary. / To not bully. / To stand up and say something. / Make friendship to the people who bully. / Be confident and have courage. / Make them stop. / I don’t want them being bullied. / Yes because we tell others to stop. / Not to change. / I’ll be more respectful. / Being brave and stand up who you are. / To walk away from bullying. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would do something because it’s the right thing to do. / By telling an adult. / I would talk to them is they stop bullying. / Helping. / Helping. / Maybe to help them. / I would tell them
to leave them alone. / I am shy. / I would tell them to back off. / Tell them to stop. / Back him off. / So they won’t get fear. / I would help the kid out. / I would ask a teacher or adult. / Fight them. / I would tell them to back off. / It will be good because you are respecting others. / To tell them it is not ok. / To be brave. / Yea help the kid who’s getting bullied. / Yes I will do something. / Unless they are my friends. / Because I’ll feel bad. / I would go and tell the teacher. / I would say something to the bully. / I would stand up for that kid. / Tell an adult. / I’ll tell them to stop. / Yes I’ll defend that person. / I will do something because they are getting bully. / Tell to stop. / I would stop them because I feel bad for them. / Tell the teacher. / I will walk to them and say bully you own size to them. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Respect yourself. / Because I respect myself. / I can help courage. / I can help courage. / By being confident. / To be more responsible. / I can be confident. / Well there some people that help so they helped me. / I learned to be confident. / Well don’t listen to strangers. / Follow my mind. / People can’t tell me what to do. / I knew some of that. / I respect the rules but not being pressured. / Yes I learned. / I learned that you can beat your goals. / Yes because we learned about all that. / To make good decisions. / To do better. / I learned that I have a lot of skills. / Yes I learn skills. / I learned to respect others. / Because I’m brave. / I learn that I have a lot of skills. / If I’m responsible my dream will come true. / I learned about all respecting people. / Don’t listen, be brave. / To be confident. / Courage and confidence. / Yes I learn all the lessons. / I think we all need to learn about ourselves. / I’m more respectful to others. / Be trustworthy. / Respect to older people to other and be responsible. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 44% Post 97% Thoughts Shared: Pre: IDK. / Why can’t we see ultra violent. / I never thought about it. / Red I think blood and white like a sky cloud. / I have never thought about color. / I think color is a rainbow. / Never thought about it. / I think that the colors are pretty. / Not at all I haven’t thought about color. / I think color is pretty and no I never thought about color. / No never thought of color. / I never thought about it. / Yes blue because it’s so nice dark color and shiny. / I never thought of. / I never thought about it. / I don’t know. / I think that blue means friendly. / That they are part of different things. / I never thought about it. / I don’t think of color. / Ya when I wanted my parent to get back together. / Blue, green, and red. / Pink. / The color what is blue, green, and pink. / No. / Banana, unicorn, grapes, apples. / I never thought of it. / I like blue because in the night I could see the stars. / I never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / I don’t see such thing as color we are all the same. / Purple. Post: Music has color. / Red a color. / The colors affect mood. / The color affect mood. / The color affect mood. / It could be anywhere. / The color affect mood. / Pink. / I think it is the way we think. / I still want to help people. / Never thought about it. / I think color can change mood. / Seriously why can’t we see ultra violet. / Yes with the bullying I see. / Red as blood. / I think that colors is a feeling. / That music can have color by the rhythm. / Some is good. / That it can to light or dark. / That there’s no right or wrong question. / Yes I learn all things and lesson. / That it is all about rhythm. / To be brave. / That color can mean anything. / I think color expresses emotions. / Color is like music to me. / I learned that you need to be brave. / I learn that it’s important. / Wonderful and beautiful. / The color was awesome and it will be great. / The colors don’t matter. / Never thought about it really. / They are colorful. / To learn about it
My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 78% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Biggest dream is to go to college. / Get a job, nice house, internet, and pet dog. / My most important dream is to have house and a life. / Is to be NFL player and go to college. / My most important hope or dream is to be a doctor when I grow up. / To be a NFL player. / To be a Marine. / My dream is to help kids with cancer but I think that I will never reach it. / My dream is to have a successful life. / I don’t have a hope or dream right now. / Help people cross the streets. / My most important dream is to become a biologist. / Is to go to see my family over the world. / To be a engineer. / I don’t know. / My important dream is to be rich and have money. / To have a happy life. / My dream is to become a teacher. / To be a NFL player. / Is to go to college graduate from the GCU. / No because ay pleases. / To make differences. / I don’t have. / None. / Finish school and get a good job and help others. / To be a soccer player. / My important dream was to be a police officer or teacher. Shooting stars. / My dream is to become a pediatrician. / My most important hope or dream is have a better life and study hard. / To graduate and get a good job. / Not sure. Post: Most important dream is to become someone in life. / I being a good student. / Be with my family and study. / Be with my family. / Be with my family. / Important hope to graduate college. / Be a soccer player. / To be smart. / My hope is to always impress. / My hope is to help people. / To be a Marine. / Is to become a professional football player. / Get job, live in house, have a pet dog. / Is to graduate from college and be in the military. / To be in Cardinals. / My most important dream is to be a football player. / My dream or hope to be a model or a cheerleader. / To reach my goal to be a doctor. / That it can change. / My dream is to be a soccer player. / That I wish Christmas is the best. / My dream is to be a movie star. / Is to be a biologist. / To be a engineer. / To finish school and get a education. / Is to protect my family and make them straight. / Finish school and have a good career. / None oh to be successful. / Is to reach my goal to be a photographer. / My important dream is to be a police officer. / I help with cancer. Please at least help me visit the little kids with cancer. / My dream is to become a pediatrician. / Is travel the world. / To follow my hope and dream in my future. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I think I learned to don’t give up. / To have courage. / Take my own decisions. / Respect my choices. / Respect my choices. / To not give up. / Respect my choices. / Say I hope for it. / Is to keep trying no matter what. / Have hope or courage to help others. / Pass school. / Is to have confidence. / Courage. / I learn to tell or talk to a teacher about me being bullied. / That I have confidence. / Is to have respect and responsibilities. / To work hard to reach to your goal. / To be responsible. / To work with people. / To never by shy and be confident with you. / People care about each other. / And to help people. / Help with stopping bullying. / Is to always stay up and don’t let nobody ruin my dreams. / I learned to never give up. / Is to get my goal and believe. / One thing I learned is that to be proud about ourself. / Be confident and be proud of yourself. / To believe in myself. / I learn that to help other and care about them too. / I haven’t reach my dream yet. / There is no right or wrong. / Don’t give up. Bring your goals up. / Do great in school and high school.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 94% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I already knew everything about me. / About the colors. / I can help others. / Help the people in bullying. / I didn’t know I was shy. / I should try harder. / I don’t have one. / Paint under the floor that everyone creates different stuff. / I learned that there isn’t a wrong answer. / Have courage, don’t be shy. / I have known everything about me. / I like colors. / About color. / I never knew that bullying is illegal. / That I’m nice. / I am much smarter and better than I think. / That I like to color or draw. / That I can be confident to speak in front of the class. / Do new stuff. / To never care of what you doing. / That color of the music. / To help each other. / To have courage. / That I can speak in front of people. / That I am very brave. / I learned about sharing being respectful. / I learned to be confident and talk in public. / That I can speak in front of others without being shy. / Courage. / I learn new about the color because I didn’t know now I do. / That I am weird person. / I have not being embarrassed a lot. / That I was learning new things. / To bully other is to lose your. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I saw some students aren’t really shy. / They are smart. / Respect, other. / Respect my friend and my family. / Respect my friend and my family. / That they can help you. / Respect childs. / About help us each other. / I learned that Jaime likes Dubstep. / That my friend is not shy anymore. / Their dream. / That they never give up. / That bully can be stop. / I learned about teamwork and have their backs. / That I’m cool. / Friends can also depend on each other. / Something I learned is that Candy is mean. / That everyone is scared of something. / To work with others. / That they weren’t shy. / Caring about each other and be respectful. / That you can be more than a friend, you can be a hero. / That some friends are trustworthy. / That he feared his dream about talking. / That we can overcome any obstacles. / To make friends and not be rude. / That most friends can be trustworthy. / That a classmate stood up for herself and spoke up. / That other people have fear and they don’t believe in their self. / I learn new is that caring about each other and do not judge other people. / They seem mean but don’t bully. / My classmate has family in other states. / That working as a group. / To what again to help, teach.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 25 young lives from Hamilton School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 10-14, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Confidence and respect. You will speak without being nervous. You won’t judge someone. Successful in career and less consequences. / A good social activity. Making new friends is a skill to apply in school. To prevent stereotyping is to not assume or judge people by the way they look. Citizenship could build character in my life. / Communicating an idea is important, in exercise, not judging. It helps in school because you need skills like that to get by. From judging people’s appearances. To not judge and respect people’s thoughts. / Communication skills. It would help us with getting new friends. It would prevent stereotyping because I would communicate with others and you wouldn’t stereotype. To tell people how you feel. Through the Hoops: Teamwork, courage. Helping each other. Courage to stand up and help. Taking risk. / Life, energy, and courage. Working with others. Stand up for yourself and others. Depend and trust peers. / Courage, goals, challenges, teamwork, energy. Even though there might be a challenge, you can always try. Courage to stand up for yourself. Skills to overcome an obstacle/challenge in your life. / Life energy, teamwork, challenges, courage. Using teamwork to help you do classwork. Getting through the challenge, standing up for yourself. Getting through all the obstacles/challenges in life.
Seeing Beyond: Respect, collaboration. Math, science, reading, and grammar/language arts. It will help me to follow through and my dreams. / Feeling, listening, and imagination. This would help us on mostly all the subjects. We could listen better and this helps us get confidence to people. / Our 5 senses, imagination, critical thinking, teamwork. To work together and to think. Easier to talk to people. / 5 senses, feeling, listening, imagination, collaboration. Science, math, reading, and writing. We would use our five senses to learn. If you don’t listen then you will not know what to do. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Memory, trust, and recognition. Remembering work, taking tests. Trust real friends to help out. Fix mistakes and be trusted. / Memorizing, trusting people with secrets and focusing. Working on esteem. Getting to understand people better. Social skills, preparing for a job and being independent, confidence. / To share and trust people around you, also memory. To remember and put into other people. To communicate. To be more open. / Recognizing fears, goal setting, memory, trust, and focus. We would set goals. We would use communication skills. Open up about our fears. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, courage, and encourage. To answer and something when you’re asked first time. Have confidence to speak up and to act. / Confidence, respect, courage, citizenship, trustworthy. Speaking up, helping others, and standing up. Jobs, promotions, and more money. / Confidence, courage. By speaking up. To have courage in groups. / Confidence, respect, courage, citizenship, trustworthy, encourage. Speak up when asked the 1 st time to make a fool of someone in a joking way. When you want respect give, have courage to act, speak up, have confidence to reach your dreams. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
When I first went to school and I was freaked and I know that all the kids were scared too. / When my mom took me to El Salvador where she is from. / I had ok grades my mom wasn’t very happy, then my sister’s grades were horrible and she made my grades ok. / When I broke my tibia bone and I went to the hospital after a while. It was fun to experience how to live with a wheelchair. / When I fell off my bike and opened my knew. Then I went to the hospital. It was fun. They gave me whatever I wanted. / Once I spinned to throw a football. Now if I spin I throw further. / I thought that when my brother got in trouble, I helped him with his work and behavior. / Well once I went to the store and a girl saw me with a mean face and later on she bumped into me again and told me something positive. / A couple years ago, my family and I moved houses. When I arrived at my new home, I was upset to leave my best friend. But through time I saw it as a positive and now I love my house. / When I had to accept more people living with us. It became fun because they weren’t so bad. / When I moved to Hamilton in 2 nd grade, I thought it was going to be bad. It turned out good. I have great friends and nice classmates. / When I went to Mexico last year I thought I was going to be a loner but I had lots of friends! / I went to move to new house. / When I go school, I think that the things are gonna go wrong but starts going great. / I was scared of heights but then kept on getting on high stuff and I stop getting scared. / I felt different. / One thing that I thought was negative was 8 th grade. I thought it was going to be hard, but now I know it isn’t as bad as it made it seem. / One day I didn’t want to go to school but then we went on a field trip. /
I was scared of heights and I didn’t want to go to the mountains and I got used to it. / One thing that I first thought that was wrong was going to school but I went learning more and school can change your life. / I thought that going to 8th grade was going to be bad but then it got better. / When I was in football I though people were talking about me. But more later people weren’t talking about me say I am so good and stuff and I was happy. / I thought having a little sister would be extra work and harder but now she’s helpful and pretty cool. / Well when I was about to start my soccer game and the girls on the other team had an attitude and then I got mad and they were nice, so I got happy. / I was scared going to MDA camp, but later on I was really happy because I made lots of new friends. / I have to finish school to be successful. / I thought my school was going to be wack but now not really. / My life is negative. But some time is not. / When moving to this school knowing nobody and then the teacher introduced me to the class and I made friends. / I thought that school sucked a lot but when I went to school, it got way better. / When I was moving schools to Hamilton, but then later on I made friends and made 3 best friends. At first I was scared of not making friends. / I felt really happy because I have gotten life skills due to this program and I’m able to think more positive. Color: Strong foundation, creativity. Focus on subjects. See things differently/same. Truthfulness, responsibility. It would help you by showing who you are and represent. On working together and trusting people on their job. / Teamwork, fairness. To work together. Be fair and nice. / Having a strong foundation. Reminding yourself of what you have. To be a strong leader. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: I learned to have courage and respect. But to respect you need to respect yourself. To speak up and act without peer pressure. / That we can be confident in ourselves. / We all can be artistic. / That we have the courage to do something.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc ® Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Hamilton Schools %Male 56
%Female 44
Dates: November 10-14, 2014
Ages 12-14
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 70 %NO 22 %Other 8 Post %YES 87 %NO 9 %Other 4 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 26 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 18 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 31 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 44 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 27 % All the Time 73 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 57 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 26 % Leader 74 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 39 % Leader 61 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 35 % No 65 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 70 % No 30 Did you do anything? % Yes 52 % No 31 % No Answer 17 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I forget. / No we did not talk about bullying. / Respect myself. / Speak out. / Tell a teacher when someone is getting bullied. / I learned that telling others will stop bullying. / I learned about the colors on songs. / I learned that I can be trusted. / To stand up for other people. / To stand up for yourself. / Help others when they’re being bullied. / Speak up. / Just to tell someone. / It is very fun to learn. / It helps want to speak and help them. / Stand up for myself. / I learned all kinds of character traits. / Don’t be scared of them. / The way to judge people on the way they dress. / Stand up for yourself. / Confidence. / I learned that character counts. / Speak up. / Don’t be scared. / Be caring. / To have confidence to stand up. / It help a lot. / Not to judge. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 96 % No 0 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: I would try to help that person. / Yes I will defend them. / Defend them. / They might not be brave. / I will go tell a teacher. / Yes because those kids can’t defend themselves. / Sometimes. / I would do something. / Because everybody should be treated equally. / I would stand up for them. / Help them. / I would find help. / I would defend them. / Nobody wants to be bullied. /
I would so wouldn’t feel alone and scared. / I would help. / I will help them out once I see it. / Tell the teacher or get help. / I would do something because bullying is bad. / Because they might be afraid to stand up for themselves. / Stop it. / I would go up to the person being a bully and tell him to stop. / Try to stop and act. / I would stop it. / Don’t let anyone bring you down. / I’d tell them to stop. / yes because that’s not right. / Because they are equal to you. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 96 % No 4 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Only to listen to myself. / Yes I will now always make my own decisions. / Don’t let anybody choose for me. / Express myself. / To speak up. / Yes because you get to make your decisions. / To have caring and trustworthiness. / Because it helped me. / Yes I did learn skills. / I learned to respect my own decisions. / Make your own decisions. / To follow through. / I’m more confident on my opinion. / Many skills. / No because my mom taught me all of this. / Don’t let anybody choose for us. / I did learn respect but I don’t have problems with others with respect. / Think come. / Citizenship and trustworthiness. / Don’t listen to others. / Respect for yourself. / I learned respect and I would make my own decisions on peer pressure. / To respect and courage. / I really did. / Because peer pressure wasn’t involved. / To respect my opinions. / Yes I did. / Teach other people. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color is important. / Lime green because it’s bright. / I don’t know. / I think it’s something that makes people. / The color I like is blue because it is cool. / Color is the way you express yourself. / I think color is important because it might be flavors of your favorite color. / I don’t know what color is. / Yah, I thought about my favorite color and thought about different ones. / It sometimes is it depends on the situation. / Colors can affect your mood. / Never I have. / Color is the way you express yourself. Yes I have. / There is no color. Everybody is the same inside. / Color can affect you and it means a lot. / Everyone is equal. We might look different but inside we’re all the same. / It is important. / I have thought about color and I think that it depends on the situation. / I think all colors are decoration without a meaning. / My personal opinion is that it doesn’t really matter because everyone is equal and everyone should be treated the same. / Black cuase it’s a cool color. / Color means decoration to me. / No I have not. / No I never thought about color. Post: It can be any color you want. / It’s art. / They are cute. / I think it’s cool. / Color can be music and art. / I learned that color will make you feel better. / That if how the music sounds that how the color change. / I learned about the traits in color. / I learned that color means feelings. / Color is the way you are feeling, the mood you are in. / Respect everyone or anything at all times. / Color can. / That we could work together. / That color can represent sometimes moods. / That it show you people’s emotion and feelings. / I still think they are just decoration. / I learned that color is like your character. / That color represents different things. / That color is everywhere. / It is important. / Color comes in many different ways. / Color is how you respect yourself. Color helps you describe how you’re feeling. / That you can see it different not as just another color. / It makes everything better. / Color is just color. / Color can be based on mood/anything. / Yes it makes you what color is for. / It expresses people’s feeling.
My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 96% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to pass high school and go to college. / Cook. / I don’t know. / Take off my cast!!! / My most important dream is to go to college. / Is to become a nurse/surgeon and go to college. / I think dream is most important because they could come true one day. / I want to become a football player. / To have better grades. / Is becoming a doctor and helping others. / My most important dream is to go to college and help my family out. / My dream is to be a racer. / My hope or dream is to be a doctor. / Hope: to be successful. Dream: become a nurse. / To be successful and make my family proud. / My dream is to become a successful lawyer. / I don’t have one. / My most important hope is to get into college and graduate. / Be a paleontologist. / My most important dream is to graduate and do something good in life. / To be a singer. / My most important dream is to finish my education and become a soccer player. / Being a soccer player. / My most important dream is to become a soccer player. Post: To be a chef. / Undercover cop or gamer designer. / Our color. / To be successful. / My most important dream is to finish middle school. / My most important dream is to go to college. / To have a good life and a good job when I grow up. / Is to be a race car driver. / To become a game designer. / To go to college, become a surgeon/doctor. / My dream is to become a successful lawyer. / My most important dream is to be a nurse to go to ASU. / Is being a pro football player. / I hope I become a nurse. / Is to become a doctor and help others. / Goals. / Is to become what I hope will be and I will try my best to accomplish it. / Is go to college and complete my goals. / My most important dream is becoming a soccer player. / Go to college. / Graduating from college. / Is to be a doctor. / Hope: to be successful and achieve. Dream: to become a nurse. / Is to be a FBI agent and make my mom a house to live in. / Is becoming a police officer. / To make my family proud. / To become a doctor. / To be a journalist. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To be citizenship and responsibility. / Cuz I didn’t really pay attention. / To help other. / Express my feelings. / One thing I learned in the workshop that will help me with my dreams are respect. / Never give up even if people say you can’t do it. / Respect, caring, trustworthy. / One thing I learned that helped me reach my dreams is to always be truthful. / To never quit on your dream. / To have courage to reach/follow my dream. / Respect others, take responsibility, and make sure others know you’re trustworthy. / There are obstacles that I can fight. / Is respect people. / To never give up on my dreams and goal. / To pay attention to my work and to be responsible. / Never give up. / Is in order to reach my goal is to show all my respect, careness, fairness. / Fairness. / One thing I learned in the workshop to reach my dream is to not give up. / Is to have courage. / Confidence in myself. / The thing I learned was citizenship. / That there will be hoops and if you can’t pass them to find a new direction. / Never give up, go a different direction. / Being myself. / To be more confident. / Is my citizenship. / Have people help you not with everything though.
What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 91% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I am brave. / I didn’t listen. / Responsibility. / I learned that I am really loud. / Something new I learned in the workshop was respect, responsibility. / I learned that I could be able to trust people. / I kind of knew everything the things they teached. / Something new I learned that I did not know about myself. / That I could stand up for others. / That I have the courage to follow my dreams. / I can find a way to help others when they need help. / I can now sometimes speak up if I try. / That I could work together. / I learned that it’s fun to paint. / That I need to let everyone help like in teamwork. / To be responsible. / I didn’t know that color changes in different ways. / Nothing. / What I learned new about me is that I am trustworthy and I didn’t know that before. / I am caring and I help others. / Color is everywhere. And it is even in people. / I learned that I could talk in front of a crowd of people. / That I can actually speak up if I want to. / I have confidence. / I am who I am because that’s who I am. Don’t let anyone change you. / I can talk louder. / About respect I guess. / I don’t have to be shy all the time. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 96% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They are nervous. / I didn’t listen. / To be respect. / How they feel. / Treat your friends with respect. / I learned that they’re respectful and caring. / How colors change. / That they will always be helpful to you. / They are really happy for this. / I learned that my friend wants to become a doctor and that I could trust them. / Similar fear. / Some friends have similar things like the fear of height. / That they wre a good friend to me. / That she also loves to paint. / That they don’t want to feel as if they are not being heard. / Some of their fears. / I learned that it is good to work together. / That we all different. / I learned that a classmate was afraid of heights. / That they are afraid of some things. / That they are good people. / I learned new about my classmate or friends was that they could be respectful. / That they are risk takers and speak up when necessary. / They are not that much different. / They can be funny and play around too. / That they respect you if you respect them. / A lot I didn’t know there were so different from me! / They are very helpful.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 21 young lives from Kuban Elementary experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on December 8-11, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : No judging, teamwork, social, get to know others, stereotype. This skill will help accomplish more. Get to know would help would not judge people. People will like you as you are. / Socialize with other people. Make new friends. Because you will be able to know them better. It will make you a better person. / I learned how to do teamwork. We will be able to work with others. We’ll get to know each other and not judge. We’ll be able to work with people. / No judging, teamwork, social. Communicating with others. Get to know others better. Get along, jobs, building relationships. Creative Storytelling: Confidence, not being shy, being brave. Not being stage fright. You could stand up for yourself. People will know your ideas. / Having confidence for standing up and talking. We won’t be afraid of talking to teacher. By being confident in bullying the person being bullied will be confident and tell someone older to help. We will be confident in jobs and not be nervous and have positivity. / Communication, teamwork, public speaking. You use them by talking with teachers/friends. By help others and talking to the people bullied. People will know you get act. / Critical thinking, confidence. Speaking in front of others. Sticking up for yourself. You won’t be shy.
Through the Hoops: Teamwork, trust, thinking. You will get along in school. Being straight up and speaking up. Study, get through obstacles and taking risks. / Trust people to pass you the hoop. It will help by trusting your classmates. By trusting your friends to be there for you. By trusting others in jobs or in life difficulties. / Trust. Teachers will give you trust. Trust someone that gots your back. Help people you start to know. / Teamwork, taking risks, obstacles. Going through obstacles and making good decisions. Being confident to tell the teacher. Making good choices and getting along with others. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Motivation, reflection, confidence, responsibility. Homework, being on time and on task. Not falling into lies, think before you do, and say no to drugs. Be successful, good choices. / Love yourself and to love all your perfect imperfections. Respect yourself and others. If someone tells you wrong, you will love yourself and won’t believe them. To learn to respect yourself and others. / Someone to encourage you. Someone to encourage you to do better in school. The person encouraging you can give you advice. They help me make good decisions. / Gaining confidence, being strong. When meeting others and doing a test. You won’t be shy in front of other people. Being confident when working with others and meeting them. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. When I look at myself in the mirror I think I look weird. / It makes me feel confident but also silly. / I felt weird and creeped out. / It makes me feel good and better. If I’m trying for something I need to do this so I like myself. / I think it make me feel great awesome. / Silly because I’m looking at myself. / It makes me feel good about myself. / It makes me feel good. / I like me the way I am. It makes me feel happy, loved. / It makes me feel important and it makes me feel proud to be myself. / It makes me feel more confident than I was before. / I like the way I look like and I would judge myself anymore. I feel very great to look at myself. / It makes me feel awesome. / It makes me feel confident even though I’m not the best looking kid. / It makes me feel good and dumb. / Great, thankful, beautiful, awesome. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel weird since I’m look at myself in the mirror and talking to myself. / Happy, excited. / It makes me feel confident about myself. Into who I really am. / It makes me feel happy. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? No hero. I would make my hero be strong and invisible. / Abel Tesfaye. His singing makes me express how I feel. I look for respectful, funny, and caring. / My hero is my dad. He is important because he’s the most generous dad ever. My characteristics or qualities that I will look for in a hero is fun, active and trustworthy. / Jesus is my hero cuz he gave me trust and hope. We don’t know how he looks like but I know he talks to me. / I think is Captain America because he’s the Captain of America. Because they’re grateful for our country. Captain America. / The weekend because he makes me express who I am. I think the weekend is important because he expresses who I am. Funny. Person who expresses their feelings, chill. / My mom because she’s always there and she’s the best. I look for loyalty, kind, helpful, and sharing. / My hero is my mom. Because she looks after me and takes care of me and help me every time. Nice, funny, respectful, helpful, and careful. / My mom, dad. I think because they made me and they are telling to what to do and not to do. They are helpful, loving, nice. / They support me in school and they do so many things for me. I look forward to a hero to be supportive and kind. / My parents. They are always there for me and love me. They make sure I have what I need. I love them. I think they are important because they love me. I look for them, making sure I am alright, and always give me what I need. / Family is my hero because they are there for me every day. They are important cuz they are there for you at all times. Something that I look is for them to have confidence just like that one person. / My dad is my hero. I think he is important because every day he makes me laugh and he tickles me a lot. I look for a caring and trustworthy hero. / My hero is important because without her I wouldn’t be here writing this sentence. In a hero I see a smart, strong, and brave person, like my mom. /
My favorite hero is Wonder Woman. I think they’re important because they’re intelligent and truthful. I look in them to be good and theirselves. / Mom is the best. I don’t know what to do when she is gone. I love her. She plays with me she is fun to be with. Because I feel calm when I am with her. How great she is. / No hero. / Sister. I think my sister is important because she helps me. I look for teamwork in a hero. / My dog. They are important because he’s been with me everyday I’m bored. If I didn’t have him I’d probably be bored to death. No judging, trustworthy, and caring. / They are helpful, careful, creative. My dad. / My dog is important to me because he’s always there for me. Trustworthy. / Skrillex. Because they make me happy! He is cool and awesome.
Seeing Beyond: Creativity, teamwork. Reading because you’re inferencing. Think of other options. / Honest, ability. Reading – citing evidence. We have to be honest on where we found our info. Help you get a job – responsible. / Honesty, instincts, science. Science helps us pay attention to nature. Being trustworthy. / Imagination, touch. History because the teacher can bring historical objects. How you can help the blind people and see how it feels to touch things. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Knowing people, socializing, confidence. People know what you like and don’t like. You have the wits to stand up to them. People get to know you. / Respecting others while they were talking. Respect teachers while they care. We won’t be afraid of the bully. Respecting people through work or life. / To follow our dream. You’ll do better in school to follow your dreams. You’ll not bully people to show good examples to everyone. It will show what you wanna be when you grow up / You’re never left behind. There’s people who have the same fears, hopes, and/or dreams. Maybe the bully that is messing with you has the same fear as you. You will get along with a lot of other people because you have things in common. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Caring, trustworthiness. You become more friendly. Be successful, help the world, people will be nice to you. / Care for others. Care for classmates and help them. To listen to people and help them out. / Help people. You’ll be helpful to the teachers and students. People might need help and we’ll help them and they’ll think we’re polite. / Caring and trustworthy. People and teachers will trust you and believe in you. You will be a caring person and worry about others. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I was caring when my parents got me a puppy. I was caring for him about a year and now he is big. / When I was playing soccer and someone drop my teammate and I pick him up. / One time I was helpful with my mom. I helped her do the dishes and afterwards that I helped her I felt great. / The trustworthy or caring and helped someone is when I saw someone get hurt. I helped and he said you are really trustworthy person. / I was caring to my sister because I helped her cook and wash the dishes. / The one nice thing I did is when I was walking back to Circle K to my home and I saw a homeless guy and I gave him a $50. / I helped my friend do his homework because he didn’t know how to do it and I did. / Trustworthy I had been trustworthy with my friends because they tell me secrets and I don’t ever say what they tell me only I keep to myself. / I was caring when my dad had a really hard day and I was caring about my dad cause he was tired/emotional. / I care for my family, also my dog. Last time my family grounded me and I did nothing. I went to where my dog was and she was hungry. My mom came outside and she said I am not grounded anymore. / I remember a time last year when my sister broke her nose and I had to help her to the nurse. It was kind of weird because it happened at school. / I was caring with my friend and he was upset and I told him it would be OK. He was happy that I was there to cheer him up. I felt happy that I was there to help him. / When I helped my brother on his math homework. I feel great when he gets it right. I love him so much. / When I helped that one person I was feeling trustworthy and helpful. I really really did feel like a responsible. /
One time I was being craing to my puppy. My puppy was hurt so I fed him and showed him a lot of love. Then he was happy. / A time when I was caring was when I was helping my dad put up the Christmas lights. / I was standing alone outside then someone came up to me and asked my opinion on something and instead I gave her advice and it helped her. I felt happy. / When my friend had problems at home, I comforted her and told her she could count on me. / I help this girl to go to the house while she was fainting and I help her. I love that girl like a sister so I ain’t going to leave her like that. / My friend was feeling sad and I made him feel better and happy. / A time I was caring was when my dog went missing. We couldn’t find her for 3 days and everyone was sad. We finally found her and we were happy. I was caring for her.
Yes/No: You could say no to bullies. You can make your decisions. You will have the ability to say no. You will be a confident person. Color: Makes you happy. Better attitude. A better student. / How to read others. Color is a chill work. It can be happy and sad. To have confidence. A color can represent your feelings. / Color can make you happy. To face the fears. To have responsibilities. / Colors could represent your emotions. You can show your emotions to others. You will be creative. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: Respect others, being more confident. I’d have more responsibility for myself and others. I’d be more caring to other people. / Everyone is different and unique. / To be trustworthy so people could have trust in you and be nice to everyone to work as a group for teamwork. / Be more respectful and caring for others.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc
®
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Kuban School %Male 48
%Female 52
Dates: December 8-11, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 43 %NO 52 %Other 5 Post %YES 86 %NO 14 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 14 % Sometimes 86 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 81 % All the Time 14 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 81 % All the Time 14 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 62 % All the Time 38 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 19 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 33 % No Answer 0 Post % Not at all 19 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 28 % No Answer 5 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 29 % Equal 43 % Leader 24 % No Answer 5 Post % Follower 24 % Equal 43 % Leader 33 % No Answer 5 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 52 % No 48 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 71 % No 29 Did you do anything? % Yes 52 % No 38 % No Answer 10 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 86 % No 14 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Stand up to your self. / To be kind to them even if they are not with you. / To get help. / I learned that you have to stand up to them. / Don’t be shy. / Respecting others. / I must not be shy and stand up to people. / Confidence to stick up for myself. / How they deal with the bully. / To stand up to them. / Kind of. / To stand up to bullies and don’t believe what they say you are. / To stand up to bullies. / To be trustworthy and help others. / No because not everyone could help you. / Respect and never be quiet of bullying. / Just don’t be shy. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 90 % No 5 % No Answer 5 Thoughts Shared: I would tell them to stop. / I might, depends what it is. / I would tell the teacher if someone is being bullied. / I would tell the teacher if someone was getting bullied. / I would stick up for them. / I would have don’t it before. / If I were being bullied I would want someone to know as well. / Stick up for them. / I will do something to stop it. / Only if I can. / I would tell an adult. / To help them out. / I’ll have their back. / Tell him to stop. / I would stick up for them. / IDK cuz they might bully you. / I would. / I will tell them to stop.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 81 % No 19 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Responsibility means caring. / To help people that are in trouble. / I believe to make my own decisions but depending on what. / Go with my own decisions. / I already respect my decisions. / I need to be confident and learn what is right and wrong. / I will respect myself and not let anybody tell me what to do. / I will not listen to them. / I learn how to respect others. / Not really because I want to fit in and people bully me a lot. / Because I’m strong. / To get help of someone older when you fall in peer pressure. / Don’t be rude and do things right. / Yes I do. / Yes I did. / To not be shy. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 86% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think of all the colors. / I think of crayons and art. / I think it’s what the world’s made of. Gray (my favorite color) is the color of my favorite animal (wolf). / It’s OK about it. I don’t really care. / I like black cuz it’s not a good thing to do black it good for sines. / Crayons. / Skin color. / Skin color. / No because that is racist. / Color pencils. / Pink – weak. / Beautiful, colorful, ugly, not fancy. / Purple for happy. / I think color is like color blue, red, green, purple, orange, pink, and gray. / A color pencil. / I think color is bright. A world without color is boring. / Blue I think that it is a cool color and I like it a lot. / I think all the color. / Blue makes me feel positive in any mood. / I think of a rainbow. / I feel green is chill. / I think colors mean something and no I have never thought about colors. Post: Color means something in you. / When I think about color, music comes to my mind. / Colors are really beautiful things. / Citizenship. / I think color is bright. / Color is what defines everything. / What I think about color is it makes me feel like playing video games. I learned it makes you unique. / I think of bright dreams and hope. / Colors could represent emotion. / Colors makes me feel happy. / That it is cooler. / Colors mean something. / Beautiful, creative, wonderful, cool. / Colors are feelings. / I think color is sad, happy, chill. / I think that color expresses your emotions. / Rainbow. / Black cuz it make you feel inside only. / About color blue is respect. / It represents something fair. / Rainbow. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 81% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I always want to be with my family and become a makeup artist and hair stylist. / To have a red friend. / My most important dream is to work at the CDC. / I dream going back to Mexico. / I think I don’t have a good dream at all. / Be a successful cosmetologist and nurse. / Soccer. / Soccer. / So. / Is to become a vet and go to Paris. / My most important hope or dream is to go to Seattle, Washington. / To go to high school and college. / When I grow up, I want to become firefighter. / To help people. / When I grow up I want to become a secret spy in the FBI or in the CIA. / My dream is to be famous. / I want to be with my family. / My dream is to make my own brand of subwoofers. / Move to New York. / My dream is to be a professional basketball player. / I don’t have one.
Post: I would say dream. / My most important dream is to become an artist. / Is to be a police and protect the law. / My most hope or dream is to be someone in life. / My dream is to become a FBI agent, secret spy, or in the CIA. / To be with my family and go to Paris. / My most important dream is working at the CDC. / My most important dream is to accomplish my goals. / To go to New York and become a vet. / Going to night school. / To be famous and have a big house and also have money. / My most important hope or dream is to help others and to make my dream come true. / Is to become a mechanic. / To share respect, love, and hopes with the world. / To see my sister and go to Paris! / Is to finish college and be a football player. / To become a professional cosmetologist and nurse = dream. / To help my family and friends go through bad times. / To be a soccer player. / Hope and dream but mostly hope. / Want to be famous. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: It’s going to help me be successful in life. / Being a better person. / Is to be following the respect, trustworthy, caring, responsibility, fair, citizenship. / I learned can’t ever give up on myself. / To never give up. / One thing is always try to make important choices that are right. / One thing I learned is never give up to reach my dream. / To have confidence in myself. / To be caring and trustworthy. / Is that I will not give up on my dreams. I will have no fears. / Is to stand up for yourself. / To not stop hoping and to not give up. / Keep trying and to never give up. / To be confident in myself. / I learned to never give up and that my opinion counts. / To be respectful and help others. / Of being nice to others. / To help others. / Respecting others and trusting. / To not be shy. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Citizenship. / Yes I did. I learned to respect and ask polite things. / People who have the same fears as me. / To face your fear in everything. / I learned that I have more talent than I think. / I could speak more better in front of others. / I learned that I should be myself and unique. / I learned that I can be more confident and less shy. / That I have common fears with other people. / I can reach my dreams. / That my fear is losing someone I care about. / I have confidence and bravery. / Respect. / I felt more confident and trustworthy. / I’m confident. / To be confident in myself and don’t be shy. / That my opinion counts. / How shy I really was. / To be trustworthy to people you don’t like. / Be respectful. / Citizenship. / That I am shy to talk. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 95% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Respect. / I learned new things about my classmates. / They have the same fears as me. / That you should be confident. / That some of them may or may not have things in common with me. / Dayann lost her brother. I feel bad for her. / I learned some have the same fear as I do. / I learned that everyone has something in common. / I learned that Marilin is scared of snakes. / They dreams, they hope, and they fears. / That they are caring and they do a lot of teamwork. / That they have friends. / I didn’t learn anything from them. / I learned to respect and to help out. / I learned that a lot of people are afraid of losing loved ones. / That one of my friends has been bullied and I’m gonna have her back. / That they’re afraid of snakes. / What they were afraid of. / The way they shared the comments to others. / To not bully. / Fair is you have to share. / That some are shy and some are not.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 23 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on December 8-11, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Leadership, trust, teamwork, confidence. Learning to accept others. If you know how to work together, you will learn to accept others. It would let us communicate with people who are different than us. / Confidence, honesty, respect, trust. Make friends, homework, full sentences, raise hand. Accepting others, make people feel comfortable. This skill will help me in life because I will be trusted in a job. / Trustful, respectful. To be nice to each other. Respecting and not grouping. They will trust you. / Equality, trust. It will help us work together with others. Allow us to give second chances. It would help develop social skills and trust others. Creative Storytelling: Communication, teamwork, confident. You need to communicate and your teacher. Standing up for yourself or one another. It will help me to speak different language to different people. / Confidence, responsibility, trust. Raising hand, speaking in front of class, turning in homework. It would help because you can go up and that bully something. It would help me be a better person. / Having teamwork and confidence. When you are presenting to the class. You would have the confidence to ask a teacher. When you’re talking to strangers. / Confidence, leadership, communication. It would apply in school because you have to communicate with others while working. It takes a leader to say something. Because it can build up my confidence so I’ll be able to speak in front of people.
Through the Hoops: Connection, trust, problems. Interfering with people’s lives. People have issues. Helping other people with their problems. / Connection, trust, teamwork. Study for test, group work. Help each other in difficult situations. It’s make things easier. / Teamwork, leadership, connection. Group work, don’t be a follower. Stand up for other people. Other people helping each other. / Friendship, trust, leadership. To help organize. To step up to help. Trust people to go your own way. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Reliable, pride, wisdom, trustworthy. You will be trust with more work. It will help me say the right thing. It will help me build up confidence. / Pride, courage, responsible. Doing homework, behave. Stand up for yourself. Making friends, success. / Responsible, courage, trust. To stand up to front of the class. To not be shy. Accomplish things. / Pride, courage, responsible. You will be responsible. Courage because you trust yourself. Pride will help you accomplish your dreams. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. I felt proud of being me. / I love myself. / It makes me feel courageous for what I do. / It makes me feel beautiful. / Confidence, trustworthy, compassionate. / Confident, pretty proud of myself. / Good. / Strange, weird. / Weird, embarrassing. / Awesome, cool. / Great! / Weird. / Weird. / Good. / Happy. / It makes me feel good. / Excited. / Positive, confident. / Makes me feel confident about myself. / It makes me feel like a leader, fierce, brave. / Good and happy. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Dad. My dad is my hero because I know he is strong and supportive in any way he could and he would give his life for me. Because he is my dad and I know he is there in whatever choice I make. Strong, heroic, fine looking, hard working, fights for what is right. / My mother because she showed me that there will be difficulties in life and we have to get through them and never give up. Responsibility, respect, wisdom, kindness, leadership. / Bruce Lee. He gives really responsible speeches. I want them to be grateful for what they’ve done. / My mom. I think my mom is important because she is my birthgiver. She helps me when I’m feeling down. I look for a big heart. My birthgiver has a huge heart. / My aunt. She is amazing. She takes me everywhere shopping, decorating her house. She lets me hold her baby. Because she is my role model. Trustworthy, caring, fairness. / August Alsina. He is a singer. He is really cute. I look in forwarding to meeting him. Because he does caring things for others. Caring, respectful, positive. / Cassandra. She hard working. Helping poor people. / Mom. / My dad and mom. / Parents. Give you spirit. They help me a lot. / My mom. They care about me and she is a hard worker. Hard worker. / Parents. They work hard. Pride. / Brother. Because he is responsible. / Mom and dad. Because they are always helping me. Respect, honor, trust, caring, fairness, and responsibility. / Albert Einstein. I believe Albert Einstein is important because he made the world realize there is more than one way to think. The qualities I look for in a hero are leadership, confidence, and courage. / Fabiola Villa. She is very intelligent and is always positive about herself. Them to be a leader and has to be a hard worker. / Dad. He is the one that took care of me. / My hero is my dad. Because he teaches me a lot of important values. / My mom cause she is strong and because she works hard and is just awesome. Because they are special to me. I look for trustworthy, honesty and braveness and fake braveness. / Jesus. Because he is somewhat the heart and soul of the world and he’s a fierce leader. A leader, smart, and capable of anything. / Cousin Andres. Smart. Courage.
Seeing Beyond: Imagination, details, honesty. Details to make things sound and seem more real. Math, writing, reading. / Senses, imagination, honest. Science, reading, math, story problems, expressing yourself. Motivate yourself and others. / Trust, imagination. Writing, science, math, reading, accomplishment. Reading something without pictures. Word problems in math projects. / Honesty, trust, patience. Honest on test, trust your gut and help you not to give up. If you’re honest, people will reward you. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Confidence, remembering, creativity. Help you talk in front of crowds. Stand up for the other person. Show you appreciation. / You’re not alone, confidence. Having friends, confidence. Stand up for yourself. Not afraid. / Trust, honesty, courage. People will trust you. Teamwork. When presenting something. / Social skills. By participating in class. To stand up to a bully. To able to work to others. To able to work to others. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, persistence, trust. Standing up for one another. You have to trust people to help you. / Perseverance. If we keep studying we can do better in a class subject. Not to give up and keep trying. / Patience. To wait in line. When saving up money. / Brave, courage. Reading in front of others. Public speaking and being more responsible. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
I helped a kid get up when he fell. / When me and my friend got in a fight but became sisters. / One time was when I saw a kid being bullied and then I told a teacher and the kid being bullied became friends. / I lost my dog and I got a turtle. / I was once got in trouble when I was at my house for forgetting my dentist appointment and so I was really late (I thought). / Once I fail a test in my favorite subject and I thought this would bring my final grade to a zero. The good thing was that I learned nothing is perfect. / One time I found a puppy on the streets and I picked him up because I felt bad and I took him to my house and me and my mom found his owners. They were happy and I was too because if that was my puppy I would be grateful that somebody found my puppy. / When I lost my shoes and I got new ones. / It was one time when I was getting bullied until this kid came by and the kid told the bully something. So then me and him became best friends. / When I was smaller, I didn’t think playing games was easy until I grew up. Now I’m a total gamer. / A few days ago I forgot my writing assessment and no one was home so there was no way I could get it but the teacher was not there so I got one more day to turn it in. / Well I would feel really confused if I was to bully someone and thought it was positive but then in the future I eventually changed. I would feel confused and guilty. / Coming to Garcia Elementary. I thought I wasn’t going to make any friends but I’ve made a lot of friends through the years. / I got in trouble for running. Then I realized how. / I was going to the ice cream truck and I was running and I bump into somebody and spill his ice cream cone. I had a dollar to go buy one so I gave the dollar to that person. / When I lost my dog but I found a new one.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc ® Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 51
%Female 49
Dates: December 8-11, 2014
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 79 %NO 17 %Other 4 Post %YES 92 %NO 4 %Other 4 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 30 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 43 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 39 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 39 % All the Time 57 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 26 % No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 39 % All the Time 57 % No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 43 % Leader 53 % No Answer 4 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 47 % Leader 53 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 57 % No 43 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 91 % No 9 Did you do anything? % Yes 29 % No 71 % No Answer 4 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Being trustworthy for. / Self-confidence. / Everyone has something in common most of the time. / I learned to release my fear. / I can now face up to bullies. / To stand up for others. / I learn that you can be brave and stand up. / By having courage. / I learned to stop it. / Helping others. / Everybody is equal. / To have confidence. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 91 % No 0 % No Answer 9 Thoughts Shared: Tell them to stop. / I would stand up for them. / No one deserves that kind of meanness no one should. / It’s helping. / I would stop it. / If I was in that situation I would want them to help me too. / I would stand up for them and defend. / By telling the teacher. / Stop it. / Tell a teacher. / I would stand up for them. / I would stand up for them.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 96 % No 0 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: Fairness, responsibility. / I learn to respect my decisions. / It’s important to have trust. / Ignore. / It’s bad. / To say no when people ask me to do something wrong. I could say no. / By being responsible. / To respect others and my decisions. / Like never to be scared. / Help people. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 74% Post 87% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No. I have never thought about color. / When I see color I think of a person. Every person has a unique “personality” (color). / Personality. / I think it’s pretty normal. I treat everyone equal. And no I haven’t. / No, because everyone is a human. / I believe color shouldn’t matter because anything or anyone is unique. / A rainbow because it’s colorful. / When I think of the color blue I think of peace. I don’t really think of color just my favorite song. / I don’t think about life/mother nature. / When I see red I think of love. When I see black I see people who are racial. / I don’t think color matters. Because what counts is what they are like inside. / Sometimes color express you. / I never thought about color. / I think of amazing. / The water because my favorite color is blue. / Friendship. / I think color is life. / What I think color is it expresses feelings and other emotions. / I think that they are the same as us and equal. / I think color doesn’t matter. No. / I think it’s awesome. / I think of personality. / What I think of when it comes to a color is a chimpanzee. Post: Everything is not based on color. / I still believe color is unique. / I treat everyone the same. / I learned that color is based on sound. / Color is equal. / Color doesn’t matter. / Color means different things. / That all colors are different. / Awesome. That it could be bright or dark. / Yes. / Songs have it. / I don’t think color matters. / I think it’s life. / I learned. / Color means different things. / Rainbow! / Different songs have different colors. / Equal. / All color is equal. No difference. / Color can define things. / Everybody can be different and still mean something. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 96% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is becoming a professional soccer player. / To be good in life. / Is to meet August Alsina. / My most important hopes and dreams are to graduate from college and have a good job. / To do great at school and pass high school. / My most important dream is to go to MIT. / Is to become an engineer. / Is to become a lawyer and make my mom and dad proud by graduating from school. / To create one. / I want to accomplish my dream of being an architect and learning that things will cross my way to stop me from pursuing my dreams. / Is to work and get a car and a house. / Help my friend through her problems. / Is to be a vet. / To have a good job. / To be a football player. / My most important hope is to go to college. / What my favorite dream is to become a professional football player. / My important dream is to be a police. / Is become a doctor. / To go to college. / To be successful. / My most important dream is to make it to the military.
Post: Be respectful to my sister. / My dream is to finish college. / To finish through college. / Is to graduate college. / My dream is to be a professional baseball player. / To work. / To have a big house. / Is to make my parents proud, get a house, car, and become a lawyer. / To become a doctor. My most important dream is a vet. / To become a professional football player. / Is to graduate high school and college. / Completing college. / College. / Is to follow my dreams and have a good job. / Go to college. / Is to go to college. / To go to college. / Being successful. / To follow my dream and become either a nurse or architect. / Is dream. / Is to go to college and have a great life. / To get married. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Fairness. / I learn self-confidence. / I know now that friends are important. / To be positive and don’t give up. / Ignore judgment. / Respect. / Never stop believing in myself. / To never give up and think positive. / Is courage. / To stay true to myself. / Persevere and never give up. / Responsible. / No right or wrong answer. / Become positive and be a good person. / Is to not give up and have courage. / Is to respect and be trustful. / To have courage. / Character. / To never ever give up on myself. / Confidence. / To be respectful and myself. / Confidence. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 87% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I can trust everyone. / I learn I can speak well among my classmates. / It’s not bad to express yourself. / No. / No wrong or right answers. / I have confidence. / Proud of being me. / That I am a really outgoing person. / That I am not alone. / I can speak out loud. / My dream and hopes. / I’m awesome. / I have hopes. / To help other when getting bullied. / That I know how to express myself. / If you respect yourself, you respect everybody. / Being creative. / I am not the only one. / I had so much courage and confidence. / I’m not afraid. / That I’m beautiful no matter what. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 91% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They are respectful. / I learn many of my friends have the same fear. / We all have many things in common. / Yes. / Help. / That all are equal. / Stand up for another. / That we should always be kind and not judge anyone. / That they want to work at NASA. / That some of them has the same fears as me. / Most people have stolen something. / They have the same fear as me. / I’m not the only one. / Not be embarrassed. / That they have stuff I common with me. / They learned to respect. / They are creative. / They are kind of the same. / They had problems just like me. / Same fears. / That they can trust me.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Matching Grant, 30 young lives from Sullivan Elementary experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on December 11-18, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-15. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Respecting each other. Respecting other students. By respecting how people look. Teamwork, communicate. / Communication, confidence, get to know each other. Have more confidence. Not going to put tags on each other. Talk to other people, believe in yourself. / Communicating. Help us learn. Just looking at it. Respecting people. / Outgoing, social, honest. Talking to other student, tell the truth. Not judging for your look. You would be known as an honest person. Creative Storytelling: Details, thinking, helping. Helping people learn. It could stop bullying. By thinking and helping others. / We learned have respect. To learned more and respect. To help to stop the bullying. The hero is going to respect the person. / Getting confidence, teamwork. Guiding you through process. Help you on character traits, distribute. Help you what to expect. / Respect, fairness, trustworthy. It would help in school by being able to respect and trust others. It would help and improve character. It would help you be able to use all 6 of the character count pillars.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Through the Hoops: Trustworthy, citizenship, responsibility. You do your work. You try to solve the problem. It helps because you have a lot of problems. / To help people and trust. To trust the students. To trust the people and tell to stop bullying. To trust some of people. / Teamwork, trust. Respectful to others, communicate. Working as a team to figure it out. / During the game we showed trustworthiness by trusting others. It shows that we can use teamwork to solve problems together. Help show others that you are someone who can count on. It would apply in life by showing that we can overcome obstacles just by gong through them. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Respectful, responsible, and citizenship. It helps so you could know more people. It calms you. It helps with people. / Confidence, responsibility. Learning, test. Make good decisions. Respect yourself. / Character traits. Speaking in front. Know what to do. Build up maturity. / We learned how to use the 6 pillars of character. Being able to respect others and showing fairness. It would help by being able to overthink the situation and go with what is right. By being able to have a better life in the future. Seeing Beyond: Senses, details, mystery, description. Math, science, word problems. You get to know someone or something. / Details, mystery, descriptions, collecting data. Social studies, you find more details. Better at communicating, respectful, descriptive, patient. / Sense information, details. Writing, reading, grammar, science. Gives you more facts, better educations. / Senses, questions, details, describe. Math, reading, writing to collect all information. Helps you know more about something. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: We can achieve our goals. We can finish school to get to your dream. You can mature more, people won’t bully. I will be knowing responsible. / Yes to that we can make our dreams come true. To understand and help people. To confront them. Respecting others. / No fear, have fun, to open up. It will help by not being scared. Tell them how they feel. Stand up and help. / The skills and tools we use is to work as a team. By helping others. To help them out. To be a helpful person. Reflective Take Away Assignment: To help other people and to be responsible. To be nice and pass around good. To help you to the process. / Something new, to be brave in school. For not being scared in front of the class. To know what we’re gonna do in the future. / We learned how to open up, be confident. Help is the best way. You won’t be scared to follow your dreams. It would be applied when you’re in public speaking. / To achieve your goals. It’ll help you graduate. It’ll get you a good job. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: We learned we can get over our fears and our dreams can come true. / I like how to respect other and be responsible to others and in school and help people that have courage in themselves. / We will be more respectful, helpful, responsible, and have no fear. We will stand out and listen and express our feelings. / That we are all helpful people and we can help anyone for anything.
RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc ® Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 33
%Female 67
Dates: December 13-18, 2014
Ages 13-15
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 70 %NO 29 %Other 7 % No Answer 3 Post %YES 67 %NO 23 %Other 10 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 40 % Sometimes 47 % All the Time 13 Post % Not at all 20 % Sometimes 53 % All the Time 27 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 47 % All the Time 30 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 53 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 13 Post % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 30 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 7 % Equal 37 % Leader 56 Post % Follower 3 % Equal 33 % Leader 64 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 23 % No 77 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 76 % No 17 % No Answer 7 Did you do anything? % Yes 67 % No 23 % No Answer 10 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 87 % No 10 % No Answer 3 Thoughts Shared: No se mal tartar a los ninos. / IDK. / To be respectful. / Tell them to stop bullying kids. / To help others. / Asking why they are being a bully. / You can respect others the way you wanna be treated. / I don’t know. / Stand up. / Yes I learned not to bully. / IDK. / To help the person. / To annoy them. / I learned that I should do what I believe what’s right and to stand up for my choices. / To stand up for yourself. / To stand up for yourself. / No I didn’t learn nothing in bullying. / Tell them to stop. / You help to stop bullying. / Respecting others. / How to respect others. / We can help end it. / To pass on character traits and to not be a bystander. / It was when we all drew pictures. / Yes because bullying have to stop. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Esto esta mal. / Tell someone. / I would let someone know. / I will get help or tell them to stop. / I would help them. / I would tell the teacher. / I would stop it because it is the wrong thing to deal. / Help them. / I would help stop and confront him. / I would help them. / I would tell them to stop. / So that can get bully. / Because I wouldn’t like for someone to be bullied. /
I would go and stay stop. / I would go and say stop. / Yes I would help them out. / To tell the fighting would solve the problem. / Yes but they won’t stop. / Stop and talk to them. / Yes I would. / Yes I would try to help. / It’s not good to bully. Help out. / It is important to stand up bullies. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Respeto. / I learned all 6 character pillars. / Respect others as they respect you back. / I learned to work with others. / I could control it. / Because I can’t think it really fast. / I make my own. / Help out. / Yes I learned to respect all the people. / I think how you feel. / I should do what’s right, not what others think. / To believe in yourself. / To believe in yourself. / I learned respect to others. / So we could end peer pressure. / Because others have did decisions. / Yes I learned a lot of skills. / Yes to express what you’re feeling. / To not listen to others, respect your own decision. / Responsibility. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 40% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color doesn’t matter. We are all the same. / No never. / No I haven’t and to have equal rights. / Blue. / Blue. / Purple. / Red. / Purple. / Pink. / Yes is a color like red. / I have think of a color. Blue. / No. / Red. / I have never thought about color. / No I never thought about color. / I don’t judge people. / Nah. / No. / No. / Blue because is the color of the sky. / Nah. / I think they are pretty shapes. / I do not judge by color. / Yes. / Yes, pretty shades. / It nice I guess. / Nothing and no. / No. / No. / I don’t know. / No I haven’t and to have equal right. Post: Respeto. / Color is emotion. / To not judge by color. / Feelings and respect or help other. / That it helps you imagine things. / It is like it helps you. / It means emotions and they feel. / We like to do something else. / To have your favorite color. / Never be scared. / That we all have different feelings. / Being trustworthy. / To respect. / I think it cool. / Color represents emotions, music, and things you do in life. / It is really nice. / It whatever. / It whatever. / Pienso diferente. / Feelings. / Color expresses emotions. / Has a feeling. / Have fun with others. / I learned that all the colors are cool. / I’m wearing red because it’s my favorite color. / It was really nice. / It doesn’t matter, what matters is what’s inside a person. / Color is more of how it is. / IDK is going to be real. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 67% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: That my mom will get back on her feet. / To be a photographer and my mom can get back on her feet. / Building houses. / My dream is vet. / Study in college. / Army. / To have a good job. / Going to college. / I want to be a basketball player. / Me helping my mom when she old and taking care of her. / To become someone who is known. / Have my own clothing line. / To be a soccer player. / To be a doctor. / To be a soldier. / No. / To travel to London and live there. / My most important dream is to be a football player. / Is being a dentist and have more respect. / Be a someone in life. / Helping people that need it or Special Forces. / To be a doctor. / No. / No. / I don’t but maybe soon. / Make a phone company. / To get my brother out of jail. Post: Ser army. / To be successful in life. / To have a good work. / Being a football player. / To help little kids with their dreams. / Is to have a car. / My dream is to be a soccer player in Barcelona. / To
help my mom out with bills and with the payment. / Vet. / To help and protect people. / To become a professional UFC fight to help my mom. / To become a fashion designer. / To go to Paris. / Going to college. / My most important dream is being a dentist. / To be someone in life. / To be a vet. / To be a famous tattoo artist. / To be a teacher. / To be a medica forense. / To be a surgery doctor. / Arquitecto. / My most important dream is to finish college. / Helping little kids with their dreams. / Complete them. / To become a doctor. / Hanging with friends. / To go college and work as a helper on a hospital for kids. / Basketball. / To be successful. / To travel to London and possibly live there. Also be an amazing architect. / To become a football player. / IDK to make real. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Trabajar en grupo. / Being respectful. / To behave good. / Believe in yourself. / To stand up to myself and tell myself I could do it. / Is to make good choices. / To respect to help and speak out. / To be responsible with your education and I’ll be successful. / Not to be scared. / To work hard and study. / Be responsible and mostly respectful. / Talking to others to what to do. / To do a good job and help people that need it. / Never stop trying. / I learned how to respect. / To believe in myself. / To be helpful. / To never stop believing even though there might be problems you can overcome them. / To really do my dreams. / To believe in myself. / To believe in myself. / A trabajar en equipo. / One thing I learned in workshop to reach my dream is to speak in front of people. / To stand up to myself. / Follow my dream. / I can achieve my dream. / Talk to others. / To make good decisions. / To not give up. / To be confident through everything. / To do anything. Anything is possible as long as you put in effort. / Responsibility because it is important to reach your dream. / IDK to make real. Coming into the workshop, which Character Count did you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Thoughts Shared: Respeto. / Responsibility. / By reading the paper. / Responsibility. / Tell little kids not to bully and care about other. / It helped me to speak in front of the class. / Caring. It helped me because I helped some kid find a present. / Respect because others judge really fast. / It help me improve because mean kids don’t have certainty to have this. / To learn new stuff and being helpful and trustworthy. / I learn respect and how to use it not and in school not to be rude. / Yes because many kids don’t have a family to have this. / Help me to communicate. / By learning. / One thing the workshop help me by being more respectful. / To respect. / By getting help. / Respect. I learned how to listen to others and give them respect. / It helped me to be brave while speaking in front of others. / To learn more. / To learn more. / A trabajar juntos. / I wanted to get better at speaking in front of a lot of people. / That I face my fear to stand up to myself. / I would want to work on my caring. / Because I learned a lot. / To have courage. / To have courage and improve on teamwork. / always listen to people on improvement. / IDK play basketball respect. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 93% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Trabajar en grupo. / They’re nice. / To respect them and others. / I didn’t learn anything new about them. / That I love them just the way they are. They don’t need to change who they are. / That they are helpful. / I learned that Mario wants to be a UFC Pro. / How others feel and think. / They have different dream. / To be respectful and helping. / Fair is a big thing and it’s time to release it. / That we all need to respect and have courage yourself. / That everybody have different fears. / To be nice. / That they help their parents. / To be responsible and respect. / To help each other. / That we all have one or two things in common. / Everything. / To be friendly and nice. / To be friendly and nice. / Sus colores. / That they are not shy to speak. / I love them how they are. / A friend wants to be a doctor. / My friends fears. / To respect. / They are all unique in ways. / To not give up. / That some of us have things in common. / They all have character traits. / Many classmates have the same fear.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 18 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 5-8, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-12. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Creative Storytelling: A good actor, confidence, getting over embarrassment, being a responsible person. Work as a team. Be a responsible person. / Acting, teamwork, communication. Knowing other people. So you won’t be scared of others. Better work, education. / Confidence. Speaking in front of a group. Standing up to bullies. Helps you get a job. / Work together, follow directions. Getting smart, better grades. Work together to defend. Being confident, being smart. Through the Hoops: Co-op, teamwork, communication. Help one another. Communication with teacher. Communication with your fellow employees, be a better person. / Teamwork, communication skills. Working together to get things done. Get to know someone better. Making more friends. / Cooperation, teamwork. When teacher tells us to find a partner. Friends help deal with bullies. For friends could help us clean the room. / Teamwork, cooperation. Challenge, fun. Team against bullying. Have fun, teamwork, get things done in life.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Just because you are another skin color, you should still be treated the way you want to be treated. Confidence is important and yourself. / That you like yourself. Make friends, helps you learn. Stand up to the bully. You would be confident with yourself. / To care about your hero. To think and give your brain. / Learn to love yourself, confident. More respectful. Love yourself and your choices. More choices, believe in yourself. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. It makes me feel comfortable and safe one way. / I love myself. / Really good. / I love who I am and I don’t care what others say. / Weird, embarrassed. / It inspires me to keep moving. / She makes me so happy and she loves me. My gramma. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Because they save people. I would look for smart, big, tall, has cool super powers. / My uncle is the best uncle in the world. I love my uncle. Yes, my uncle is important because he was a police. Respectful, responsible, cool. / My mom. She’s my hero. I love her. She’s so nice to me and that’s why I love her and she is my hero. She is important because she is nice to me. Caring, lovely, and respectful. / Because they are cool and fun. Because she helps me and that is my hero. / My dad. He cares for others. / My mom. Caring, trustworthy. Because they’re my family. / She works hard and has five kids. / My grandma. Cuz she took care of me when my mom could not. Someone who would take care of me. / My step-mom. She care for me. She’s there when I need her. A caring person, nice, responsible.
Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: It doesn’t matter in what color, it’s in you can achieve it. Help us try harder. Know you’re going to do better than them. Be more responsible. / We learned that you have to tell your dream so later on you could accomplish it. To work hard. Because whatever is in your way doesn’t stop you from your dream. Cause you don’t know who is listening. / Nothing can stand in your way to accomplish your dreams. To finish a important test. It will help to deal with bullies. Help you be what you want to be. / No matter what you go through you can accomplish it. Do better, good grades. Stop bullying. Confidence to do better. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I was trustworthy with my cousin because I had a really personal secret and I didn’t trust her until I told her a secret and she never told no one. / When I helped my dad with the corral. / I gave $5 to the homeless.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 50
%Female 50
Dates: January 5-8, 2015
Ages 11-12
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 72 %NO 22 %Other 0 %No Answer 6 Post %YES 56 %NO 44 %Other 0 %No Answer 6 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 39 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 28 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 11 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 45 %No Answer 6 Post % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 45 %No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 22 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 38 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 11 % Equal 67 % Leader 22 Post % Follower 17 % Equal 50 % Leader 33 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 44 % No 50 %No Answer 6 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 83 % No 17 Did you do anything? % Yes 44 % No 39 % No Answer 17 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 89 % No 11 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned to help others. / Que es bullying es mal acerlo. / To speak up so they won’t pick on you. / I learned to be confident. / Because know more about bullying and how to stop bullying. / Maybe the workshop help bullies to see all the damage what he make to others. / I can make my dream. / Yes to feel more confidence. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 78 % No 22 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: So he won’t get hurt. / Tell the teacher. / Maybe. / Stop the person who is bullying. / I would tell the teacher what is happening. / I help him because I don’t want that someone bully me and one person see me and she don’t help me.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 72 % No 28 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Make better choices. / So they won’t tell me what to do. / I already knew. / Yes I learn to treat people the way you want to be treated. / I learn when you have a dream you have to follow for it come true. / Because they taught me how to deal with peer pressure. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 83% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think of the six character counts pillars. / No I never think about color. / Blue. / Shoes and socks. / The sky. / Blue makes me think about the sky. / When I think about color I think about a human’s color. / Never thought about it. / Black. / Red. / I feel happy. / Green. / Black. / Imagination. / The color is no matter. / Nada. / I think the color green means happiness. / Pienso que los colores son bonitos. / I think blue is sad color. / I think of rainbows. Post: I feel happy. / Estaba chido. / Tiene sentimientos. / When we paint the folder. / Like what color has the music. / Black. / What I think about color now is music. / What I think about color is music and art. / I didn’t learn that cuz I wasn’t here. / That music has color. / Yes now I know a lot of colors. / I learn what every song has a color. / Blue. / Art. / Color is to art. / Color is a feeling. / Blue is a sad color. / It has a feeling. / What you feel about the color. / Cool cuz it could come out of your instrument. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 78% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My dream is a mechanical engineer. / I dream that when I grow up I am going to be a NFL football player. / Have a good job. / So. / So. / Soccer player. / I don’t think about it. / Acting. / My dream is becoming a surgeon. / Doctor. / I want to be a chef because I look to cook. / Scientist. / No. / I want to be an architect or an author. / Soccer player. / Jugar futbol. / My dream is to be a teacher. / Veterinaria. / I wish when I grow up I can sing. / I want to be a artist. Post: It being successful. / Hacer un futbolista profesional. / Ase futbolista profesional. / Caring. / Go to Paris. / Is to be trustworthy. / Sharing it because you don’t know who is listening. / To be a soccer player. / Is that I will be in a SWAT team. / That any instrument has a color. / To be a photographer. / To be a teacher. / A veterinarian. / Getting good grades. / I hope and dream is be good or bad. / To go to college. / When I grow up I want to sing. / To become a mechanic. / To be a surgeon and to finish college. / Basketball player.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 89% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Is that never. / A perseguir mi sueno. / Seguir persiquiendo mi sueno. / Fear stop as. / To speak up cause you don’t know who is listening. / No matter what I do I will accomplish it. / No matter what you go through you will still accomplished. / No matter what you go through, you still accomplish it. / I wasn’t here. / To try hard to reach your dream. / No matter what you go through, you can still accomplish it. / Is to never give up. / Follow your dreams. / Yes. / My dream is to make it good. / I forgot. / Being safe, no bullying. / To keep on trying. / Is to be confident about reaching your goal. / To not be embarrassed. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 56% discovered something new in the workshop to improve their Character Count.. Thoughts Shared: I don’t know. / Trustworthiness. / Trustworthiness. / Cool and fun. / By speaking out loud. / To participate. / To participate no matter what. / By teaching a bit of things. / Nothing. / I don’t know. / ? / Because they told me to respect. / I think because they improve our work. / The respect others. / Stop being mean to others. / Not in any way. / Yes because they can. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 78% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: To have respect to others. / Nothing. / Nothing. / Nothing. / That is important to make a friend. / Is to communicate. / That not to listen to your friend if he tells you not to go to college. / That not to listen to a friend when they tell you not to go to college. / That we have to share and a lot more things. / That my friend wants to be a pro golfer. / That not to listen to a friend when they tell you not to go college. / ? / That a friend is important. / To respect others. / The people is learn because it is good. / They’re “shy”. / Be respectful, be nice. / Nothing. / Not to bully because. / That life is not always fun.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 35 young lives from Hamilton School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 5-8, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Telling the truth. It helps in school because it helps you tell if someone cheated or did something wrong. It will make me a better person because I’m able to tell the truth. / To know each other. Teamwork. Getting to know each other. To help others. / We learned honesty and to express yourself. Not being afraid of saying the truth. Standing up for others. By telling the truth. / We learned how to interact with each other. It would help by instead of bullying we talk about it. It would help to stop judging. It would help because it takes fear and I can talk to anybody. Creative Storytelling: To work together. If we work together it would be faster. It helps us be able to work with others and able to interact with them. / Working together. Accomplish work. Working together standing up for others. To be able to have a better life. / We learned to collaborate and use teamwork. When we have a problem, we ask for help. Telling an adult for help. For a job interview. / How to work as a team. It would help by preventing bullying. It will help because I can get a family of my own.
Through the Hoops: How to work together. When you have to work with another person on an assignment. You can work together to stop bullying. Teach us how to communicate with others. / Working together. By working as a team. Choosing the right person. It get you ready for the future. / We learned to depend on each other and there’s going to be obstacles. Choosing the right partners for work. Choosing the right people to help you with bullying. Make better choices. / We learn to use teamwork and trust each other. We apply this in school by work with a team when it’s ordered to us. We apply this with bullying by helping people that needs help. We apply this in life by working with our future partners. Reflective Take Away Assignment: We learned how to be confident. Defend others in problems. Saying no and choosing our own choices. By having the strength to have good choices. / We learn about ourselves. We can believe in ourselves. We will know that we can fix anything. We will know that we can deal with any problem. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Happy. / Caring. / It makes me happy and laugh. / Proud, bold, and happy. / Proud of myself. / I feel proud of myself. / I feel happy, strong, and powerful. / Happy, glad, great. / It makes me feel good about myself that I believed those things about myself. / Kind, nice, good. / Happy, cool, and nice. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My parents cause they are always there for me. Cause they do stuff for you. To be respectful to me. / My mom because she there for me. Because they care. Caring. / My mom is my hero because she always been there for me. I think they’re important because she could teach me new things in life. I look for them caring. / Happy. Care. / Dad. He is my dad and he’s helped me understand more of life. They’re caring, awesome, helpful, nice and put others in front of themselves. / My mom. She takes care of me. She works hard to put a roof over my head. She is caring, giving, and a hard workers. / They are there for me. / My hero is my mother. Her strength. / She’s always there. Caring. / My hero is Cristiano Ronaldo. I think he is important because he is one of the best soccer players in the world. I think he is a leader. / Mother. They are important because she has been my father and mom at the same time. Caring, responsible, fairness. / My family, Iron Man, and Cristiano Ronaldo soccer player. / My hero is my mom. She cares, she helps when I need help. Help my family. / My mom is my hero because she gives me what she can. They are important because they be there for me they care for me. My mom cause she works hard. / Iron Man. Cuz he helps people in danger. Has to be respectful, responsible. / Mom. My mom is my hero because she been there for me. Be caring.
Seeing Beyond: How to use my senses. Help me on my work. Science it will make me a better scientist. It can help us imagine things. / By using our sense and listening. / We learned the sense of touch. Reading, writing because we can describe pictures better in our own mind. Better communication. / Using imagination. It would apply in art because you have to use your imagination. We use our imagination to make our future great and fantastic.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: That everyone is kind in their own way. It will help you speak in front of the class with courage. When you’re kind enough to help people in need. / We learned to help others. It would help us to stop bullying. It would help other people feel safer and better of themselves. / We felt good when we helped others. Help others to make smart choices. Helping others with problems in life. / We learned to be trustworthy and caring. Being helpful and honest. By helping others but what we have learned Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward?
I remember a time when there was a little girl and she was crying and I asked her what was wrong. She said, “Nobody wants to play with me!” I told her I could play with you. She was really happy. Later on I felt really proud about myself. I felt like I made a difference in the little girl’s life. / One day I was caring when my sister was sick and I took care of her. / I was caring with my friend because she was sad. Afterward I felt good because I helped her. / I saved a dog from getting ran over. It made me feel happy. / I explain how you do or solve a problem to my friends when they don’t understand something. It makes me feel good I guess. / One day I was walking to the store with my mom. There was a man on the wheelchair with no legs. I remembered that I had money in my pocket. I took it out and I walked up to him and I gave him the money. I felt happy afterwards. / Once I was caring about my mom because she was sick and my mom said that I was the most caring person in her life and to tell you the truth, I felt wonderful, amazing, great and fantastic. / One day when I was caring I was happy. / The time when I played with the new girl that nobody wanted to befriend. I was happy because she was happy. / I remember a time this kid was getting bully and I told the teacher and she stopped it and I felt good. Color: We learned that every color has a meaning to it and every feeling has a color. When you face life. It would build the character in my life. / We learned how to interact with colors, music, and instruments. We learned to communicate and to be more descriptive. It teaches us to appreciate life better. / Everything has color even when you don’t notice. Learn more artistic things. Making a better personality and changing the way you see colors. / That colors make music. Learn new things in art. Helps us describe our feeling in the future. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: We learned that every color has a meaning to it and that every feeling has a color.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Hamilton Elementary %Male 46
%Female 54
Dates: January 5-8, 2015
Ages 12-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 89 %NO 11 %Other 29 Post %YES 86 %NO 14 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 68 % All the Time 23 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 34 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 37 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 51 % All the Time 46 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 37 %No Answer 3 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 60 %No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 6 % Equal 51 % Leader 43 Post % Follower 6 % Equal 51 % Leader 43 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 74 % No 26 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 86 % No 14 Did you do anything? % Yes 46 % No 51 % No Answer 3 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned how to speak up. / That you don’t always have to fight back. / To stand up for people. / It helped me start stop bullying dance crew. / Some people have the same fear as us. / By helping other people with bullying. / Help the needed. / Help them and ask an adult. / I learned that you have to help the person being bullied. / Yes cuz some people can’t protect themself. / Yes I learned to be brave and stand up for myself. / Ignore them or tell somebody, be brave. / Stand up for yourself. / To not be scared and do something. / I learned how to work together. / Tell an adult what has happened. / Respect. / Stand up for yourself/others. / To turn the other cheek even when how hard it is. / Stand up to people who are getting bullied and help them. / To help the person getting bullied because you never know what they will do later. / Never bullying other people. / Help stop bullying by telling an adult. / To stand up to bullying.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes I would tell him to stop or tell an elder. / Because it’s wrong to not stand up for someone. / I would help them. / I would defend them even if it means getting hit. / Ask for help like an adult. / I would help stop the bullying by telling them we need to equal. / Stand up for anyone. / Ask an adult. / I would tell them to stop or would threaten them. / Yes cuz it’s sad and not good for the people getting bullied. / I would do something because they might do the same things for me. / I would tell an adult or defend them. / Tell a adult. / To be brave and not shy. / I would help them out because it’s the right thing to do. / I would tell an adult. / Tell them to stop it. / For the bullying can stop. / Have their back. / Because I know how it feels and I don’t want others to feel that way. / Yea I will help them. / Yes because it hurts people’s life. / Because that is not right. / I would tell an adult. / I would stand up for myself if I saw someone being bullied. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 97 % No 3 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes I learn that there is no wrong answer. / I learned that I don’t always have to peer pressure people. / I can now handle peer pressure. / I will make my own decision by being responsible. / I learn to respect elders and friends and my enemies better. / I learn to respect others and my enemies better. / I learned not to be shy in the question is up to you. / Yes cuz you need to make your own choices. / I learned to respect my own decisions. / I learned to make decisions by trusting my opinion and being myself. / Make your own choices. / Be yourself. / Because we really didn’t talk about peer pressure. / I learned how to be caring. / Everybody is different. / Doing things with care. / For I can’t do what others tell me to do. / Make your own choices. / Responsibility, good respect get you somewhere in life. / I think twice before I act. / Step up with no pressure or to be shy. / The skill is caring. / I learn is that everyone has fear but it is ok to have fear jut release the fear. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 89% Post 97% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I feel blue as sad. / Colors. / I think color is what you feel. / I think about color is rainbow. / Equal. / I think of bright colors. / That some are happy and some are sad. / I feel music as color. / I don’t know. / No. / I think of color is nice because we are all different and we all different things. / It shows a lot of emotions. / It shows a lot of emotion. / Pink is my favorite color. / I think it bright and colorful. / Color of people or things. / I think that colors have meanings. / Yes I have and about rainbows. / All the colors in the rainbow. / I think is something that help us imagine. / I wonder where it comes from. / I think color represents something. / Colors are beautiful and awesome and pretty in rainbow. / Not really. / I think there is a favorite color. / Where does color come from? / I think they’re awesome. / Pink. / That we are all the same. / I think colors are beautiful. / I have never thought about color. / I think color is what changes your point of view. / I think that it’s natural. / That they make songs.
Post: I think every color has a feeling and a meaning to the world. / I learned that feeling and emotions have color. / I think color can mean many things like music, rainbow, and vision. / Same color light and dark. / I think colors are beautiful and what I learn about color is that they are colorful. / I think color is a sound and feeling. / Colors make music. / I think about a rainbow. Color can have meaning to many things. / I think that color stands for dreams, fear, memories, and feelings. / I think color is still music. / That color is music. / I think that color affects your mood and I learned color is about how it makes you feel. / That color is music and music is color. / I learned that music makes color. / I learned that color is a sound and art that can teach you many things about life. / I think color could show you things and new a workshop is color is music. / Colors have different meaning. Color can be in music. / That everything has color even when you don’t notice it. / I think colors have meaning. / I think color is cool. / Everything including music has color. / The music makes the color change. / I don’t really understand it. / I think that it’s music. / I think color has music, communicates with us, and is more descriptive. / That color is pretty to see. / I learned color can express feelings. / Each color has a different feeling or emotion. / That they all have meanings. / I think that color makes music. / I learned that color can be in music. / Color can make music. / I think that the colors have feelings of what you have. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 91% Post 97% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be in the NFL. / To become a soccer player. / Is to go to battle of the year, make my own gaming companies. / Your dream came true. / Hope to dream. / My most important dream is to be a soccer player. / To be trustworthy and respectful. / Be a good soccer player. / Is to help my mom. / I do. / My dream is to be a doctor or work for a famous company. / To succeed in life. / Finish my education. / My dream is to go to college. / I want to be a soccer player. / So. / My dream is become a lawyer. / To be a teacher. / My dream is to go around the world. / To become a police and finish school. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer. / Is to become a robotic engineer. / My hope or dream is to help others and other people. / To graduate high school and get a job. / To become a soccer player. / Go to college and become a nurse. / To graduate school. / To be a police officer. / Nothing. / Police. / To be a famous soccer or football player. / To reach my goals and to meet my heroes. / My most important hope or dream is to graduate from high school. / To become a football player. Post: My most important dream is to outcome life’s challenges and be successful. / To become a lawyer and be able to support my family. / My dream is to be an important person and help many people. / To come true. / My dream is to be a police. / To go to battle of the year and bring the trophy back for America. / To be a good person. / My important hope is to finish school. My dream is to become a police officer. / To become a robotic engineer. / To become a soccer player. / Is to become a football player or a basketball player. / My dream is to become a doctor to help people who need help. / Becoming an actress and doing good things. / To become a lawyer to help others with their problems. / It is to make a robot that can help me and others. A robot or robots that will change the world for the better. / My dream is that I want to finish college. My hope is to always be with my family. / To finish school. Having a house to live in. / To become a great singer and to graduate college. / My most important dream or hope is to become a soccer player. / Is to help my mom. / I want to be a soccer player in Argentina (number 12). / To be a lawyer. / To finish my education and become a lawyer. / To become a basketball player or football player. /
My most important hope or dream is to become a professional soccer player. / To be a doctor and help people who are sick. / To skydive and graduate college. / Is to be a soccer player and to also help people out. / To complete college and to keep moving on with my life. / My dream is to pass to high school. / My most important hope or dream is to help my family and to become a nurse. / An important dream is to go to college. / My most important dream is to become a soccer player. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 97% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Having respect for my teammates and teamwork. / I learned how to express my dreams with my feelings. / I will be able to help many people who need help in life. / To respectful. / To not be scared, be brave. / Is to believe in myself that I can accomplish anything. / Your dream could come true if you believe in yourself. / That working with others can lead you up to a big job or anything you wanna be in life. / Is to overcome any obstacle in my dream. / Study a lot and try my best. / To not be scared, be brave. / One thing I learned would be to stand up for myself. / To not be shy in life. / One thing I learned was to be confident with myself. / To be brave, don’t give up, try harder and to not give in to peer pressure. / I learn to never give up and to not let no one judge you. / Do not be scared to stand up for other people. / Never give up and stay confident. / One thing I learned is to never give up or don’t let anyone let me down. / You will always have difficult thing in the way to get to your dream. / Overcome fears and always think of positive things. / To never give up for what I really want. / Follow your path. / Don’t be scared to speak. / One thing I learned is to overcome peer pressure and to never give up on my dream. / One thing I learned that to trust people and be respectful to other. / People need care and respect and I could go places. / Try my best in everything especially school. / Trustworthy and to keep trying. / I learned is to work together. / One thing I learned in the workshop that will help me is to always believe in myself. / You can trust people to help you reach your dream. / One thing in workshop that I learned is to have no fear. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 97% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: I want to be more respectful to everybody. / I wanted to work on Kindness and they helped me by saying it’s not all about one thing. / The character count is responsible and the workshop helped me because it helped me not to be scared. / The character counts is trust. To trust people. / To be nice and speaking out loud. / Trustworthy because I could trust my friends. / It helped me become strong with citizenship. / Fairness it helped me by being fair with others. / It help me on being brave and not being shy. / Caring and the workshop helped me by knowing that everybody has to take care of everyone. / Fairness, to have a chance and speak on stage. / To be trustworthy and respectful. / I wanted to improve on my shyness and helped me because I had to stand up for myself. / Don’t judge people by their cover cuz I got to learn others character traits. / The character count I want to improve on is respect. They helped me improve it by respecting me. / Trustworthiness. I learned to trust people and show them I trust them too. / It improve by helping me and other people. / I was shy. I improved by the games we played. / They helped me by some strategies. / The character count I want to improve is respect. The workshop helped me work and respect each other. / Responsibility. / Honesty, it helps me to not telling lies. / Workshop help me improve my character and how to respect others with respect and citizenship. / By explaining the character traits. /
They will help a lot in school and at home. / I would want to improve to respect better in life. / That do not be release the fear that you are scared of. / I learned to give more than what they want. / Respecting people. I have improved a lot by saying positive things. / Respect. / My character is caring for others. / The character count I improved on was responsibility because I needed to be responsible. / It help me to truth. / The character count improve the help myself is respect it help me by to respect other people. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 97% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned to use teamwork. / I learned that Elizabeth had a brother. / I learned that people can act how they do maybe cause they are shy or scared of something. / I learned about them that they also have fears. / I learned about them they also have fears. / To share or me. / That some of my classmates are shy. / How to work together as a team. / They have the same fear as me. / I learn that you can work with others and see what they do in life. / That we have lots of same dreams, fears, memories, and likes. / That they make a good leader. / That they are brave and their lives. / I learned that she had a big family and is really shy in front of many people. / What they want to accomplish in life. / I learned that my best friend is brave. / That with different activities you can show how someone can really be and learn more about them. / I learned that everybody is not always going to be the same. / Everyone has a fear of something. / That my friend is scared that she might not make it to high school. / One thing I learned from a friend is they are caring. / That my friend has a big family. / Others have the same fear as me. / Of what they are afraid to. / To have courage and to have faith on yourself. / That they are pretty smart not what I thought he was. / I learn new things about my classmates and something new I learn in workshop is to overcome peer pressure. / That we can trust friends and other life lesson. / That they have a big family. / I learned how to work together. / Be a nice person to them. / Their dreams and fears. / I learned that they may have things in common like I do. / I learn that in workshop people will not have fun of you. / I learn in the workshop about a classmate or friend is to be a helper.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 28 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 12-15, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : We learned trustworthy and communication. Trust people to work with you. You can learn what people actually do. It would help me get along with other. / Learn from others, communication, talk to people you don’t usually talk to, learn to talk more. Not be afraid to talk to your classmates. Stand up to develop society. Improve our speaking and opening up. / How to talk to more people. Build more friendships. Getting to know the person better. Communicating. / Trustworthy, communication, seeing their perspective, helping friend out. Help people, imagine you in their shoes. Not comparing to someone who doesn’t know. Not judging by the race or skin color. Creative Storytelling: We learned to be creative. It helps by expressing yourself. Make something to stop bullying. Create own business and lifestyle. / Responsibility. To be responsible with your homework or other things at school. Yes, this would help to be responsible to help people who are being bullied. So people will rely on you because you’re responsible. / Trusting. Knowing that someone will return the supplies you gave to them. / Respectful and fairness. How to respect teacher and treat others fair. If fairness is involved, no bullying will occur. Will know how to be fair and respectful in your life.
Through the Hoops: Work as a team, never give up. Helping others, teamwork. Getting along with other students. Do better in life and get along with others. / Teamwork, strategy, trustworthy. To work with classmates and help them when help is needed. To defend others in their time of need. To trust people around you. / Trustworthiness. Trusting others with supplies and stuff. Having someone else have your back. People can trust you in certain situations. / How to communicate, responsible. By helping each other in group activities. It can help cause we as a group can help the kid being bullied. It help you how to communicate with others. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Caring and trusting others. Care about your peers. Your peers will care about you. If you care, others will care. / Caring. To be caring at school as you are home. If people care you won’t have pressure to try to fit in. This tool will build character to care about others. / Public speaking. We’ll have to deal with standing in front of people. You’ll overcome on how many people look at you. Public speaking will determine your future. / Caring and trustworthiness. If you show a caring character, you will care about your grades. If everyone are people would respect each others opinion. Trustworthiness would build character by having people value my opinions. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
Like I can accomplish something in the future. / I feel confident, beautiful, good about myself. / Good. / Good, proud, normal, and great. / I feel nice and cool with myself. / It makes me feel good about myself. / It makes me feel happy, confident, and proud. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Tyrann Mathieu. He had struggles in the beginning, but got back together played football again and got drafted to the Arizona Cardinals. / One Direction – Harry, Niall, Liam, Zayn, Louis. I love them so much. They are my heroes, no matter what. I think they are important because when I’m sad, they’re here for me. Someone that is caring, kind, and has an awesome personality. / Becky G. Because when she was 9, she wanted to help her dad, so she started singing. Honesty, caring. / Captain America. I think he is important because in the movies he acts in, he helps a lot of people and is a very nice and caring man. Be happy, sweet, helpful, be more involved. / My dad and my mom are my heroes because they care for me. I think they’re important because they’re my parents. Responsibility, trustworthy, and citizenship. / My dad. Caring. He has cared for us since I was a baby. I think he is important because he was always there unlike my mom. They must be caring and trustworthy. They must be responsible. They must be all six pillars of characteristics. / He is my role model and I want to follow his footsteps. Responsibility, respectfulness, trustworthiness, fairness. / He is a great hard working athlete who shows teamwork. Because my favorite sport is football. To be good at football and learn the positions and routes.
Seeing Beyond: Respect your peers. When others are talking and the teacher is giving a lesson. Respect to others. / Collaboration. This will help you collaborate with your peers. To work with others well. / To be creative and colorful. Writing because you can have complex sentences and a bright personality. It might help you be a colorful person. / Patience and listening skills. All subjects because you don’t understand if you don’t listen. Patience would help my character of respect.
Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: How to respect others and listen. People respect you and teachers talking. You can help people with their problems. People will like to tell you more things and they will respect you. / To confess to people about your deep stuff. Can work on those fears, hopes, and dreams. The people you bullied may have the same fears, hopes, and dream. By accomplishing them. / Respect. Achieving friendship. You’ll less likely to get bullied and the bully will become your friend. More opportunities will come in life. / Be kind to others. When someone is kind, be kind to them. People will respect each other. It would help me fulfill my character traits. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? The time I was caring was when I gave money to a less fortunate man. / I was caring when my grandma was sick so I helped her cook. / I feel caring because I took care of my nephew and little brother. / A time when I was trustworthy or caring is when I helped my grandma take care of my cousins. / I remember this one time when I was babysitting and I cared for it because he was 2 years old and he trashed my room but oh well. / Once I felt caring when I helped my mom wash the dishes. / I took care of my brothers ball so I or my friends won’t lose it. / I was trustworthy when I had to take care of my nephews on my own. / Caring, when I took care of my uncle’s kids while he went to work and I took care of my cousins. It made me feel good. / One day me and my dad needed to take 2 cars and it was only him and me so he trusted me to drive the car. It felt good for an adult to trust a teen. / A time I was caring was when I had to take care of my baby sister which made me feel tired and proud. / I cared about a little kid getting bullied. I told the bully to stop and he did. I felt proud because I had stepped up. / A time when I was caring was when I took care of my baby cousin. / I was caring when I help my friend win a basketball game by cheering her on. It felt good because I help her make a shot for her team. / When my grandma broke her leg and I was at the hospital everyday at 5 am. / A time I was caring was when I bought a homeless man a Big Mac. I felt awkward because I don’t see many people do that. / When I was trustworthy was I was babysitting and he trusted me with their baby. / When I was caring was when one my classmate was sad then I took the opportunity to talk to them what’s the problem. It made me feel excellent cuz I know I was helping someone. / I was caring when I was taking care of baby sister. I felt good because I was helping my mom. Gets some weight off her shoulders. / Trustworthy because every October I have to take care of my brothers and sisters because my parents go on a date. / The time that I was trustworthy and caring is when I helped my grandmother pass out water and energy drinks to the people running and walking the breast cancer walk. It felt good passing them out cause all those people are walking or running for those who have or had breast cancer. / A time I was caring was volunteering to help at a homes to give away food. It made me feel good. / When my mom said to clean the dishes I did and also cleaned my room and I felt proud of my self. / I was trustworthy at school when I was nice to everyone I was shareless and I felt good. / Whenever I clean or wash or do anything good to help my mother, it feels good (caring).
Color: Creativity and respect. You can be creative with your work. If you respect, others will respect you. / Responsibility. Is helps you on doing your homework. A good job. / Imagination. Expand vocabulary and thoughts. Seeing things in a different way. / Skills we learn were to listen to anything as a color. The tool has to be talk to others and respect any choices.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 67
%Female 33
Dates: January 12-15, 2015
Ages 13-14
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Post %YES 90 %NO 7 %Other 3 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 23 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 37 % No Answer 3 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 23 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 47 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 43 % Leader 54 % No Answer 3 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 53 % Leader 47 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 33 % No 67 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Did you do anything? % Yes 47 % No 40 % No Answer 13 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 87 % No 10 % No Answer 3 Thoughts Shared: Learned how to prevent bullying. / To respect other people and treat them the way they want to be treated. / I can now deal with it. / Respect others and others will respect you. / To tell the kid to back off and to stop bullying cause it’s not right. / To step back or tell an adult. / Just take a step back. / Well fairness help me and respect too. / I learned to be responsible and help. / I don’t get this question. / Protecting the victim and tell the bully off. / Caring to help others. / Respect others. / Yes to stand up for yourself. / Because it showed me to respect. / Help the kid that is being bullied. / Yes be kind to other. / Well to stand up and help others. / Stop it. / To stop it. / Yes to help other when it’s needed. / To always help others. / Turn away. / To care for others if bullied. / I learned no peer pressure. / Stand up for yourself. / When you respect your peers.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 97 % No 3 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would try to help. / I would tell them to stop because they wouldn’t like if they were the ones being bullied. / I would tell them to stop and if that doesn’t work I tell a teacher. / I would her/him to think before he/she acts. / Ask the kid who is the bully to put himself in the victim’s shoes. / I would help him. / Yes I would tell an adult or step in. / Well do something caring for other will motivate you. / I would confront the bully. / Because it feels wrong watching someone in pain. / Stop the bully from bullying other people. / Stand up for yourself. / I’d protect the victim. / No because that person has to stand up for himself. / Tell him to stop. / I would help him stand for himself. / Because they need help. / Tell him to stop. / Because I used to be a bully. / I will help them out. / Help tell a teacher. / To not let people get hurt. / I would stand up to the bully. / Yes because stand in their shoes. / I would tell them to please stop. / I would help someone. / Because it is the right thing. / Because why leave someone be bullied. / Stand up for them. / I don’t like bullying. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 87 % No 13 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Nothing I didn’t know. / Do what you would like to do, not what others like. / I learned to be responsible and respect myself first. / I trust my self and they ask of my moods. / Do what you believe is right. / To take a deep breath and listen to music. / I learned to respect more people. / Well back out of peer pressure. / Overall my count is the one. / I learned responsibility and caring. / Already learned. / Because there should be any bullies. / I learned to do public speaking without almost any fear. / Responsibility helps including respect. / No stand up. / To take a deep breath and deal with it. / Not succumb to it. / Respect others. / I learned to respect others. / Yes it will help me a lot. / The ball game. / You make your own decision. / No because I don’t deal with it. / By respecting yourself and others. / I learned to always trust others to help. / I can make own choices. / Yes because I spoke on my own. / Because I learned not to listen to others. / Not really. / Trust in your own decisions. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 60% Post 83% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color to me comes like a color to make things look cool. / Never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / You have your own that describes you. / No I’ve never thought about color. / I do not know what color is. / No I did not think about it. / It’s better with color. If there wasn’t color, everything would be dull. / Not really. / The first color that pops into my head is brown cause it is my race color. / I think red and blue are the best. / No everyone are treated equal. / I think red is the best color. / Race. / I think color are cool without color it would be horrible. / I think it’s like a blank space. / I never thought about it. / I think lighter colors represent goodness and dark colors represent evil. / No, because I know everybody are equal no matter what. / I like my color because I like who I am, color doesn’t matter to me. / Happiness. / No. / I have not thought about color. / I think there are different stages in different color. Colorful things have more. / I think about a blue sky. / I think red and purple are the best colors. / I think colors are cool. Post: I really didn’t learn anything new about color. / They would probably explain the different moods that you feel. / I still think of brown because it’s my race color. / To trust ourselves. / Picture my dream in the NFL. / I think that it is how you express yourself. / Nothing just that they look cool. / Colors could help you relax when stressed. / Colors could be different moods. / I learned that what you think comes in color. / Makes me feel comfortable and proud. / Learned to be responsible with homework. /
I still have the same color. / I think as color as music. / Color is music. / It a different reaction to each one. / Stuff. Rainbows. / To respect everyone. / That they’re all the same. / Well it cool because you see stuff. / Color is important. / Color sometime represents feelings. / The same. / Color you have to see it all the time. / I learned that color can make you see thing even when music is playing. / Not much. / My color is blue and workshops is red. / I think that they represent something. / Color can represent many things. / Different emotions express color. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 90% Post 93% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To get drafted to the NFL and play for the Arizona Cardinals. / Gaming company. / My important dream is to serve for my country. / I would like to go to college and be a doctor. / My dream is to finish school and meet my favorite singers, One Direction. / Is to get my doctorate degree in public speaking. / I hope to be more famous than Pewdie Pie. / I am not so sure to be an engineer or something that can pay me a lot of money. / Becoming a chef or a famous soccer player. / My dream that I think is extremely important is to become a successful dancer someday. / To become a pro American football quarterback for the Seahawks or the Cardinals. / My most important hope or dream is to finish school and become famous. / To go and pass college or university. / I want to be in the US Army. / I don’t have one. / It is to see my family not struggling. / I do have one to be wealthy. / My important dream is to finish school with good grades. / I think hope is the fairness them dreaming. / My most important dream is to help my parents and help my parents accomplish their dreams. / My most important dream is graduating from college and getting a well paid job. / A dream that I have is to graduate college and be successful in life. / Graduating college and helping my mom. / To become a professional football player. / I want to have a successful career. / To become a singer and actress. Also to meet One Direction. / To become a track star or sing. / I hope one day to live by a beach. / My most important dream is to become a rapper and pay off all my nana’s debts. / I want to work as a phone designer for Apple. Post: Becoming an engineer (computers) or game designer. / My hope or dream is to become a doctor. / I will become famous, marry Justin Bieber, and support my family. / To finish high school and meet my favorite singers. / Being a pro American football play which the NFL and to play QB. / To be able to work as a engineer on computers. / To become a professional parkour. / To be a person who wants good for everybody. / To be remembered after death. / My most important dream is to be a choreographer, a successful one. / To have a really good career. / Being a baker and do a program to stop bullying. / My most important dream is to fly to Russia, Germany, Italy, and Japan. / To develop video games. / Being in the US and help my country. / To become someone in life and be known as who I was. / To be a rapper. / Becoming a chef or a soccer player. / To become wealthy and successful. / Architecture. / Became a better person. / To drafted into the NFL. / To become a singer. / Getting a doctorate degree in public speaking. / To graduate high school and ASU and for all my dream to come true. / Being an artist. / To become a professional football player. / To continue doing great in school. / To go to medical school and become a pharmacist. / To have a good career. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 93% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Trusting and teamwork. / To believe in myself no matter what others tell me. / Be responsible for my homework, be respectful of others and myself. / Stand up for myself. / To do what is right. / It is never give up. / Nothing really only to not be afraid. / Is to trust in myself in reaching my dream. / To be more comfortable at public speaking. / One thing I learned is to not be that shy. / Teamwork. / Taking responsibility and fairness. / One thing that helped is public speaking. / Is to be fairness. / Is being respectful. / Do not be fearful. / To respect my dreams and I can achieve it. / Is respecting myself. / Be patient. / The six pillars of character. / To not let other people tell you what to
do. / Hard work pays off in the end. / To believe in myself. / To be caring to others and help others. / Is to always be confident and don’t be shy in front of others. / Never give up at all. / Is to keep climbing for your goal. / It is to not to care about peer pressure. / Is to never give up. / To trust and respect myself. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 93% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Trust people a little more. / Responsibility. It helped me by improving my skills of being friendly. / Yes I can now not feel nauseous when I stand in front of people. / Trustworthy because my dad does not trust me to take care of his stuff. / I learn more about friend and on public speaking. / The public speak. It helped me by the speaking in front of the class. / Nothing really not cause I’m perfect. / It’s Responsibility the workshop help me improve to do my homework and work. / Responsibility I improved by knowing why I should be responsible. / It helped me by being in front of the class. / Trustworthiness by helping me know who I can trust. / Improve by showing how I really am. / Responsibility because I learned to take care of speaking. / Help with public speaking. / On being respectful. / It helped it by not be fearful of something. / Responsibility. Shows me how to be responsible. / Responsibility by doing the homework. / Is be kind to others. / Well it help me speak at front of the class. / Fairness, by sharing and talking to each other. / See things in a different way. / It helped me improve it by believing in myself. / Responsibility would help me so people can trust you. / I want to improve to not be shy in front of people. / Caring to help me help brothers. / I want to have more respect in others. / Fairness and by all the talks they gave to us. / I want to trust more in others. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 93% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Most peers have also gone through tough times. / How to face their fears of speaking in front of the class. / I learned to respect others and myself. / Be yourself at all times. / About things that go on in their lives and we relate on some stuff. / That they can help you achieve your dreams. / I learned a lot about Johnny. / Some have the same hope or dreams as me. / Many don’t like to be in front of a crowd. / I learned that friend could be a leader but she’s too embarrassed. / I learned different fears and dreams. / That he want to make a restaurant that’s called Lopez’s. / Many fear clowns. / Is to help each other out. / Be caring. / That they were fearful to talk, now they are fearless. / Vivi is really shy. / Respect them more. / That they can also be friendly. / Well for me communication. / I learned that some people are quiet no matter what. / Trust them is going to lead to things. / All people are different. / To trust them and respect them. / I learned that we can be trustworthy with each other. / To respect others if you want respect. / I learned that they have sensitive feelings. / That we are all actually alike. / I learned that my classmates are caring
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 21 young lives from Kuban School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 20-22, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : We learned how to present ourselves. We will be able to present. Give people time to present themselves. People would get to know you. / To speak out loud. Presenting. Help communicate. Speak up. / Trusting others, being respectful. Together we would get far. Respect them and get to know them. It would help understand more people in life. / Teamwork, respect, understandment. Make you a more respectful student. Ask questions before you start judging them. You can get better jobs by being respectful. Creative Storytelling: Makes you get confident. Get better grades. You could impress a bully. It would help you find a good career. / Shouldn’t be afraid. Stand up. Wouldn’t be afraid to stand up. In case if you have to stand up, you would be able to. / Cooperation, teamwork, confidence. Would learned to stand up in front of everyone. Would stand up for them with confidence. It would help defend and stand up for others. / Creativity. Gives you better ideas. Come up with ways to fix both problems. Gives you ideas on how to solve different situations in life.
Through the Hoops: Teamwork. Trust other students. You can trust your friends to tell a teacher. You have to learn how to trust people. / Teamwork and trustworthiness. It help a communication with others. It would help take a stand for everyone. In case you’re in a spot it will have a better understanding to your team. / Intelligence and cooperation. We can get further when we work as a team. We’ll stick together as a team. Together we can get stuff done. / Communication, teamwork, strategy. It will help us communicate which helps us work together. We come together as a team to stop the situation. It will help us plan out our life. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Everybody has someone to look up to. Help you find a good mentor. You would have priorities. It would help you become a better person. / To have selfconfidence. In case you present in front of the school. It would make you not to overreact. You could influence others with self-confidence. / Building self confidence. To not care what others think of ourselves. We will use integrity. Help us think of ourselves as better people. / You always have someone to look up to. It gives us expectations for school. You wouldn’t give into it because you already have someone you look up to. I will know what kind of person I want to be. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Happy, caring. / I feel awkward and good. / It makes me feel better. / It makes me feel relaxed and happy. / Stupid, proud, ugly, weird. / I love myself just the way I am because I am awesome and because I love to be myself. Amazing and cool. / Sexy, happy, joyful. / It felt weird and awkward. / Makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel awkward. / I love to be myself because people my classmates make so much fun of me all the times. / Bad, awkward, weird. / Happy, joyful. / It made me feel nice and that it also made me feel caring. / It felt good but it was weird. / I feel weird. / Bored. / Weird and stupid. / It made me feel happy. / I like my face and it makes me feel awesome. / Awkward, weird. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My hero is my dad because he is funny and taught me how to play basketball. My dad also works hard and takes me to a lot of places. He does everything for me. Caring, trustworthy, respectfulness. / My dad is my hero. He saved me because he took me immediately. I do look for a hero. / My mom. Because she helps me and taught me to get through problems. Courage, integrity. / Batman. Because he’s cool and caring. Funny, chill, and responsible and respectful. / My dad is my hero. Because they taught me what was good and what was bad. Respect, honesty, trustworthy. / Superman and myself. They are important because he saves and protects everyone. I chose myself because if I need to make a decision, it’s myself that has to decide. Funny, cool to hang out with, and a good person. / They care and love me. / My sister. Because helps us. Strong, fast, cute, sexy. / My hero is my father. My father is important because he raised me and gave me a good life. Someone who is a great leader. / Michael Jordan. He made a difference in the basketball world. / My super hero is Goku because he defeat the enemies he face. IDK. I would look at the hero eye and save the world. / My parents. I think my parents are important because they’re the ones who support. Kindness, respect, and patience. / My mom and dad. They’re important because they taught us. / Dad. Because they gave me my life. Strength, smart, and they will have to be good with people. / My hero is Batman. They can give us an important mean. To help other people just for the good of it. / My hero is Batman. They can give us trust and dignity. Because that he is awesome. / Wonder Woman. Because she is strong and isn’t afraid of anything. / Batman and sister. They care for others and does not like to see others hurt. Pride, caring. / Dad and mom. / He is important because he makes me feel safe. / Sam Smith. Sam Smith is a songwriter and singer. Because he is honest and real. Realness, respect, honesty, heroism.
Seeing Beyond: Imagination. To have a different understanding and subjects. It would help us see life in a different way. / Learned how to think with our senses. Art you add more imagery and science help you create more things. In case you help others with disabilities of using their senses. / Senses and memory. All subjects because when you listen or experience it before you’ll know what it is. Would help on having good memory and good listening skills. / Good description, communication gives you a better understanding. This would apply in reading because it would give us a better image of the context. It will give us a better life. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Everyone has different fears and dreams. You would learn how people feel. You could protect the person being bullied. You could find common fears and dreams. / Most people have the same fears, dreams, and experiences. To being able to communicate with others. Self-confidence, bravery. To not be afraid of anything. / Learned more about our peers. Learn what their fears are and protect them. Convincing them to stop bullying because we know what they’ve gone through. It would make me a better person, a better friend. / Everyone has different memories, dreams, and fears. Help you not be afraid of learning new things. You will be able to understand someone who is different. It will help you imagine a better future. Reflective Take Away Assignment: How to be trustworthy and caring. By helping and caring for your peers. You would become a trustworthy person. / What other people do for others. To achieve props, respect from others. To help us have connections in life. / Caring and friendliness. Would make more friends. Help me understand how to be a respectful person in life. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I helped a kid who broke his leg to an ambulance truck that was nearby. / I was trustworthy and caring one day when my mom and I made a sandwich and brought a blanket to this homeless guy. I felt proud of helping them. / One time I was caring was when I gave a slice of pizza to a homeless guy standing outside Little Caesar’s. It felt good helping him and giving him something to eat because he looked very hungry. / The trustworthy and caring mean to me that if you are trustworthiness and caring, your family care for you and trust you with everything and everyone in my family and classmate will trust you and care for you. / When I was caring when my best friend’s dad was in the hospital. After I helped I felt good. / The time I was trustworthy and caring was the time when my friend told me his darkest secret and I cared for his older sister. It felt like it was the end of the world cause I was so scared I would break it. He walked towards me and said I got something to tell you then he whispered in my ear when he told me. / I helped my friend take care of his new puppy he got and the dog was not trained. / I am very trustworthy because I help out at a church on 35th Ave. and McDowell every Thursday. / I help my brother with the dishes. / I was trustworthy when my mother told me to hold the baby she was watching and I didn’t complain. It made me feel happy. / I helped my friend take care of a sister that’s the time I was caring. / A time that I was trustworthy and caring was when I gave a guy on the street money and food because it looked sad just leaving him with no money and food. / I help my mom and I trust her. I help her with the groceries and laundry. / I helped my friend when he was getting bullied and I said something and helped him out, so I was caring. / A time that I helped my dad pay his bills online because he didn’t have time to go and pay them in person. No, it didn’t feel awkward because I wanted to help him. / I helped my sister on her homework even though I didn’t have time. But it felt nice helping others before me even though I went late to where I was going. / I helped my sister because she was drowning in the water. I helped her. / The one time when I was trustworthy or caring is the time when I had helped the baby at the park when he had fell down and no one saw him.
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Kuban Elementary %Male 62
%Female 38
Dates: January 20-22, 2015
Ages 13-14
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 71 %NO 29 %Other 0 Post %YES 95 %NO 5 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 29 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 14 Post % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 38 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 52 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 24 % Sometimes 19 % All the Time 52 % No Answer 5 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 28 % All the Time 72 % No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 5 % Equal 57 % Leader 28 % No Answer 10 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 38 % Leader 62 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 10 % No 90 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 62 % No 38 Did you do anything? % Yes 48 % No 24 % No Answer 28 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It will help me because other people can bully them. / That standing up for others will make them feel better. / How to stand up for myself. / We learned teamwork to help you. / To tell the teacher what is happening. / I learned to respect all others. / Not everyone is the same. / Stick up for yourself. / Speaking in public. / I don’t know. / By teaching me to tell the teachers. / Standing up. / To believe in myself. / Beat them up. / Yes because it’s bad. / To find out how both parties feel. / You don’t know how they feel. / So you know what they feel like. / You have to step up for others. / Standing up for others. / Yes people are all different. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I will beat up the bully. / I would want someone to be there for me. / Because I go by the Golden Rule. / I would go and help them. / Yes I would because it would help me. / I would try and resolve the situation. / Everyone should treat each other the same. / Tell someone. / Yes because I wouldn’t want to be treated like that. / To work with people. / Yes because I know what
they’re going through. / Tell someone. / It would make want to help. / Tell the teacher. / You could talk to an adult. / Yes because when someone is bullied you have to tell a adult. / Bullying is something that should not be taken lightly. / Yes because they don’t have to bully them. / You would not want to be bullied yourself. / I would tell them to stop. / Because we shouldn’t let anyone to pick on other. / I would help them solve the problem. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 95 % No 5 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes because I will say no to peer pressure. / I think I have lots of integrity. / How to make my own decisions. / It help strengthen my skills. / To work as a team. / I learned that everybody has something in common with someone. / I learned to take responsibility. / Just do it. / The courage to stand up and speak in front of everybody. / Yes because they taught me to respect others. / I already knew them. / It made me respect my decisions. / Not listen and follow my decision. / Make good choices. / What I learn in my decision is no peer pressure your teacher and be respectful with others. / Peer pressure doesn’t matter as long as you do things your own way. / Yes cause I have self-confidence. / You should not do it. / I can make my own decision good or bad. / Cuz you should have self-confidence. / Yes I would think first. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 19% Post 95% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No not really. / Color is important because color has meaning. / Nothing. / I don’t think anything about color because color doesn’t matter. / No I don’t. / I never thought about it. / I feel like colors can change your mood. I like blue. / No I don’t. / No I don’t. / No I don’t. / Nothing. / I never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / Color to me is an expression. / No. / I never thought about it. / No I have not. / IDK. / I think you can express yourself using colors because it can be used to express emotions. / Nothing. / No I haven’t thought about it. / No I haven’t thought about it. Post: I learned that anything has color. / That color can represent many things. / That every color means something. / It has a lot of meaning. / Color is something that makes you remember something. / Teal. / Color expresses your mood. / There is a sound. / I think it in music. / Green makes me feel happy. / Color is just dumb and it’s not respective. / Music can have color and a pattern. / Color is amazing. Shows up in anything. / That we’re equal even of the skin color. / Color has an effect on people. / Everybody have the same fear in color. / Color represents different things. / I think about blue when I smell food. / It has meaning. / I learned I can make music of color. / That everything has its own color. / Sound and music. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 86% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To become a professional basketball player. / I want to join the Army to learn how to make decision. / To become the best out of everyone. / To become a doctor. / To be a cop. / I don’t have an important dream. / To go to ASU University. / Help family. / Help family. / Help family. / IDK. / My dream is to be in the military. / Succeed in life. / To finish school (college). / Is making the NBA or NFL. / Is to finish school (college). / I don’t have an important dream. / I don’t have one. / My most important dream is to be a doctor. / To make a stable life. / To grow up and have a nice job and
be able to take care for my family. / Go to college and talking out loud. / To be able to speak in public and go to college. / I have a dream. Post: To become a US Army. / To finish school and college playing basketball. / To finish school and become a cop. / Is to get a good job. / Is to join the NBA or NFL. / To become a person my friends enjoy being with. / To become a doctor. / Being a football player. / My most important dream is to be a doctor or a dancer. / A SWAT. / My most important hope and dream is to make my dad live up to 100. / To be a crime investigator. / To become a professional football player and play for the Steelers. / To have a great job and a nice family. / To get a good job and take care of my mom. / To get a job that makes art in some way. / To complete my dream. / Helping mom when she’s in need. / Become a successful doctor. / Become a doctor. / To go to the military. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 95% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Is to respect everyone in my dream. / To be respectful, integritious, trustful, and responsible. / Is to have more self-confidence. / Is to start trusting everything. / The thing I learned was that you have to trust and respect people. / Never forget to ask for help. / Never give up because everyone makes mistakes. / Have confidence. / To always go for your dream to never give up. / I don’t know. / The thing I learned that will help me reach my dream is citizenship and trustworthiness. / Is to stay calm when working with others. / To respect everyone and help people. / Being responsible and respectful. / How to talk in front of people. / One thing that I learn in the workshop is being a scientist. / Do things your own way. / To help other people. / Believe in myself. / Speak for myself. / Stand up for others. / Is by graduating college. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: It helps me motivate myself. / It helps motivate me. / I want to have more selfconfidence. / I will improve my responsibility. / It helps motivate me. / I wanted to improve respect. It helped me understand nobody is perfect. / Public speaking because I had to stand in front of my classmates and show my project. / Leadership. / I learn to never be shy and no one is going to judge. / Go to school and learn a lot of things. / It helped me improve by teaching me new things about life. / It improved my leadership. / It made me more responsible. / To not be shy I improve to be myself. / How to talk about my fears. / Fairness is standing for my friend in life and others. / It help me improve understandment. / To talk in public. / Go hard. / Help speak in front of others doing speeches. / Public speaking. / By doing fun games. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned that I should respect my friend or classmate in everything. / I learned that lots of us have many similar things that have happened to us. / That people go through the same problem as me. / That they might have gone through the same thing I have. / That they may have the same fear and same dreams. / That everyone is the same in some way. / That is some way we are all the same. / I learn we have the same problems. / That everyone has something in common. / Now I know what some people went through. / That you can trust them and that they’re not all different. / That could have same experiences as you. / How to care for people. / I learned that they have been through a lot. / They go through the same things I do. / I learn what my classmates are afraid of. / I learned that even though we are different, we compare in a way. / Help other when they need help. / They also have hard times. / They have the same fear as me. / That they like the same thing. / They have something in common.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 28 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 27-30, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-12. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Skills, I learned not to be racist. We learned about expectations. Learning about a person before judging them. Meeting new friends. / It will help you get new friends. It will help stop bullying. It will prevent stereotyping by stop judging people. It will build character in my life by to know people more better. / To not pre-judge anyone. To know more people’s culture. So that I won’t judge anyone. It’ll make you more respectful. / It will get us to know each other better. Help understand things. Better at not doing it. By learning to ask questions. Creative Storytelling: We learned to not bully to do good in life. By helping people for what they need and learn. By seeing what’s right or wrong. Or what to do or not to do. It will build a better future and help you in life. / To be respectful. By not bullying. By being friendly with people that you don’t know. And be helpful. It will build character by having confidence. / To be respectful. You get to interact with more people. To not disrespect anyone. So you can earn respect. / Learning how to do plays. Help you do better in school. Not to do it. By learning how to care.
Through the Hoops: To help each other. You can learn from others. To help others with things. To learn how to work with others. / Help others. By helping your partners. By standing out. It will apply in life by having friends. / By working together. Teamwork. To help if others are having a hard time. To help others. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Think more. Refresh memory. Help you think more and better. It could make you smarter and think more. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. It makes me feel good. / Special. / It makes me feel weird. / It makes me feel weird. / I do love myself and I feel like always do. / I feel good. I also feel happy. / It makes me feel good and happy. / It makes me feel weird because you’re looking at your eyes. I also kind of like the color of my eyes. / It make me feel awkward. / Happy. / Happy, comfortable, less fear. / It makes me feel awkward. / Happy, comfort, less fear. / My eyes and my hair. Generous – this word makes feel nice because I think of nice and kind people. Friendship – this word makes me fell happy because I think of my best friend. / My eyes. It makes me feel happy. / It makes you good, awesome, handsome. / It makes me feel different and weird and sad. / When I look in the mirror I look the same. / It makes me feel weird. / That I was looking in the mirror it feel that a looking and it feel that they I heart guy on the glass and that how I feel. / Happy, comfortable, less fear. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? They are important because they inspired me. I like Ariana because she doesn’t care what people say, and she sings really good. / This is my mom. She is my hero. She gave me life and I look up to her in most things. Because she is my role model. They help me when I need it. Just them being themselves. / My dad. My dad is my hero because he buys me food. He buys me clothes. He works just to give us a better life. That will be good have a hero because it will be a good friend. / My mom is my hero because she protects me and loves me too. My hero. They are important because they save you and protect you. They have be nice and love you. / My hero is my mom. My mom is my hero because she cares about me. She buys me thing. She also gives me food. That is my hero. They are important because she cares about me. The characteristic are that they could be nice. / My parent. They are important because they love us (brother and sister) and take care of us. / Jesus Christ died for us and I’m thankful for that. If it wasn’t for him we would be either lost or not born. I think he is brave because he sacrificed for millions of people, when I could barely sacrifice for my family or friends. The point is that he loves us and he died for us so he is our hero. He died for us. I see they are brave. / My family. They are important because someone who would always be there for me, somebody who would love me, lead me in a good future. That they could lead me in a good/excellent/great future. / Mom. She look out for me. I do not know. / My mom. Because she cares and respects me. Respect, care, trustworthiness. / Messi. He is my favorite hero. He is my hero because he is hard working. They are important because they are my hero. To be there whenever I need him. / My mom. Because she cooks and helps me with my homework. Honest, brave, happy, and helpful. / My hero/idol is Leonel Messi. Because he isn’t a show-off and he is hard working. Not showing off, brave, and a good personality. / My mom. Because she makes me food, she cleans the house and my clothes, also because she loves me. Nice and likes me for me. / My mom. I think my mom is very important because she is there for me. Nice, there for me takes care of me. / My hero is Messi, because he is a humble and very good at soccer. He is also my role model and Messi isn’t a show off. / My dad because he is a hard worker. / My hero is my sister’s boyfriend. Me and him have a lot in common like Hondas, chocolate, Cardinals, etc. He helped me through rough times. He even let me live with him when I got kicked out. /
He is a good role model and he teaches me what is right and what’s wrong. He also teaches me to be hard working. / My hero is my family because they are always there for me. They care about me and I love them. / My hero is my dad because he always protect me and he is hard working and he look for us always and he is a good person and a good dad, and my mom because she is always there for us and she protect us and they are my hero. / Myself. / My hero is Neymar. / My mom. Because she cares about me. Respect, care, trustworthy. / My parents because they care about me.
Seeing Beyond: To believe what you think. To be creative and know what things are without looking. By believing what you believe in. / I learned how to predict. On science for observations. To eliminate the other guesses. / To see imagination. To be creative and thoughtful. By describing object without looking. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? When I took care of my baby sister for the first time. I felt confident and smart. / I am trustworthy with my mom and friends and caring to my little baby brother because I love him. / A time when a kid fell so then I picked him up. / I helped my mom when she broke her leg. I was caring. It felt nice to help her. I brought her things she needed when she wanted it. / When his mom had to go to work so I had to take care of my sister that what I did!!! / When my mom had to go to work so I had to take care of my brothers. Mad because they didn’t listen to me. / I helped my friend with the problems she had by taking her to an encounter. And by telling her to forget about it and let it go. / I helped my mom by cleaning the house. And that made me feel good about myself because I helped my mom. / A time I was trustworthy was that my friend needed to say a secret and she trusted on me. I felt special because she came up to me instead of someone else. She felt way better leaving it out. / I help my mom clean the house and clean my room. / I was caring when I let a girl in my class use my pencil. I gave it to her because she didn’t have a pencil. / When I gave food to a dog that was on the street. / My best time was when I was playing with my family and my trustworthy was when I start to cry.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . . ®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 48
%Female 52
Dates: January 27-30, 2015
Ages 11-12
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 42 %NO 254 %Other 4 Post %YES 70 %NO 30 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 78 % All the Time 15 Post % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 74 % All the Time 15 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 37 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 37 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 22 Post % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 66 % All the Time 22 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 4 % Equal 63 % Leader 26 % No Answer 7 Post % Follower 7 % Equal 37 % Leader 52 % No Answer 4 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 33 % No 67 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 48 % No 52 Did you do anything? % Yes 33 % No 41 % No Answer 26 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 74 % No 26 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because on Facebook. / They taught me to not judge someone by how they look. / Because I learned not to bully. / No. / Never give up and make your dream come true. / I can stand up for them. / To stand up to yourself. / To stand up to one another. / Yes because she wanted to. / That to work hard. / I will stand up for myself. / I don’t see anything involved with bullying. / To not bully because we are all people. / Yes because maybe I can show people. / After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 89 % No 11 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because I support it. / I’d tell him to stop. / I don’t like people being bullied. / I will say stop. / Tell somebody adult. / I would tell the bully to stop. / So they don’t get hurt and commit suicide. / Stand up for them. / I would help them ever not my friend. / To work hard. / I would stand up for them. / I’m bad but caring. / I would tell them to stop. / What if other kids don’t stand up, who will? / Because we are supposed to be nice. / Yes because I can tell the teachers. / I would help them.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 63 % No 37 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Respect. / You should respect everyone. / I learned to respect others so no one gets hurt. / No. / I learned don’t lose your stuff. / They told me. / I get scared and just do turning out all right. / It is hard to discuss. / That people got to help each. / To respect others. / I don’t see anything involved with peer pressure. / By being a leader not a follower. / Yes because I can learn more respect. / I learned to respect and other stuff. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 59% Post 93% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think about mixing gold color with purple. / No, I never thought about color. / I never thought about it. / Yes. I think color is amazing. / I think that colors are cool. / I think that how did they make it? / I never thought about it. / Color makes me think about the personality of the certain noun. / I have never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / Race. I don’t like it at all because people make fun of other people because of their color. / Never. / I think about race. / I think of race. / Cool. / Colors are wonderful. / All the color? / How do people make the color blue if know other color can make it. / Yes. I think color is something not to care about. / I never thought about a color. / When I think color I also think about the world. / Nothing never thought about it. / I have never thought about color. / I never thought about it. / It is nice. / I always thought about skin color. / No. / By “color” do you mean race? If so I accept everyone’s kind. Post: Color is using imagination. / I think about racist. / With music you can see color. / I learned color doesn’t matter that it never did. / Wonderful and cool. / You hear you could feel the color. / I think that how did they make it. / It can be creative. / That it represents many things. / Color is music to my ears. / No. / That I learn about the color is that they get mixes. / Color express itself by sound. / I learned color expresses emotion and feeling. / There are many different colors. / I think of color as music now. / I like painting. / Music. / More colors or more things. / My color is baby blue. / That you could see the color when you hear the song. / Awesome. / It has sound. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 59% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My dream is to drive sports car like a Formula 1 Ferrari. / I dream to be in the Air Force. / I don’t have one. / Be a foster parent and be a cook. / My most important dream is to be a soccer player. / To do something when I am older. / My dream is to meet my tata in Mexico. / My most important dream is to become a WWE wrestler. / I haven’t had an important one. / To become a art teacher. / To become a veterinarian. / Yes. / No I do not yet. / Is to become a professional soccer player. / No. / My most important dream is to help kids. / To save all homeless dogs in the world. / Is to follow our dreams and don’t let anyone tell you what to do. / I don’t want to talk about it. / I can’t talk about it. / I don’t have any dreams. / I want to join the Air Force. / I don’t think you have one please say so. / I hope. / My dream is to be a mechanical engineer. / No I have not. / To try hard as I can to become a basketball player.
Post: Going to Mars. / To be a pro soccer and help my parents. / My hope is being an actor or an engineer. / Going into the Army. / The most important hope or dream is to follow your hope and/or dreams. / To be a pro football player. / Is to make video games. / Is to go to US Army. / My dream is to be a vet. / Become a doctor. / Is to become something in life even if it isn’t something I want to become. / Meeting my grandpa. / To become a vet. / Yes bear to do dream. / Is to become an architect. / To work on my ball skills. / My dream is to become a wrestler. / My most important dream is to go to Spain. / I will like to be in the Air Force. / Graduate from college. / My dream is to be rich. / To finish school. / To be a WWE wrestler. / To become a better person. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Color. / Responsibility. / I learn that I will reach my dream. / Work hard, respect people. / To never give up on them. / To always believe. / Yes It will help my future. / Never give up and make your own path. / That it can come true. / Go to college. / Is that no matter what gets in our way. / Not giving up. / To learn to be a vet fish you must take science. / To be responsible. / That I would like to be a soccer player. / Is to believe in myself. / To work hard. / To be trustworthy. / To not stop and give effort. / It made me feel that I was going to accomplish my dreams. / Find a way to get there. / Working hard. / One thing that I learn was to follow my dream. / That it will come true. / Be confident. / To keep moving forward. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Helping me by telling me I can do it. / to help me learn trustworthiness. / The workshop how me of the picture. / Respect. / Yes it helped me realize that you can do anything if you try. / By believing. / Fairness to be equal with other people. / Making some of our dreams come true. / Get ideas. I remembered more. / By giving me advice. / Jealously. / Yes I love it a lot. / Responsible. / That it make my feel go. / Believing into myself. / Sportsmanship because I play basketball. / What I need to work on is to respect people. / I want to improve on trustworthiness. / Caring helped me. / I want to improve on trustworthy. / My showing teachers. / The workshop improve me to do my dream and follow my life. / To be responsibility. / It helped me with teamwork. / How to be responsible. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: You have to help them. / Yes, I saw people painting and cooperating. / That you have to participate. / You should help. / I learned that people are different than they look. / Their fear, dream, and memory. / They are afraid of thing. / I learned to make dreams. / To respect others. / They are brave. / Make great teamwork. / They are my friend that help me. / Group work. / That classmate draw saw picture is was cool. / To believe in myself. / One of my friends are scared of heights. / Most of the people have the same dreams. / That he/she was afraid of heights. / That sharing is caring. / Lead don’t follow. / They all have something different. / I learn was that to respect my classmates. / I learn that they all have fear. / That we have the same fears. / We mostly have the same fear.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 20 young lives from Kuban School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 2-5, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Be responsible, be respectful. Helping others. To be good and respectful. Is to live a better life. / Kindness. Helping someone out. By telling them it’s wrong. By helping out others. / Trueness. Saying the truth. Get know people better. People will trust you. / Learned each others secrets. You are not alone. Stop judging others of how they look. Not be afraid. Creative Storytelling: Be helpful, caring. Showing how to be helpful. To break them up from fighting. When someone get in a car crash, call the police. / Speaking up, respectfulness. Participate better, helping others. By telling to stop, help the person. Helps you be social. / Respectful, truthful, fairness. Help to be a better student. If people knew respect, there’s no bullying. Be more caring. / Respectfulness. Help others. Respect others like you want to be treated. I would help others who are struggling. Through the Hoops: To work together. Helping other. Treating other people the same. Respecting other. / Teamwork. To help others. Help out the victim. To help each other no matter what. / Teamwork. To work together. By friends helping each other. By doing buildings together. / Teamwork. Finish achievements faster. Stand up for each other. To work with each other.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Caring and fairness. Helping other and caring. A bean bag. Working together. / To accept ourselves. To be yourself. To calm ourselves down. Don’t worry how you look. / We learned how to be respectful. By not talking back. With our lives. It would help our lives to be respectful. / Accept who you are. No one can judge you. Make the right choices. To follow the rules. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
I make me feel sad. / It make me feel happy, excited. / It makes me feel proud, good. / I love myself like in my life the adventures I did with my family. / It make feel happy how I’m. / It make me feel happy. / It makes me feel good. / It made me feel sad and graceful and I told myself I wasn’t ugly or dumb. / I feel like I hate myself and ugly. / It makes me feel that I could actually be someone in life. / Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Dad. My dad is my hero because take good of me. My dad is always my hero. / My hero is my family. My family is my hero because when sometime happen they would always come and help me. I think they are important because they always help me. Their personality is their trustworthy and is their fairness. / Mom. Because she cares about me and loves you. / My hero is my mom because she supports us and gives us food. / A military person. They serve for our country and protect our country. To protect our planet. / Mom because she care about me and gave birth to me so she is my hero. Mom because she gave me birth. They have to be nice. / My dad because he help me when I need help. The military because they protect our country. They helping other people. / My mom. My mom is my hero because she been there for me forever. Because they help everyday. Helpfulness. / My grandma is my hero because she’s kind and she helps me with my problems and that’s why she’s my hero. She’s important to me because she’s helpful. The characteristics or qualities I look for in a hero is kindness, helpfulness, and respectfulness. / My mom and dad because we have a roof on top of us and food on the table. I love what I have. / Superman saves lives. He helps the world’s problems. / I think that my mom. She is my hero because she shows me love and cares for me. I don’t understand it! / Gerard Way and Billie Joe Armstrong. Gerard Way – He’s saved many lives by his music, he’s been through very tough times in his life but is still living to this day, he’s caring, he’s nice, he writes meaningful lyrics, and makes people feel better about themselves. Billie Joe Armstrong – Meaningful music, caring, doesn’t fail to make people laugh, in a band, saves people’s lives with just music, believes in his fans, nice. Because he inspire people and saves lives. Inspiring, caring, meaningful.
Seeing Beyond: Be respectful. To help other. Being respectful. / Teamwork. By helping each other out. Trustworthy person. / Trustworthiness. Trustworthiness would help in school because it helps not tell lies. To let people trust me. / Teamwork. Confidence to help each other out. Encourage friends as a team. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Work in school and be respectful. Responsibility, caring. To stop the fighting and bullying. To be friendly. / Not to be shy, face your fears. Socialize to others. To face your fear and tell them to stop. Achieve your dreams. / We learned how to be truthful. It will help us say the truth. By telling the truth to the teacher. By not lying to anybody. / Standing up for yourself. To not be scared. The bully will stop bullying you.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Be respectful and responsible. Helping other. Respecting other. / Learning about other people. To understand others. Knowing how to work together. / We learned to face our fears by talking in front of our class. We can talk in front of an audience. / Something negative could turn positive. Making the right decisions. If you don’t something about your life. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
One time, me and my family were late to the hospital and we thought that being late was a bad thing but we found out that if we took the highways earlier, we would have been in a car accident. / Something negative that I have seen is people bullying others and one day I tried to help and they cussed me out and tried to hit me and I ran. / I feel happy because I stop being mean to my family. / I felt happy because I was cleaning the house. / My Grampa crashing on 35th Ave and Buckeye with a red work truck on a pile of dirt because we were afraid and everyone was scared. The good thing about that was that our lesson is to take care of him. / The experience made me feel good. / I didn’t go to a party. I was mad. Then later on I heard that the party was boring. I felt happy. / About to buy a game and my cousin was sad then I changed my mind to buy a controller. Learn this in workshop. / Everyone was calling me weak but I was actually strong. Then a guy told me to protect him and he will pay be 250,000 dollars. / My experience is to get a job when I’m older. So I can have a job every day could work. / I did a experience at school. Yes/No: Teamwork. To help others. / Teamwork.
®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Kuban Elementary %Male 60
%Female 40
Dates: February 2-5, 2015
Ages 11-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 90 %NO 10 %Other 0 Post %YES 65 %NO 35 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 10 % No Answer 5 Post % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 80 % All the Time 10 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 70 % All the Time 20 % No Answer 5 Post % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 15 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 20 Post % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 20 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 25 % Equal 65 % Leader 10 Post % Follower 5 % Equal 45 % Leader 50 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 75 % No 25 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 80 % No 20 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 40 % No Answer 10 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Sometimes in school. / The workshop made me deal not to bully. / I learned to do teamwork. / Everyone has gone through the same pain. / Because workshop is good for me. / Sometime in school. / No, I already knew how to deal with bullying. / Cause they helped me understand. / Yes because if they bully me, I would turn my cheek. / Try to help them. / By not listening to them. / Respect. / I learned to have respect. / Always I could fix the problem. / Yes it helped me. / Stop being mean. / To face your fears and say stop. / To stop it. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 95 % No 5 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would tell an adult. / If I was bullied I will tell the teacher. / To stand up for them. / Tell adult. / In the workshop, all the people were nice. / Stop them by telling an adult. / I’ll stand up and help them. / I would tell them to stop. / I would tell them to turn the other cheek. / Tell them to stop. / I would stand up for them. / Tell a teacher. /
If I seen someone getting bullied I would help them. / I would say stop and get their story. / Yes I would because the other people are going to suffer. / I will try to stop them. / Because they are being hurt. / Yes to stop it. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To talk out loud. / I learned skills of citizen. / Teamwork. / By going my way. / I am responsible for me. / By going my own way. / To be responsible for my own actions. / To be responsible. / I learn to responsibility by going to the workshop. / ? / Respect. / To not be shy. / To be nice to others. / Yes I did how to be nice. / Respect and responsibility. / Because it helped me. / Yes to much pressure. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 95% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Beautiful. / Color means – colorful, art. / They have good color that I like. / What I think about color is I think that it has nice colors. / Cool colorful and shine. / Cool. / Awesome. / I think it is art. / Color to me means something awesome. / Blue means to me sadness. / Blue means sadness. / I think about color is rainbow. / It’s colorful? / I really don’t think much about color but it’s cool. / Blue a blue car. / Blue means sad to me. / It’s colorful? / Colorful. / I think art. / Colors are awesome too. Post: It has no feelings. / What I learn the workshop is be citizenship. / To see the world a better world. / That color has meanings. / Red, blue. / My color has a meaning. / It has meaning and feelings. / Colorful. / To like color if you don’t like it. / It could make a picture. / Some colors can be sad, happy, mad. / Color are cool. / Colors are in a rainbow. / It looks so cool and happy. / Color are rainbow. / I know it’s powerful and it could control your mind. / I learned about color is that we like different colors. / They help me come down. / That it’s better and brighter. / It has a feeling. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 85% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Stay healthy. / Is to be respectful other people. / Have a nice family. / My important dream is a nice education. / A soccer player. / To be a basketball player. / I want to have better grades. / Is that people don’t get bullied anymore. / So. / I will be a military. / My most important hope or dream is to go to college. / For bullying to stop. / Sorry I don’t. / To be successful. / Being treated equal. / To live in a place where people don’t have to be scared to walk down the streets at night. / Being a doctor. / I hope I can go to college. / To follow other people.
Post: I want to be a boxer. / My most important dream is that when I grow up, I want to work in the ocean. / Is to help other people. / To get into college. / To be a soccer player. / I go to the military and get a girlfriend. / To save other people’s lives with words. / To become a doctor. / Is coming a policeman to protect the world. / Is to be a vet and take care of animals. / Become a vet. / A bodyguard for president. / To be a basketball player. / My dream is to be a vet. / Are to a good job and a nice house. / I would be in the military and serve my country. / Is to own my own house. / Is getting good grade. / Is to play for the AZ Cardinals. / To be successful One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 95% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To not be afraid. / One thing I learn in the workshop that made my dream to work a lot when I grow up. / Yes. / To never give up. / To have a dream to live by myself. / To not be afraid. / Never give up. / Be respectful. / Is to respect, trustworthy. / Is to be respectful and responsibility. / Is to not be scared to talk. / Tell the truth. / To be respectful. / To not be shy. / Is to be respectful and responsible. / Yea it could be always real in my heart and anywhere I go. / Is to be responsible. / Being responsible. / To be truthful. / To not be afraid. Coming into the workshop, which Character Count did you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 95% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: By believing. / It made me improve that to get along with each other. / It improved lives. / I wanted to talk about bullying more. / And respect my friends and family. / Felt of talk how to stop bullying. / To speak up a bit more and they helped by making me talk. / More responsible. / By not being shy if I don’t know someone. / To not be shy and show the world you. / No. / Responsibility, be respectful. / To be respectful. / To respect other people. / To help other be respectful. / To speak which and others by doing the presentation. / I want to improve 3 and the workshop helped me. / Being nice to my friends. / It helped me by being respectful. / Fear. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned how they feel. / What I learn in the workshop is that you had to get up, not be shy. / We have different abilities. / That people are scared of speaking in front of others. / To be friends and to not. / Secrets that stay in here like the Vegas rule. / That they’re going through bad stuff too. / About themselves. / That they have been bullied and had robbed. / That their fear is snakes. / They’re always there for me. / They have same feelings me. / That people been bullied too. / To treat other people the same. / To be respectful and care for other. / I know what they are afraid of and I know more about them. / That they were shy. / We are not that different. / That they have the same pain and thing I have. / People’s secret.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 23 young lives from Sullivan Elementary experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 9-12, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-12. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Teamwork. To do group projects. Everybody’s equal. Makes me see differences in people but all are equal. / We all have differences. We’d know everyone has differences. People are not what they seem. To get to know people. / To be yourself. Show people that you can be yourself so others can be theirself. Don’t judge by how they look. Make your dreams come true. / To learn about others. Help make more friends. To stop judging people. To be respectful. Creative Storytelling: Everybody has different meaning of anything. It can make us participate. To overcome our fears. It can make you know how strong or how your feelings are. / How to be a good citizen, teamwork. So we can learn to use teamwork. It would help us make friends. Because you’re helping others. / To be caring, trustworthiness, responsible, and citizenship. To help you earn respect. If they cared about each other, bullying wouldn’t be a problem. When you get a job, it will help you if you care about your job. / Everyone thinks differently. To get to know people. People (bullies and victims) have things in common. To not judge a book by its cover. Through the Hoops: Teamwork. Could help us do things we can’t do. Could learn differences from others. Help us work with others. / Teamwork. Because in you’re not by yourself and you can work together. Find something in common. Your work with other people not by yourself. / Teamwork, skills. It will help in projects. You will feel stronger. Learn how to work and get along with others. / Teamwork. Using it in group work. Help the victim. Help other with life.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: How we feel about ourselves. Be who you are. Stand up for what is right even if you’re standing alone. Helps us be confident. / When you look in a mirror, you’re worth more than you thought. Anyone can have similarities. When you look at yourself, you feel confident. You can respect yourself. / To be who you are and not what others want you to be. A lot of people are always trying to be like others not their self. Don’t do what others want you to do, do what you want to. Respect, responsibility. / To respect yourself. To ignore the haters. It will help you be able to handle it better. To care less about what others think. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
It makes me feel happy and grateful. / Happy, awesome. / Excited. / It makes me feel good because I have any hair. / It makes me feel awkward and weird. / What I love about myself is I am how I am and not like others. Happy, intelligent, calm. / Confident. / Happy. / Excellent. / It makes me feel like it’s a new day where I can start all over and accomplish my dreams. / Knowing I’m different but beautiful in and out. / I feel very brave and confident. / Alright. / It made me feel weird. / I feel confident, sometimes beautiful. / It made me feel comfortable and strong in my heart. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My parents are my heroes because they give you food. Because they care about you and give really good and nice things. I look into them because they show you how to be in the future. / My parents they help me with stuff. I think they are important because they give me food and other stuff. Helps me with stuff. / I pick Batman because he know how to fight. Because they are good. I will help and reserved. / Zoe Sugg. Zoe Sugg is important to me because she says good advice and is great with dealing with problems. I look for in characteristics or qualities are ambition, courage, unique, calm, friendly, nice. / My family because they always there when I need them or when I’m have a major problem. They are important because they’re the most important thing in my life. That they would help everybody around the world (I didn’t get it so I guessed). / My parents because they gave me life. It makes me feel great. / My hero is my tia because she has her sick leg since she was little and she never cared what they would tell her. I think my tia is important because she is part of my heart. I would look for a hero that has trustworthy because they can’t be a hero if you can’t trust them. / Martin Luther King Jr.. He helped stop segregation. / Mom. / My hero is my mom and dad. When then took care of me when I am sick or sad or for good or bad. / Sister. She is my motivation to be who I am. I look for someone who is cool, unique, and nice. / My hero is my uncle. Brave, confident, cool. / They inspired me to rap. Trustworthiness. / My hero is my mom. I think mom is important to me because she has always been there for me even I gave up on myself. / My stepmother. She showed me how to be nice and be respectful. I look for her for help whenever I have a problem because she is always helpful and admires me for who I am and who I wanted to be.
Seeing Beyond: Teamwork. It could help us with science, writing, and reading. It could let us know what we want like a specific job. / Description. Science because you can learn what type of solvent something is. It helps with teamwork and description. / Teamwork. Math cause if you are struggling, teamwork will help. Knowing you can rely on your team. / How to work together. It could help us in science with projects. So you won’t leave people out.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Share facts about yourself. It could help you make new friends. It could help you meet different people you never met before. / Everyone has different experiences when helping people. Because you can help people at school. Whenever you work you might need to train someone new. / We have trust and caring in life. To trust and care about education. To trust and care about your job. / To help others. It could help you get along with others. It would help you take care of people. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward?
An old woman was filling up a gallon of water and she dropped about 20-30 dollars. I stopped, dropped everything and picked it up and gave it to her. She said thank you. It felt so amazing. / One time my friend told me to take care of his bike, but I said “They are gonna steal it.” And they did. / One day my friend Darlene fell down and I went to help her to get up then took her to the nurse. / I was left alone with my little cousin. I gave him food and water to drink. I took good care of him until my mom comes back. My experience was awesome and happy. / Once my mom took me to the salon and we got our nails done and she told me not to tell my sister because she didn’t go with us. / I feel good helping people since I help people a lot. I feel special when people ask me to help them. / I was helping my cousin get up from the ground and put her in her wheelchair. Because she was getting a clipboard from ground and flip off her wheelchair. It felt good. / Caring. When I was walking with my mom a man ask for money and I gave him five dollars and he was happy and we were too. / I felt good when I helped an old lady pick up her grocery bags. / My cousin trusted me to take care of his book and I did. One time I helped an old lady cross the street. / I felt good when I helped an old lady with a wheelchair. / When my 2 friends were in a fight and I told them that we were the 3 Musketeers last year and this year we are not that. I miss the 3 of us to be best friends. It felt gladly. / A time I was trustworthy is when I didn’t tell a secret that my friend told me. / I was caring for my brother when he had eye surgery. It made me feel like I was helpful towards him. / We were at Walmart and someone dropped their ID and she didn’t know so I picked it up and gave it to her. / One time my cousin told me to take care of his soccer ball and I didn’t so they robbed the ball. / A time I was caring was when my baby sister got her hand this huge fan that my dad brought from his work. She put her hand in it and all of her skin of her hand peeled off and I helped her by changing her bandage every end of the day. / I was caring when I pick Jay up when he fell. / A man tripped over and when I crossed the street and saw the man and he couldn’t get up so I went over there and helped him get up and he said thank you. / A time I have helped someone is my mom to help her clean my sister’s room and we put music so we can feel happy while we are cleaning the room. / A time when someone dropped 15 dollars and I gave it back to them but they gave me the money instead as a reward. It felt like I was doing a good deed. It felt good. / Once my cousins were playing football and one of them threw the football in the tree we have in front of our house. I used a broom to push the ball out of the branches. It felt good that I helped them.
®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary-6th Grade %Male 43
%Female 57
Dates: February 9-12, 2015
Ages 11-12
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 92 %NO 8 %Other 0 Post %YES 92 %NO 4 %Other 4 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 70 % All the Time 30 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 39 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 30 % All the Time 70 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 43 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 44 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 26 % Equal 22 % Leader 48 % No Answer 4 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 26 % Leader 74 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 52 % No 48 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 61 % No 35 % No Answer 4 Did you do anything? % Yes 35 % No 39 % No Answer 26 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 94 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: That you are not alone. / Yes because I want to help the people. / I don’t like bullying people it can be bad for their health. / To stand up. / Learning to stand up. / I can stand up now. / Help others when they need it. / To don’t feel alone. Some people are like you. / Tell a teacher. / To protect the person who’s being bullied. / Be nice to the bully. / Just ignore them. / Be yourself. / Everybody deals with something. / Help others handle it. / Yes to believe in helping people. / People need respect. / Help the victim. / I can find something in common with bullies.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 96 % No 4 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I will tell a teacher. / Yes so I could help them. / I will tell a teacher that’s around and try to help that person. / I would stand up and tell them to stop. / Help them out and make them feel better. / Yes because I want to help people. / Yes tell them to leave them alone. / Tell them to leave her or him alone. / Go help him or get a teacher. / I will tell them to stop that. / Stop the bully. / I will go and tell a adult right away. / Help stop. / Tell them if something happens you are not alone. / I would never want it to be done to me. / I would tell the bully to stop. / I would tell an adult. / Tell an adult. / I would go to a adult. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 88 % No 12 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To make your own decision. / I learned how to respect. / I wanna make my own decisions because I want to do what my heart tells me to do. / I learn respect. / Express yourself in a good way. / No one is my boss except my boss. / Don’t do what others want. / Yes that respect others. / Peer pressure is almost never good. / Make your own decisions. / I learn to respect my elders. / Respect others. / Yes makes your own choices. / I don’t know. / Everybody has different experiences. / Respect yourself. / I wasn’t here for that lesson. / Life is important. / I learn a lot of respect. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 61% Post 88% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I like to color and draw. / Rainbows. / Skittles. / Gay Pride!! / No I’ve never thought of it. / I don’t think about color. / I do not really think about color. / I think it colorful. / Sometime when I see light blue it makes me calm. / No I never thought about color. / No what I think a think about the color blue and look at the sky and relax me. / It’s interesting. / It’s interesting. / I think about the red sometimes. It makes me think about a lot of things. / I think color is awesome. It makes you who you are and yes I have thought about color. / No. / Pink is not just for girls it’s also for boys. / Black. / Nothing. / Nothing. / Not really. / I have never thought about color. / Yes I have thought about color. Post: You can express yourself. / Here different colors. / It expresses you. / Nothing. / The word color means more than just color. / Their different colors. / Color means different emotions. / Color means relaxment. / Nothing really changed. / To express feelings. / That drawing could express yourself. / Color is color. / I think it expresses your feelings. / Nothing. / Green mean luck. / I think about uniqueness. / It is all you. / It means something. / It’s important. / Red, blue. / That isn’t just a color. / Color is beautiful. / That you can make different colors with other colors. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 78% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To get good grades. / To be successful. / To have a great future. / I don’t have one. / That my family will go to church together. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer. / My most important dream is to let people know girls can do anything (I want to be in the military). / My dream is
to get a good job. / My important dream is to go to a flight school so I can be in the Air Force. / To go on a roller coaster. / Is becoming a lawyer. / So. / So. / My most important dream or hope is to be successful. / My most important hope or dream is to finish school and get a good job. / Is to stop people from bullying. / It’s to stop people from bullying. / Don’t have one. / My dream is to be a leader. / My important dream is to be a policeman. / So. / My dream is to be a painter. Post: Dream - to travel the world. Hope – to become a 6th grade teacher. / My most important dream is being a soccer player. / Is to become a SWAT. / To travel around the world. / To become a professional photographer and travel the world. / To be a bomb diffuser. / To become a police officer. / To become a lawyer. / Having a good family and being a veterinarian. / To become an engineer. / I want to be a successful person in this life. / Is to have a good job. / To become a lawyer. / Join marines. / My dream is to travel the world. / To be a better person than I am now. / To become a pilot. / Keep on with my life. / My education, my family. / To have a great family. / To become a lawyer. / It is to be a cop. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To follow my hopes and dreams. / One thing I learned in the workshop to help me reach my dream is don’t be shy. / Is to follow myself and not to have peer pressure that there’s no right or wrong. / Never give up. / Respect and be responsible. / I will need to use a lot of math. / Go for what you want. Don’t stop till you get there. / To be responsible. / No matter what happens, nothing will stop you from reaching them. / I learn that you have to work for your. / Is to believe. / To be a go person. / Be yourself. / To believe in your dreams. / I learned that I could accomplish anything. / Follow your dream. / Respect. / Respect, caring, and trust. / Is to never give up. / To step up. / Being very respectful. / To have respect. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 88% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I will always express who I am. / Don’t by shy. / That I can respect my own decisions and that there’s no right or wrong answer. / That I am more confident. / I was very quiet and it has helped me. / I am not shy. / I could get stuff done if I want. / That there is a lot of people like me. / I feel the same. / That my fear is a family member is dead. / I learn teamwork, dreams. / To love yourself. / I nice respectful and I have more courage. / Nothing. / I am a good leader. / I learned that I could open myself a little bit more to others. / I am a good public speaker. / Nothing. / Am don’t have the only fear. / Teamwork with other people. / I can be shy. / That I’m perfect just the way I am. / To talk in front of public. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 96% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They learned not to be shy. / Be teammates. / To not let them peer pressure you. / That some people go to church. / They have different experiences. / The new kid isn’t shy. / They have the same fears as me. / That some have the same thought as me. / What they are afraid of. / I learned my friends favorite color. / I learn teamwork. / They love new things. / They like to work as a team. / Nothing special. / We are all different. / I learned different in their life. / Most have lots of things in common with me. / Their dream. / Some people have the same fear. / To work with other people no matter what. / We have lots of things in common. / We have the same experiences. / To help him or her when they fall.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 27 young lives from Hamilton School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 9-12, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-15. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Learned expectations, not judging or stereotyping. To follow rules. To not judge a book by its cover. Being more successful with other people. / Communication with others. Not being shy and speaking. By getting to see who they truly are. More confidence and leadership. / People will have the same cultural experience as you. Get along with people better. To not judge people by the way they look. It will teach you a lesson. / Learned about people. You will know people better. You will know all the people. By stereotyping. Creative Storytelling: Use teamwork, don’t be shy. Don’t be afraid of speaking out. Respect others, speak up, show character. You’re gonna have to respect others. / Confidence. Helps you communicate. You get to help the person. Helps you open doors. / Sharing responsibility. Being responsible. Speaking up to bullies. Being kind to one another. / To be creative and outgoing. Because if you’re creative it can help out on your character. Because there’s always people bringing each other down which doesn’t allow them to express themselves. There’s always ways to improve on your character and who you are.
Through the Hoops: Trust and stay together and don’t give up on yourself for others. To do more teamwork. To stand up for people and yourself. Be successful and trust people and yourself. / Trustworthiness and teamwork. Trusting your friends. That person can count on you. Being able to trust others. / Teamwork. Trust in one another. Get to know others better. Working together throughout anything and everything. / You need teamwork to get through it. If you help each other you can both get the understanding. If everyone stands up for each other, there would be no bullying. That if someone needs help out because every person has a specialty. Reflective Take Away Assignment: You have to love yourself for who you are. It will help you stand up for yourself. To be positive and respecting yourself. It will help you become a better person. / Being responsible and a leader. Being successful in school. Making good choices. Being responsible. / Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect. It applies because we know we can’t make perfect grades. Saying no to all bad things. Make me be more successful. / To look in the mirror and accept who you are. Being more confident. To being more comfortable and make the right decision. To not be afraid to be out of your comfort zone. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Great. / Great, knowing that at least I can say that. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel better and more confident about myself. / It makes me feel confident about myself. / It makes me feel good. / That I can do whatever I want. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Mom. She puts a roof over my head. She does things for me. Respectful. / My hero is my mom. She’s my hero because she puts a roof over my head and save me from a lot of things. She will always be my hero no matter what we go though. She’s the one that brought me to earth. She’s the reason I’m living. / She’s important because she saves me from everything. Saviour and respectfulness. / My mom. She is my mom. She taught me so much and is very important. Caring, brave, and trustworthiness. / My mom. She is important because she taught me everything I know and she has given me everything I need. Trustworthiness, respect, and caring. / My parents. Because they taught me a lot of lesson thought out my mom. To be responsible and to care about others. / My mom because she took care of me and all by herself that is why she is. Caring and intelligent.
Seeing Beyond: Identify objects, seeing in perspective. Writing to add more detail. Science to create a hypothesis. To always see in a different perspective. / Communication and strategy. It would apply in writing because it could describe the object. Get to communicate with people. / We learned how to communicate. Because in school we need to communicate with your teammates to get things done. To learn how to work together with other people. / Multitask and visualizing. Writing make your reader visualize and science. Identifying objects with one touch.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
I helped my sister with her homework. It felt good helping her out. / I cared about my mom when I washed the dishes for her. I was trusted when my sister tells me her secrets from school. / I was trustworthy when my friend asked me to take care of his money. I took care of his money and gave it back when he asked for it. / One day my teacher didn’t come. So we got split up and I was helping the little kids. They said thank you and I felt good. / There was a time when I did care about someone and I wanted him to get good grades so I helped him with his work. It felt good and proud to help and care for him. / I was caring once when I seeing someone cry and then I told her what happened and she told me. I went to go solve it. / When I gave a ball back to someone. It felt nice. / I’m trusted when it comes like responsible things. I always become more and more responsible when I get trusted. / Once I was at the park and a lovely family asked me if I can take their picture near the lake. So I did. I felt honest and caring because they trusted me with their phone and it was a great feeling to be responsible. / A girl came to me for help and I told her to keep trying and never give up. After a storm, there is always sunshine. I felt good. / When I helped Maria put her weave on I was caring. / The time I was trustworthy was when my mom gave me $100 to hold and I didn’t waist anything. / My mom trusted me to do dishes. I felt good. / I helped my dog cross the road so it won’t get run over. / The time when a will trust is when I talk with someone I trust. / The time I was caring was when my friend was going through a tough time in her life. It felt good and afterwards because I know I’m that type of friend that will always be there. / When my little brother had problem with his friends telling them bad thing. / I was being caring to a child that needed help with work and other kids that wanted to share and teach them a lesson. / In basketball you have to trust the person you passed it to and you have to care about your teammate. / I was walking my brother to school and it feels good. / One time Ms. Boozer drop five dollars and I gave them to her. / One time I help my classmate Eriberto when it was raining and he couldn’t put his wheelchair in the rain and I helped go to the cafeteria. / I remember I helped an old lady cause she dropped her bags and I helped her carry them. I felt really good and proud of myself. / My brother asked me if I could take care of his $5 bill. I said yes. It felt good. / I was caring when I helped my brother with homework. / I was caring when I helped my friend play soccer. / When my friend trusted me with her problems that she had. I talked her through it. I talked her out of doing something hurtful. I felt relieved and happy that I talked her through it. / When I helped my friend to play better in volleyball. It felt good.
®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Hamilton Elementary %Male 56
%Female 44
Dates: February 9-12, 2015
Ages 13-15
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 81 %NO 19 %Other 0 Post %YES 82 %NO 11 %Other 7 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 15 Post % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 22 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 % No Answer 0 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 30 % All the Time 63 % No Answer 7 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 40 % No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 % No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 26 % Leader 74 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 26 % Leader 74 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 29 % No 71 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 44 % No 56 Did you do anything? % Yes 60 % No 33 % No Answer 7 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 85 % No 15 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To see everyone the same and not different. / Because yes. / I should always speak up. / To don’t do it. / How to not judge. / Not be scared. / Speak out. / To speak up. / To speak up. / Trustworthy. / Speaking up. / Be yourself and stand out. / Because we learned about caring. / Because we didn’t talk about that. / Be confident. / To not be shy. / Everyone is equal and unique. / We didn’t learn it. / Didn’t talk about bullying. / Yes to speak up for others. / Tell a teacher. / Say stop and be independent. / Be able to communicate. / I am better than them.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because they are getting hurt and shouldn’t get their problem fixed that way. / Yes because you need stop that person. / Speak up. / I would help the person being bullied. / Cause I don’t like no one bullying. / I told the bully to stop it. / Cause they should be treated with respect. / To show they aren’t alone. / You have to help if you see it. / To tell a teacher. / I would cause I think that’s unfair. / I would speak up for them. / Speak out, don’t be afraid. / Because we learned about caring. / Because no person should be bullied. / Because no one should be bullied. / Cause I’m not mean. / They might be afraid to speak up. / Cause I like being the hero. / Tell him to leave him alone. / Yes because no one should be bullied. / Tell somebody. / Tell them to leave them alone. / I always help people. / I would stand up for them. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 89 % No 11 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned to stand up and not to be afraid. / Because yes. / Responsibility. / Yes because I should always respect my decisions. / To be a leader. / Not to stereotype. / I learned respect. / They talked about people’s life. / To believe in yourself. / I learned to respect my own decisions. / I did cause you have to be a reader. / I learned to respect my own decisions. / Be yourself, love. / Yes to be yourself. / Because I should never give up. / Respect your own decisions. / To be a leader. / You are who you choose to be. / We didn’t learn it. / I learned trustworthy. / yes I did learn responsibilities. / Because I don’t take care of stuff. / Respect others. / More skills. / I should respect myself. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 78% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think color describes your characteristics. / You see it every day. Yes. / Color expresses how you feel sometimes. / Color can be how you feel or how you are Didn’acting. / Color can express moods. / Not all the time. / Color expresses mood. / Color makes things have color. / Color makes things look alive. / For me color and is important. / Nah. / Color is important all the time, doesn’t matter. / Color is important. / I think it is very good. / They’re colorful. / No, color is just color. Has nothing do with personality. / I don’t think it has a meaning. / Nothing. / I’m feeling blue when I look at water. / Color expresses mood. / Some are bright and some are dark. / Blue, black, white, grey. / That they are colorful. / I think color is sometimes a good thing of feelings. / No. / It’s interesting. / Yea my favorite color is red. I think about colors almost all the time. / Colors represent personality or other things. / No. / Color sometimes shows peoples’ feelings. / Yes.
Post: Every color means something and has a mood. / That every color has a sound. / I learned that color can describe a lot about you. / Pink it has a good sound. / It’s important. / It gives detail to something. / Red on what you hear. / That color shows how you are. / Color makes the world colorful. / Color shows your feelings. / Color is the mood that you’re feeling. / Color is anything. / Color can represent a lot of things and feelings. / That a color is like a feeling. / Color describes something and every person. / It helps you picture and express better. / Color is everywhere. / I learned how you hear music, you can tell about colors. / Music can change color. / It’s bright and dark. / I can change emotions. / They all have a meaning. / Color is emotion. / It speaks (color). It can also mean music. / Color is important. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 89% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to go to college. / My dream is to be a radio commercial broadcaster. / To become a nurse. / My dream is to become a doctor and hope that the world would be a better place. / To be successful. / Is to become a pro at football or basketball player. / To go to college. / My most important dream is to become a nurse. / To become a doctor. / My most important hope or dream is becoming a professional goalie for a soccer team. / Being successful. / To graduate college. / Going to college. / My dream is to be a football player. / Have a house and a good job. / To become a Navy Seal or a police officer. / Hope. / I don’t have one. / To be a race car driver. / To go to college and become a nurse/surgeon. / To become a video game designer. / I hope I pass 8th grade. / Graduate from college. / I have a few. / To be a soccer player. / To go to college. / My dream is to be a soldier from Navy. / To finish school. / I don’t have one. / To have a family. / I wish I can become a doctor. / For my dad to live till I grow up. Post: Being race car driver. / To finish my career and do something in my life. / To help other and be something in life. / To become a basketball or football player. / My most important dream is to go to college and have a job. / My dream is play in the NFL. / To be well off and have my dad with me. / To be a mechanic. / To become a surgeon. / To become a nurse and finish school. / My most important dream is to be a nurse. / To be a doctor. / To become a doctor/surgeon. / Go to college. / To finish school. / To make my goals true. / Helping people in need. / Succeed. / To succeed in life. / Classified. / To work in the Navy. / To become a video game designer. / Having a family. / To finish high school/college. / To be successful. / To go to college. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Learned to share. / Is to respect everyone if you want it back and never give up. / Is to be responsible. / To have confidence. / I learned that I should never give up even if people say I can’t. / To have responsibility. / Not stereotyping. / Treat others with respect. / To speak out. / To be confident and to believe in one’s self. / To follow your dream and keep trying. / Was to show respect. / To keep trying to reach your dream. / Confident, communicate. / To try my best. / Never give up. / Confidence. Don’t be afraid to speak up. / Be brave. / Never give up and keep moving forward. / Nothing. / Respectful and trustful. / Be kind to people. / Don’t quit. / Motivation. / Try my hardest. / Art can do a lot. / I can do anything I want.
The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 96% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: I want to learn to have responsibility. / It kinda helped me out to speak out and how to be responsible and honest. / Because by speaking it. / Speaking with confidence and not being shy. / I want to improve on citizenship. The workshop helped by being more honest. / It improve respect. I respect people. / It made me think different of my partner. / Respect. / By making me talk. / Yes. / Citizenship, it helped me improve it by realizing that I should help more. / I want to be responsible more so I can do things better. / Citizenship. It helped me realize that I should help out more. / Communication. Talking to my mates. / Responsibility by being leader of the group. / Believing in myself and knowing I can accomplish my goal/dream. / Respect. I respected the speakers. / Responsibility because we have to be responsible for your own actions. / It did not help me. / Solving problems. / To be kind, yes it did help. / Responsibility. / Respect. / Attitude it helps because I understand how to control it. / I’m not a good speaker. / Respect. I was quiet when others were talking. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 93% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That they are a nice friend. / Who they look up to and what their dream or fear is. / That to not have fear. / That they are nice and that they all have a specialty. / I learned that some of my classmates have the same goal as me. / That we did go teamwork. / How to not judge friends. / They’re almost the same as me. / That they think about life too. / That you can change from shy to confident. / They may have the same dream or hope. / I learned that being respectful is a nice thing to do. / They have or maybe have the same hopes and dreams as me. / They said what was on their mind without fear. / That they like rap music. / To communicate and respect them. / They have lots of confidence and speak a lot. / Samantha is very loud. / They are very confident. / Nothing. / Caring, respectful, color changing music. / To be kind. / I know a little more about my friends. / Some facts about them. / Many of us have the same fear. / They are bad communicators as well.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 27 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 23-26, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Responsible. Not all people are the same. Manners. You would be a better person. / How to know people, I learned that to be fair. When you play sports. It would not judge people by their race. How to learn people. / Being responsible, respectful, and fairness. You won’t fail. This will prevent it because you will not want people to judge your character in life. It will build character in life because you could be more respectful to people. / Some students have different likes cultures than others. Helps you not bully them or their culture. Getting to know more about them. Getting along with people better. Creative Storytelling: Learn how to be respectful to others. Shows citizenship. It will help by making them understand is wrong. It will build character by being honest is a great role in life. / Not to be shy and stand out. It will help by letting people know who you are. People won’t think wrong of you. It will teach me to be honest. / Respect and kindness. It would apply in school because people that you do not know will respect you and treat you well. Respect will help with bullying because you won’t get bullied. It will build character in my life because it could show me to be respectful to the person. / Be confident and speak up. Get good grades, respectful, responsibility. Be responsible and tell the bully to stop. It would build character in life because we can become better people.
Through the Hoops: We learned how to be patient. This skill I would use it for science. / We learned to be respectful to others. It will apply in any subject in school. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
It makes me feel happy. / Expresses me by who I am. Different and not the same as everyone else. Characteristics and qualities are different from other people. I’m the only person in the world with my characteristics, qualities, and expression that I keep and I’m different from everybody else. / It makes me feel like no one can change who I am. / It makes me feel good about myself. / It makes me feel positive about myself. / It makes me feel like I need nobody else to tell me how to act and what to change myself for them. / It makes me feel active. / It makes me feel empty. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My hero is my mom because she helps me with everything. When I’m sad or angry she finds a way to calm me down. When I need her, she’s right beside me. She’s everything to me. She’s like my superhero. I love my mom. My mom is important because she’s a mother who takes care of her kids. If she’s not there for her kids the kids won’t have a person to love them or take care of them when they’re sick and my mom is always right there for us. That’s why she’s important to me and other people. Trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility, citizenship, careness, equal. / My imagination is my hero because he is always with me. / My hero is God. He is very important because he died for us, so we can live a better life. Respect, honesty, participation. / Well my favorite singer is hard to draw so I drew his logo. P.S. He’s a Mexican singer. I think my favorite singer is my hero because he inspired me to go on and not be ashamed of what I want or do with my life. The characteristics or qualities I would look for in a hero is 1. Responsibility, 2. Honor, 3. Fairness. / Mom. Cause they’re responsible. / He is important because he helped school and it’s difficulties. Brave, smart, nice.
Seeing Beyond: We learned how to be patient. This skill I would use it for science. / For experiments or science. / We learned to be respectful to others. It will apply in any subject in school. / It would help me by sensing things, listening and speaking. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: We all have many things in common. To share your feelings. To stop it by speaking out loud. It will make you a better person. / We could have the same dreams. We could help each other with our goals. They might b teased for their dreams and you would say you have the same one. We could help each other learn. / Other people have the same fears as you so you should be ashamed. You would know people better. They probably have the same fear as you. So you won’t be ashamed of yourself. / When you have fear you not the only one that has that fear. It shows that you’re not only one afraid of something. You can talk about fears with the bully. It can help by being able to share and not be afraid.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: I learned to help people. How to help others in need. It would teach you valuable lessons. / To be caring. By helping each other with their work. And if they get hurt. To care for everyone and everything. / I learned by doing this assignment I will be caring more often. It would help in school by respecting other students. It would apply in life by when someone is need of help and you would help them. / If you see something distraction, it takes away your learning. It would apply when you stop paying attention to the distraction, you can learn more. It can apply to life because you never know when you can help someone or save a life. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I helped someone in a problem. I made the reconsider from the problem. I felt relieved cause I stopped the problem. / The time I was caring when I gave an old person my time to help them with their special things. / I helped my mom clean. / I help my younger brother with his homework when he needed help. After I helped him with his homework, I felt good about myself. / I’ve been caring to my mom when she was sick and I had care for my little niece. It felt good. / I helped my sister Miriam into stopping her from panicking because she has a medical problem and if I didn’t help her she would have ran out of the house and probably would have gotten crashed by a car. / I cared for my sister by helping her with her homework. It felt great that I helped her. / I was helpful when a man dropped all his things I helped him pick it up. And it felt helpful. / A time when I was caring was when I saw a thirsty and hungry dog in a park. I found a cup and filled it with water. After that I felt proud of myself. / I helped my mom by taking care of my little brother while she napped. I felt useful. / I was caring when my mom fell down. I helped her up and after that we got ice cream. / Getting my mom stuff when she was sick. I felt good. / I helped my friend. / A moment when I helped someone is when the lunch ladies needed help with the breakfast. It felt good to help people. / The time when I was caring I was at the store. An old man dropped something on the floor. I ran and picked it up. I felt proud! And the old man said thank you. / I was caring when I picked up Cesar when he fell on the floor. It felt good because I helped someone. / I helped my cousin get up when she fell down the bleachers. My Nana trust me with her secrets. / I was caring when my friend trip and I help him up and took him to the nurse. / I helped my mom do the dishes and clean. And after I felt happy. / I did my little brother’s homework for him when he was too sick to do it himself.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . ®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 58
%Female 42
Dates: February 23-26, 2015
Ages 11-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 79 %NO 291 %Other 0 Post %YES 92 %NO 8 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 21 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 25 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 24 % All the Time 75 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 33 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 42 % All the Time 50 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 17 % Equal 58 % Leader 25 Post % Follower 13 % Equal 54 % Leader 33 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 46 % No 54 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 58 % No 42 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 42 % No Answer 8 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 87 % No 13 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To express yourself. / Leadership. / Because I will show them what is right. / I don’t remember. / I learn to speak up. / It taught me to stand up for myself. / To be respectful. / It will help us by stopping the bully. / I’d defend myself. / I think citizenship will help with bullying. / You can talk with the bully. / They taught me to be brave. / It will help me speak up. / I can do anything. / Yes I learned something about bullying because if they make fun of people’s fear, they’re making fun of themselves. / I know how to deal with it. / I can stop it. / Not to be shy. / Yes because I can. / I learned not to be a bystander. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 92 % No 4 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: I will stop it. / I would want someone to do the same for me. / I would help them. / Not sure. / I would tell a teacher. / Defend them. / I tell the bully to stop or tell an adult. / Yes I would because I don’t want anybody to get hurt. / I would tell a teacher. / I’ll stand up for them. / I’ll tell the bully to stop. / They taught me to be helpful. / I would have told a teacher. / Say it’s wrong. / I would stand up for them. / Help them. / I would tell an adult. / Tell them to stop. / I would tell that other person to stop. / I will tell them to stop. / Tell an adult.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To come down and relax. / To rely on instinct. / Nobody will tell me what bad decisions to do. / I don’t remember. / I learned to listen to myself. / Think twice. / The skill is learned are respect, fairness. / A skill I learned was teamwork. / Have responsibility will help me. / I can always make my decisions. / Yes they helped me make my own decisions. / To help when scared. / To have more confidence. / Yes I learned some skill. / Don’t listen. / I can express myself. / Not to care what people think. / Peer pressure lets you down. / To concentrate. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 75% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I thought that color was bright. / Not everyone is equal. Nobody is different. / Pink, black, purple, white. / No I have never thought of color. / I think color is bright. / I think color can describe people. / I think that color is a way to express yourselves. / I never thought about it. / I have never thought about color. / I think about color is that color is bright and powerful. / I never thought about color. / I have never thought about color. / I think the meaning “color” means expression. / I think color is colorful. / You need color to understand. / Need color to picture stuff. / The green makes me feel good. / I think color is bright and dark. / Color is something favorable to people. Every one has their own thought of it. No one has right or wrong answer it is just life. / Yes I want mine work be pink, white, black, purple. / I think without color things would look weird. / Nothing. / I think colors express pictures. / What I think about color like colorful beautiful. / No. / I think it’s bright. / It’s very bright. Post: That color express you. / Color is cool. / It’s important. / Color can be everywhere even in music. / I don’t feel like I’ve learned more about color. / Color can be bright or dark. / I learned that color means expressions or feelings. / I learned that color can describe music. / I think color is bright and color can show your expression. / Color can express things like music. / I think color is bright. / Color has its own definition to ever. / That they can express your feelings. / It is very bright and has a meaning. / Color is anything. / That music could have some color. / I think color is pretty and sometimes bright. / You need color to understand color. / Color expresses emotion. / Color can be an escape. / It is bright. / Color is pretty. / Color is like a feeling to express yourself. / Color describes your feelings. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 88% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My important dream is to be a pro sport player. / I do have a dream to finish college, be a vet and have no troubles. / I have both. / My most important hope is to finish elementary school and be a police officer. / Is to become a basketball player. / I hope I can become a marine biologist. / My dream is to fix and work on classic cars. / My most important hope or dream is to be a professional boxer and a zillionaire. / In my dream I want everything to come true. / My most important hope/dream is to study and be a good citizen. / My dream is to be Kobe Bryant. / My dream is to be Cristiano Ronaldo. / My hope/dream is that I’ll one day become a doctor and provide my parents with every of their needs. / To be a behavioral analyst. / I don’t have one. / I don’t think I have one yet. / My hope is to open my own pizzeria. / I would like to play more softball. /
My most important dream is to never turn back on anyone who has a horrible life and will want to finish at university to write stories for young children orphans. / I do have one and if I didn’t I would tell someone. / I don’t have one. / I am going to the marines. / My hope is to be a construction worker. / I didn’t think I had one. / My most important dream is to become a piano player. / My dream is to play in the NBA. / My dream is to be in the NBA. Post: A happy life. / Is to get an education. / To be in the NBA. / Is to part of the FBI/police. / My hope is to work on classic cars. / Is to become a marine biologist. / Is to supply my family with their needs. / My important dream is to graduate college and become a doctor. / To play in the NBA. / Is to be a head surgeon. / It’s to be a professional boxing WBC champion. / My most important dream is to be in the NBA. / My dream is to be a vet. / Is to become a NBA player. / Becoming part of the FBI. / Going to college. / Is to become a veterinarian. / Sleeping in on Mondays. / My most important future dream is to become a piano player. / To become a behavioral analyst. / To become a NBA player. / Is to become a doctor. / It is to not fail. / To be successful. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: That it’s true. / The work had helped me a lot. / Motivation. / Color and teamwork is very important. / Because I believe in yourself. / The colors are bright like my thoughts of my dream. / One thing I learned that will help me is to be responsible and fair. / A way to express myself. / I can express myself with color. / It is to express myself. / One thing I learned was to share your dream. / That I have to express my feelings. / I followed the rule. / It is inspirational. / Don’t be ashamed of my fear. / To never give up and keep trying. / Color can appeal. / One thing is that I can just paint my feelings. / Art can be how I express myself. / Not to be shy. / To achieve things. / To keep on going and do the right thing. / Never give up. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: That I’m a leader. / That I can be respectful. / That I’m smart. / That many people have the same fear as me. / I don’t feel like I’ve learned anything new. / I can talk to new people. / I sketch really quick. / I learned that I was creative. / That I can do anything. / I did not know it can be expressed by art. / Yes I don’t know you could see it through music. / No not really they talked about same stuff I knew to me. / I learned a little bit about myself with art. / I know art means a million words. / No I always knew art was powerful. / No I did not learn something new about myself. / No I kinda know basically everything you guys talked about. / Art reminds me of sounds. / Something new I learned was that I’m not alone. / Yes, art can be different. / Not to be shy. / Yes. / Yes that everyone are the same. / Color describes everything. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: To let them speak. / About a couple things. / That they have the same fear as me. / That me and my friend want to part of the FBI. / I learned their fears. / They have the same fears as me. / They have the same fear as me. / I learned that some other classmates are also creative. / I learned about your dreams. / They were afraid of thing like death, heights, and clowns. / I learned it is important to be respectful. / Is that they can have the same fear as me. / Yes I learned some of their fears. / That they are very kind. / They have the same frights as me. / That they have the same fear as I do. / That most of them are scared of death and clowns. / They can have some weird fears. / I learned that Egardo is afraid of fear. / I have the same fear as most people. / Someone has the same fear as me. / That she fears clowns. / That you are not alone. / They have the same fear.
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Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 26 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on March 10-12, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Everyone is different. Get to meet new people. To not judge a book by its cover. We are not alone and everyone is not the same. / Use our brain, honesty, acting, being creative. Communicate, introduce. Be yourself, don’t judge a book by the cover, playing with someone, ask someone to play. How was you day, how have you been, get to know about a person by asking someone questions. / Responsibility. To take care of stuff. Don’t judge by cover. Helps you on jobs. / We learned responsibility. Teamwork, friendship. Get to know them. Knowing more about people. Creative Storytelling: How to work together. When doing group work. Confront the bully. To help get along with people. / Being confident, being important. Tell someone, share with each other, stand for yourself. How to be responsible. To be kind, caring. / Trustworthiness. By trusting friends. By trusting teachers. To make dreams true. / We use the character charts in our life. People bully and we need fairness. It would help bullies be fair with other people. No bullying. Through the Hoops: Teamwork, fairness. To stop bullying. By using our teamwork skills. By being fair to people. / Teamwork. By helping others. Have the same obstacles. Everybody needs to help others. / Teamwork. Learn to work in groups. You could defend with a team. No one is alone. / Teamwork. Trust others. Yes I can attitude helps you on sticky situations. No negative thoughts and go on with your life and make dreams happen.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Help be confident. Believe in yourself. You know what’s right. People would see you as a leader. / Look at your eyes, feel confident. Be helpful, be a friend, be there. Use your confidence, stand up for yourself. Practice every day your confidence. / To not judge on how you act or look. To be yourself. To stop caring what other people think. To not be afraid. / To love yourself no matter what. We are all different. Help make your own decisions and find out what’s good or wrong. So you don’t hate others. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
Good, awesome, cool. / Weird, awkward, surprised. / It feels weird. / It makes me feel calm. / Normal. / Nice, handsome, awesome, confident. / Nice and kind. Makes me happy. / Nice, kind, respectful. It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel good. / Happy, joy, cool, confident. / It makes me feel okay. / Happy. / It makes me feel like I am ugly and I’m not good at singing even though that is my thing. / Happy, proud, excited. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel wonderful because you could see who you are. / I like myself the way I am. / It made me feel good. / I like myself just the way I am. / It made me feel weird, uncomfortable, and not good and ugly. / It makes me feel like I am smart. / I don’t feel shy at all. / It makes me feel good and special, different. / Good and I could trust him. / Nice, confident, and awesome. / Happy, nice, confident. / Without my hat it felt weird. It made me feel uncomfortable. / Helps think about myself. / Like I could accomplish anything. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. They help you in your life. Nice and fun. / Zoella. Zoella because she has good advice. / She’s my mom. She does stuff no complaining and she cares. / My mom. Whenever I have a problem, she helps me. / Cesar Chavez. I think he is important because he helped in the civil rights movement for labor and tax. I would look for leadership and knowledge. / My family because they can keep a secret and they can be trusted. / My mom. Because she’s the one who takes care of me. Nice, loving, and funny. / My mom. She is nice, kind, helps me out at all times. She is very responsible. I think she is important because she is always helping me at any time. Always with me when I need her. Helps people, is kind, nice and is responsible. / Dad. They help me. Nice. / Dad. They’re in my family. Nice, always has my back. / Mom. She is important and I love her personality. / Piper McLean. Piper thinks she’s a failure, but she saved all of her friends. Kind, not greedy, brave, caring. / Batman. They save lives. / My mom and dad. Yes, because they gave me my life. Awesome, nice, cool, friendly. / My mom and dad. Yes, because they gave me my life. Awesome, nice, cool, friendly, respectful. / Sophia. Sophia saved her school by fighting her grandmother, who wanted to destroy the school. My hero is a girl named Sophia. I think she is important because she saved her school. To be kind and helpful to other people. They should be wise too. / My heroes are my parents. They are important because they help in who am I. They are kind, nice, and helpful. / My family. Because I love them. Caring. / My mom. She raised me. Super powers. / Superman. Because is a superhero. Super power. / My mom, dad, and family. Because they take care of me and help me with hard times. Smart, caring, respect, and trustworthy. / My family. They always took care of me. Kind, funny, trustworthy. / My mom is my hero cause she gave me birth and raised me. / My step dad. He is a great dad and took us in as his own. Smart, independent, cool, nice, role model, honesty, support. / Because he is honesty. Honesty, trusted. / Mom and dad. They are important because they give us food and water. What I look into a hero is their characteristics. / My family. They can be trusted. Only sometimes. / Nobody. Because he is awesome. He is awesome and trustworthy. / My dad and my mom. They take care of me and love me. Super speed. / My mom and dad, grandparents. They are my parents and grandparents. Fun, cheerful, intelligent.
Seeing Beyond: Don’t be shy. Because you don’t have to be shy when you present in front of class. You would be able to help people present. / You feel stuff without looking. To concentrate, think about what you’re going to say, raise your hand, don’t shout. It will be fair, give people chances. / We focus and think, trust your instinct. Trust your instincts like when you’re having trouble with a math problem. Believe in yourself. / We learned teamwork. We had to use teamwork to ask the right answer. To have conversations. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Sharing is caring. Share with others. If someone needs food, you could share. / You always describe things when you go tell them. So could other people participate. By learning that people could get a chance too. / To be helpful with other people. To trust each other to help them on subjects. To trust yourself and others. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? When I helped a person, it felt good because I’m Christian. I saw a dog attack a girl, but I made the dog run away. / A time when my dad goes to work, I watch my little brothers. / I helped the old person when he dropped his cane. When he couldn’t bend down to get it, so I decided to help him. / I was trustworthy and caring cause help others in sticky situation. It felt great to help others. / Helped a friend when she needs me and I am always there for her and she is always there for me. / One day one of my friends were crying. I was helping her think positive things and that was a time that I was caring. / When I saw money on the floor and gave it to the owner. / I have helped my sister in many ways like clean her room. I feel helpful. / One time I was helpful is when a teacher was carrying a lot of stuff and she couldn’t open her door so I opened it for her. Later, I felt very pleased with myself. / One day my friend named Jade was hurt because of her ex-boyfriend. He was using her and cheated on her. He even asked me out but I said no because Jade is my friend and he is ugly and annoying and I am too young. So, me and my other friends followed him and told him that he is a user, player, and a cheater. We told him that no girl deserves him. While he was dating Jade, he asked out all these girls, maybe even more. / It feels awesome. / It feels awesome. / I was caring when my grandma needed help and I helped her. I felt very special. / One time I was caring for my friend’s things and he trusted me. / I helped my dad work at his job on Saturday and I get money for helping. / When I helped my grandmother. She let me borrow her iPhone. / My friend was being bullied by two popular girls and I told them to stop and they realized until my friend ended up killing herself. / Yes once I was trustworthy and caring with my godmother because she always talk to me because she says I’m a good model for trustworthy and caring. / Once my mom told me to take care of my cousin because she needed to leave and I did take good care of my cousin so she called me trustworthy. I felt good afterward because I like being nice. / One time when my mom needed help taking care of my brother. I helped her in a caring way and I felt like a special person.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 54
%Female 46
Dates: March 10-12, 2015
Ages 11-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 84 %NO 12 %Other 4 Post %YES 69 %NO 19 %Other 12 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 23 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 12 Post % Not at all 15 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 27 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 35 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 23 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 42 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 8 % Equal 42 % Leader 50 Post % Follower 8 % Equal 42 % Leader 50 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 35 % No 65 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 65 % No 35 Did you do anything? % Yes 35 % No 38 % No Answer 27 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 77 % No 23 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned that when someone is acting like a bully, I can speak to my teacher. / Today was my first day. / Be defending myself. / To tell an adult. / Tell someone. / No, because I don’t see anything that helps. / You can try and help bullies to stop. / I didn’t because I did not hear. / Today was my first day. / To not be scared and speak up. / By complimenting a bully will help you with your problems. / To be confident. / When the fear showed us how to help people in need. / I could speak to other people. / Help others when they are getting bullied. / What if the bully has no fear. / Learn more about others. / I did not see anything. / To ignore the bullies. / Stop bullying by working together. / They make me feel confidently. / Help others deal with bullying. / To not bully others. / To go and tell an adult.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I don’t want anyone in this world to get harmed. / I will speak to a guardian or help that bully change his/her ways. / I learn to listen to my own feelings. / To tell an adult. / Yes. / Yes, because it’s not fair to be bullied. / I will defend my friends. / Yes because that will be respect. / I would help that kid up and not be scared. / I would tell to leave that person alone. / I’ll ask why do they treat people differently. / I would tell a teacher. / I would because it is not fair for them. / I would tell a teacher. / Cuz it’s not fair. / I won’t let a bully beat them up. / I’d tell the bully to get a life and stop him/her from hurting someone right away. / I would do the right thing. / I would say to stop. / I’ll go and say why do you do it then. / I would go get a teacher and say stop. / Help the other kid getting bullied. / Stop them and call a teacher. / Go tell an adult or teacher. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 97 % No 3 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I have tools to talk to them. / Today was my first day. / Because it’s wrong getting bullied. / To respect yourself and others. / No. / No, because does not help. / To try and not get struggled. / Yes because they talk about respect. / First day. / It is your own life. / Other people also need respect in life. / I will respect my own decisions. / That when you are responsible, you will be good. / Decision can lead to bad things. / I respect. / Make your own decisions. / Bad decisions can lead to bad things. / I learned teamwork. / To be fair. / I respect people mostly my family. / I learned to be brave cause of the activity. / Because when I am respectful, people think I am trustworthy. / I learn to treat others how I want to be treated. / To be responsible. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 50% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color makes everything beautiful. / I really think about color is caring. / I think color is beautiful because you always need color show how you feel every day. / Color blue is my favorite. / I think blue is the best color in the world. / I think that the colors are really helpful. / I think that color blue represents fairness. / I think the color blue is like freedom, caring, and responsibility. / I think that the world would be boring without color. / I have never thought about color. / So. / No. / A rainbow. p/ All colors are pretty. / Excitement. / I think peace quiet, it depends what color. / I don’t think about color. / Color is different. / When I think of color, I think of Skittles. / I think color as red of determination. / I like the color pink and blue because it makes me think about myself. / Rainbow. / No cause I don’t like to color. / Green is good. It stands for nature. / It is amazing. / Blue makes me feel calm. / I don’t think nothing about color. / It makes everything colorful. / I think that color is awesome. / Never in my life. / I don’t know what color is. / I thought if I’m black or white. / I never thought about it. / No, what’s color? / I never thought of that. / I never thought of that. / Color is different. / It’s a way to express yourself. / Yes, purple green. / What I think about colors. / I have never thought about color.
Post: Color means a little more to me now. / Without color, the world would be blank. / What I think about colors is that they fit with everything. / Your hear a kind of music. / It’s nothing, just a thing. / I learned that color goes with everything. / To see your point of view in color. / It is helpful. / It might appear in music. / Color describes everything. / Color describes everything. / Color could go with anything such as music. / I think color is fantastic. / Yes that color is cool in this world. / That music helps you see color. / It’s pretty. / It goes with everything. / Color is important. / I don’t know what color is. / Color represents everything. / Color is everything. / That colors are everywhere even if they are not in our eyes. / That color describes everything. / Color describes things. / It’s everything. Without colors it will be plain. / I think that color is cool. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 88% Post 88% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Wanting to see my grandpa. / I would go to college and be an artist. / My most important hope or dream is all kids should be nice to each other. / To go college. / To go to college. / I don’t have one. / Go to college. / My hope is to see my cousin again. / Go to college and overcome my fears. / I have hoped if I can go to my grandpa’s ranch. / My most important dream is get better in class. / To be a bomb defuser. / To become a famous soccer player. / So. / My most important hope or dream is just to be successful. / To become a lawyer. / My most important hope or dream is to become a lawyer. / My most important dream is to be in the Navy. / To have a great future. / To be successful and happy in the future. / My dream is to travel the world. / Learn to speak English. / To be a mechanic. / To go help my dad work at Green Val’s. I work on weekends. / To become a doctor. / I think about being a chemical engineer. / So. / My dream is to help others. / My dream is to become a pro football player. / My dream is to be a pastor at church. / I want to help my family and become a writer. / Is to be a famous inventor. / Living in NYC. / Being a singer. / Graduate. / I don’t have one. / My most important dream is to become an actor and singer. / IDK. / To get a very good job. / I don’t have none. / I don’t have a hope or dream. Post: My most important dream is to become a mechanic. / To be a famous singer, hair fashioned, a model and an actress. / To be in the NFL football team. / To do parkour. / Get dollars. / To be a actor that sings in movies or a singer and person who plays football. / To own a shop. / I want to be a mechanical engineer when I grow up. / To help people in Africa. / To be a counselor in the future. / My dream is to succeed in life. And also become an actress and help the planet. / Is to go to college. / To become a translator or social worker. / Being an artist and a detective. / Being a singer. / Pro basketball player. / Make sport cars. / To revive extinct creatures and help endangered species. / To help my family and become a writer. / Becoming a video game developer. / My dream is to be a professional football player. / To be a pastor and serve my god. / To be a professional dancer. / Become a mechanical engineer. / To be a lawyer. / To become a police. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I learned to speak in front of everyone in class. / Be brave and follow your steps towards your dreams. / Is my education. / To respect others while reaching my dream. / Drawing – communicate. / Get good grades, practice things I love to do, and fight my fear. / Teamwork can help me reach my dream. / To get a successful future. / Work as a team. / Don’t give up. Keep dreaming until you get there. / I learned is to always think positive and never think negative. / Is don’t be afraid
to talk in front of everybody. / To be confident. / Helping people in need. / Who cares what people say about other people. / Never give up. / Doing good in school. / Is to don’t stop believing in my dream. / Being open about your dreams can help. / Teamwork. / To never give up. / To do it even if things are hard. / Is that I can keep on trying. / Working hard. / Is to be trustworthy. / Is to do good deeds and be responsible. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Trustworthiness. It helped me by being trusted. / Today was my first day. / I want to improve on how to be responsible. / I want to improve on responsibility. It helped. / Draw your feelings. / Not to be shy. / To build up your courage. / I learned that not judge their fear. / I can have a future if I follow my dreams. / To feel comfortable with myself, to not be shy. / You could also accomplish other people’s dream. / People don’t see if you’re shy. / That I won’t be judged by others. / It taught me new things. / I want to improve the characteristics. / Never give up. / Teamwork and other stuff. / Is self-control. / I want to improve responsibility and they helped because they gave us homework. / By showing teamwork. / Responsibility. / Help kids speak up of bullying. They help me understand stand forward. / To work harder. / I got to learn stuff which helps me be a better person. / To be more responsible. / Showing us to be responsible and respectful. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 88% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned how to speak the language. / That they’re very special. / To be true to them. / That they are like me. / No. / One of my two friends want to sing in a talent show coming, but me and my friend quit. It’s not that were shy, it’s that my other friend don’t stop bossing around. / That your friend is not so shy as you are. / Respect the speaker. / She has a future she wants to achieve. / To help each other and trust one another. / Don’t be shy of your fears because other people have them too. / To be a team. / that we can be a team. / You can trust them. / That don’t care when people judge. / To not be shy. / Everyone has fears. / Yes. Many other people have sibling (I didn’t know that). / Nothing. / That some of us have the same fears. / They spoke but didn’t want to but spoke. / I learn you can trust others. / They will support me. / They use an instrument. / To work in a team.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 29 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on March 10-12, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : I’m a student. About responsibility. By doing homework and following directions. By complimenting people. Don’t be a follower, be a leader. / Honest with yourself. You won’t lie to teacher. Fairness. Citizenship. / We are not alone, socialized, feelings. Cooperate with others, teach, socialize more. How people react to questions, by seeing how they are different. Learned skills you haven’t mastered. / I’m a person. Skill or tool learned would be honest with yourself. This skill will apply in school. Not lying to teachers. This skill will help prevent stereotyping because we’re not being mean. This skill or tool builds character in my life by being myself. Creative Storytelling: Trustworthiness. You will be honest to your teacher. You can rely on someone. Future career. / Work together, cooperate, brainstorm. Get along, team, respond. Speak up. Public speaking. / Skills we learned was working in a group. This skill applies in school because it helps you communicate more with others. This helps with bullying because you communicate with the bully to get them to stop. It will make me get along with people. / Communication, public speaking, honesty. It helps when you have to give a presentation to the class. It will help you speak up. It will help you get more jobs or careers.
Through the Hoops: Friendship. You could help a friend out. You could defend them. Your coworkers. / Learned fairness. This would show that people need to have fairness. One obstacle is bullying, and or going to be able to overcome it. You’ll learn to go through obstacles. / I learned to be responsible. I will educate myself. I won’t be depressed. In a job. / Trust. Be able to trust your peers. The person getting bullied will be able to trust certain people. All your life you would be able to trust or you can be trusted. Reflective Take Away Assignment: You can trust yourself. You will believe in yourself. You will make good decisions. To not lose your confidence. / Respect, responsibility, citizenship, fairness. To understand each other, respect. To make better decisions. / We learned to cooperate. We work in groups. It helps by cooperating with bullies to tell them is wrong. I could work with other people. / Always believe in yourself. You will be confident. It will help you not get easily persuaded. Gain confidence and self-esteem. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
Good, awesome, crazy. / It made me feel kind of weird and strange inside. / Different. / It makes me feel weird. / It makes me feel confident and makes me sorta weird. / Happy, weird, scary. / Makes me feel weird. / Good, weird. / Cool, confident. / Crazy. / Great, weird. / Weird, happy, and curious. / Don’t feel anything and I feel uneasy. / It makes me feel weird. / Beautiful, confident, proud. / It makes me feel good, weird. / It makes me feel conscious about myself. / When I see myself in the mirror, I see myself as a very successful woman with a very good job. I also see myself caring for others that are in need. / When I see myself in the mirror, I see myself with a happy face and many friends, and I can see myself having a bright future. / Looking in the mirror made me feel weird and awkward. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. She was there during the hard time, hard working, and responsible. They are important because I think I would not be here. Respect, citizenship, and responsibility. / My mom. She is important because she has taken care of me, taught me life lessons, and made me to focus in school, patient, follow directions, etc. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship, fairness. / My father and mother. They made my life safe and cared for me through all my sickness and troubles like no one else can. Some who’ll help me through all my troubles when I need someone. They love me no matter what. They stick by side till the end. / My grandma. Because she is a leader and shows respect and was there for me. Respect. / My mother. My mom is my hero because she always looks out for me and gives me advice when I need it. Someone that stands out as a role model. / My mom is my hero. My mom is important because she works hard and does charity and she still finds time to spend with her children. Responsibility, citizenship, fairness, trust. / My mom has gone through so much and still continues to smile and be strong. Bravery and being strong, emotion wise. / Larry Fitzgerald. Because he’s gonna help the Cardinals get to the Super Bowl. / Parents. Always take care of me and teaches me lots. Honest, strange, fast, kind. / Ronaldhino is a really well known good soccer player. He played for my two dream teams: Barcelona and Real Madrid. He was known for juking players and scoring many goals and he was good at free kicks. I would like to be like him if I play pro soccer. I think he is important because he makes me want to become a soccer player. Respectful, trustworthy, friendly. / Ms. Swevereign. She let us learn great life lessons. They help us be dead to the truth. I look for bravery and honor, ordinary person. / My sister Jocyly. Because they always save me from trouble. Responsible, respectful, trustworthy, and caring. / I think they are important because they can be looked up to. I look for in a hero to be honest, caring, and responsibility. / They are important because they help people. I would look for honesty and respect towards others. / Veronica Maldonado, my mom. Veronica has inspired me to be unique and myself no matter what. My mom motivated me to continue with my life. Confidence and caring traits. /
I have 3 heroes! Yulema Ramirez because she taught me to be yourself and to not care about your haters! My mom and my dad because they’ve been there through all the hard times! Yes! They are important because they are there when no one was there. Kindness, trustworthy, funny. / Honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, caring. / Superman. Because he is an original superhero. / My hero is my mother for many reasons. One of the main reasons she’s my hero is because she know how to properly take care of myself when she was only 15. Trustworthiness, responsible. / Messi. He is my hero because he helped me get better at soccer. / To me Liam Payne is important because he showed me to never give up on my dreams. “Live your dream and never wake up.” Respectful, kind, caring, trustworthy.
Seeing Beyond: How to infer, predict how to ask. In reading or writing can he answer by predicting. You can build confidence. / To use other senses. It will help in writing because we will be more descriptive. To think outside the box and use background knowledge. / Learned to ask? To ask for help in a subject like math when you don’t get it. To interact more with people. / Skills learned were using your 3rd eye (mind’s eye), intuition, sense of hearing and touch. Trust your team and use confidence. Fell the object without seeing. This tool would build character in my life by getting outside of your comfort zone. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Use our five senses. Being able to analyze. Help to think. / To be trustworthy and caring. I will be honest to my teacher. I will care for others. / To be caring and makes me feel proud. To be nice to your classmates and others. You can save birds lives like my friend Nicole. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else is a positive way. My friend fell off a swing and I helped him up. / The time when I was honest was when my grandma left money on the table. I did not take it, but my cousin did and got caught, also in trouble. Felt proud of myself because I did not do anything bad. / A time I was trustworthy or caring was when my best friend Destiny was sad because her brother was leaving and I told her the less she thinks about how long he’s gone, the faster he’ll come back, and there’s still calling and texting. I felt happy to make someone happy. / I felt caring when a handicapped person couldn’t reach an item off the shelf and I got it for her. After that I felt awesome because she couldn’t do anything but I did. / I was once caring when two kids shot down a pigeon. It was struggling to fly. The kids left and I picked it up and fed it in a cage in my house and one day I saw it was ready to fly since it was flapping around. So I took it outside and threw it up into the air and it flew anyway. I felt like a good caring person. / I had opened the door to a lady, then she said “Thank you,” and I said “You’re Welcome”, then it felt good. / I helped my grandma with the house to make sure it stays clean. It felt afterward proud of myself. / One time my younger sister was doing homework. At first, I thought she was doing OK until she started struggling. She asked me for help and I sat next to her and started helping. It made me feel proud inside. / I help a lady cross the street and she said thank you. It felt pretty good. / A time I was caring was when my friend was ever sad. I was there for her when no one else was. / I was at a store. Then this old man forgot his iPhone and I went running to give it to him and it made me feel good. / The day before yesterday, some girls were playing basketball and there was this one girl that was by herself. So I approached her in a friendly manner and asked her if she wanted to play basketball with me. / I was caring today when I helped a student understand some problems when he didn’t get it. / I was trustworthy when I was at my cousin’s and he lost his money. A bill of hundred and 5. I found it and gave it to him. / Once when my sister was scared that my parents weren’t there, I made her feel comfortable and safe. I felt good that my sister was happy and safe. / One time I was honest was when a lady left her purse at a bench and I gave it back to her. / There was a girl everyone was mean to and I would always talk to her because she had no friends. / I helped my brother with his children by babysitting. It felt good helping. / A while back, one of my closest friends was feeling sad and so I asked her what happened and she told me the story and I listened. When she was done, I comforted her. I felt good afterwards for being able to help her. / One time I saw someone drop his wallet, so I picked it up and I gave it to him instead of stealing it. / Caring. I help my friends when they need help on their homework or classwork. It feels good to help other people when they need it. / I’m always caring to my sister. I’m caring to her in every way. One way I’m caring to her is because I help her get dressed in the morning sometimes. Even though sometimes we argue, I still care for her.
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 48
%Female 52
Dates: March 9-12, 2015
Ages 13-14
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 76 %NO 24 %Other 0 Post %YES 83 %NO 14 %Other 3 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 70 % All the Time 17 % No Answer 3 Post % Not at all 14 % Sometimes 55 % All the Time 31 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 38 % No Answer 0 Post % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 35 % All the Time 62 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 38 % All the Time 56 % No Answer 0 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 28 % All the Time 66 % No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 3 % Equal 50 % Leader 41 % No Answer 0 Post % Follower 3 % Equal 45 % Leader 52 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 55 % No 45 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 76 % No 24 Did you do anything? % Yes 27 % No 59 % No Answer 14 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I should speak up to the bullying and help stop it. / I learned to help my peers and stand up for them. / Kids will always bully. / Be a responsible person and take action by speaking out to an adult. / Help each other. / Respect people. / You need to speak out! / Yes by telling them to stop. / To speak up. / Caring. / To speak up. / Help them if they get bullied. / IDK. / Have confidence and stand up. / Yes. Public speaking, to speak up. / To not bully. / Learned pillars. / They said it’s not good. / Not to bully. / To try to respect others. / No I didn’t. / How to communicate. / Not to bully. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 94 % No 3 % No Answer 3
Thoughts Shared: I learn how hard it is and how many have been affected. / I would help them. / I wouldn’t want to be in that position. / I would say hey stop and tell a teacher. / We are all the same. / I would stand up and confront the bully. / Because if I don’t, they’ll never stop bullying the kids. / I would tell an adult. / I would tell them to stop. / You need to be responsible. / I would stand up for the one that is being bullied. / I’d tell the bully to stop. / I will not stay quiet. I will defend the human being bullied. / Cause that is not right. / IDK. / I would tell them that’s not right. / Tell them something. / To help not be bullied. / I will tell a grown up. / Because that’s nice. / Help someone. / Yes helping is good. / Yes I would, that’s rude. / I’ll tell an adult. / I’ll tell them to stop. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: The skill I learned is confidence because confidence makes me believe in my choices. / I learned to respect people more. / I need to not depend on others to make my decisions. / Be confident in your decision, be yourself. / I gave my team a point when they did not agree. / When we were acting out, respect. / Because it helped others respect. / You need to respect everyone’s ideas. / I learned to respect others ideas and decisions. / Not to be a follower. / I learned to respect my decisions. / To care. / IDK. / Responsibility. / I learned how to multi-task. / Not do bad things. / I already knew them. / Just be trustful to yourself. / Be nice. / To speak for myself. / No I didn’t. / I learned that everyone should be respected. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 83% Post 86% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I have never thought about color before. / No I have never thought about color? / Turquoise is my favorite color because it stands out and different. / My favorite color is blue. / What I think about color is the people emotions/feelings. / I like red because I wear it every day. / I think that everyone is equally the same ever if they are a different skin color. / I like colors because it see how we feel about people and things, but my favorite color is black. / I like blue because I wear it every day. / I think colors show how you feel like pink or red in live or passion. / I believe color expresses your feelings and thoughts about life, humanity, etc. / The color you choose expresses yourself. / No, colors don’t matter. / Colors are great and I like them. / Some people express their emotions through color. / I think color stands for like your feelings. / Red firetruck. / My favorite color is red and pink. / I like the color pink. / Color makes everything alive. My favorite color is blue because it reminds me of the sky. / I think color represents how you are feeling. Like for example, blue represents sadness. / My most favorite color is purple. / My favorite color is red. / My favorite color yellow. / I like color. / No it’s great. I like colors. / Color can say a lot about a person. Their small characteristics that make your personality. / No. / I have not thought about it. / No, colors are plain to me. / I think color is really important. Post: I think that everyone is still equal, even without the same skin color. / I still think color can be emotions. I learned that color and music are intertwined. / I think color brings things more life. / I can make something bad, good. / Color is the mood of many things. / Color is like your mood. Listening to things gives you an image of color. / That color can express many things including songs. / About people feelings/emotions. / I think that color means on how you look at something. / I did not learn about color. / My favorite color is yellow. / I believe colors can show emotion. / I think color still expresses your feeling. / I learned that even music has its own color. / IDK. / How you feel and see things. / I think color means how you feel, how you see things. / Color is like a feeling. / I like colors. / I like colors. / Blue is my best color. / Because it is all in my brain. / I believe color can
show emotions. / I think color describes how we are feeling. / I associate color with my fear. / A thing I know about is when you listen to music and close your eyes, you could think and see a color. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 90% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is to be successful in life and to reach all my goals. / My most important dream is to be a teacher. / My most important dream is to become a counselor for young teen kids and have my life set for me. / Is to improve at math. / My most important dream to me is to live with my mom and dad. / My important dream is to become a police. / My most important dream is to become a singer or fashion designer. / My hope is to one day stop everybody from calling people weird just because of the music they listen to and the way they dress. / My most important dream I have is to become a basketball player. / I don’t think I have one. / My most important hope or dream is to go to college, graduate, and have my own clothing line and open a salon and make my own money. / My dream is to be a photographer and a fashion designer. / To become a professional soccer player. / My hope is to stop bullying. / Scientist is many fields, lawyer, doctor. / My most important dream is to someday become something big. / I don’t think I have one. / To have a career. / To have a career. / My most important dream or hope is to make a difference in the world to be able to change somebody’s life. / My most important hope is to be successful once I finish school. / My most important hope or dream is to be a professional singer. / To play in the NFL on the Cardinals. / Is go to college. / My dream is to finish college and play for Real Madrid, a soccer team. / My most important hope or dream is to go to college. / My most important dreams vary in between many like college and taking care of my family. / I don’t think I have one. / Make United States President. / My most important hope or dream is to become an engineer. / Be president in Russia. / My most important dream is to become a nurse. Post: To become a singer or fashion designer. / My most important hope or dream is that I will become a lawyer so I can help my family. / To have a happy successful life. / To be able to sing really good. / My dream is to be a doctor. / My most important hope or dream is to work in international. / To own my own football team. / To have a very successful filmmaking & acting career and own a nice house and car. / To live with my mom and dad. / My hope or dream is to be a photographer and a fashion designer. / My hope and dream is to become a pro soccer player. / IDK. / To have a job when I am older. / My dream is to be a video game designer. / My most important hope or dream is to become a fashion designer or have my own salon. / My dream is to become a counselor for young teen kids. / Be a Marine. / To be successful in the future and have my own house and car. / To be able to maintain myself, become independent. / To become a professional soccer player. / To succeed in life. / To have my own business. / To become a basketball player. / Be in the NBA. / To become a lawyer. / Is to become a doctor. / To become a nurse and help people. / To make others happy. / To become a basketball player.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Is to have confidence and be proud. / One thing I learned in the workshop that will help me reach my dream is to be more confident and also public speaking. / Is to be more dedicated. / Don’t let anyone hold me back. / What will help me reach my dream is to be confident in myself. / Is to be a good speaker. / Responsibility. / I learned to have confidence and be trustworthy. / To believe in myself. / I learned that I have to be myself with confidence and to be proud! / Feeling comfortable speaking to a crowd. / Confidence. / Always believe in yourself. / I learned to have courage and multitask. / One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is public speaking. / One thing I learn is to be trustworthy and have courage to talk out about stuff. / IDK. / Responsibility will help me reach my dream by completing my work and paying attention. / Is that to communicate and responsibility. / To listen more to coaches. / Respect. / Is to not give up. / Is to stay focused in school. / Respect people. / Talk to others and respect others. / To have confidence. / Multi-tasking. / How to be more outgoing and less shy. / Is to be respectful The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 90% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: To learn how to speak in front of others without being shy. / The character count I want to improve is public speaking and the workshop helped me practice it. / Is responsibility. / I need to be more trusting and honest. / I want to improve on citizenship. Workshop helped me by helping others. / The character count I want to improve to help me is Fairness. It helped me to let others try. / I want to improve on confidence and the workshop helped me by showing an example of looking into a mirror. / To speak up. By working with our teams. / It helped me by listening to others. / Responsibility. / To be confident. / It helped me improve by telling me to never give up. / The character count I wanted to improve was courage and the workshop helped through activities. / To care. I learned to help other people. / The workshop help me improve on talking with other people. / I want to improve my confidence. / The character count is citizenship. Yes by becoming aware and conscious of my surrounding. / To listen more to people and understand them more. / Yes it did. / Not to be scared. / It didn’t. / By teaching us how to or giving examples. / Nothing. / Responsibility. / Respect. / It help me not to be shy when I’m doing a speech around people. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 93% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned that many of my classmates and friends have different fears. / I learn that some of my classmates have been bullied and some of them have bullied. / I learned that some classmates are very helpful. / Nothing. / I learned that people are different and have opinions that others don’t. / I learned that many kids want something good in life. / I learned some of their dreams, fears, and a memory. / That everyone is different and has different thoughts and feelings. / I learned that some of my classmates have hidden talents! Playing instruments. / I learned that one classmate had his water turned off. / To be confident. / What I learned was that classmates are smart. / I learned some of my classmates are not afraid of expressing themselves. / I learned that I am not the only one afraid of cats. / I learn that some people have the same fears as me. / They can be helpful. / I learned some of the fears and dreams they have. / I learned that some fears are shared. / That he is a better person. / They have same feeling. / To be friendly and nice. / That he is a better person. / Try not to hurt people’s feelings. / I learned how to work in teamwork. / They have trust issues. / I learned that I am not the only one who loves music. / I have the same fear as some of my classmates. / I could trust them.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 26 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on March 10-12, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 11-13. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Everyone is different. Get to meet new people. To not judge a book by its cover. We are not alone and everyone is not the same. / Use our brain, honesty, acting, being creative. Communicate, introduce. Be yourself, don’t judge a book by the cover, playing with someone, ask someone to play. How was you day, how have you been, get to know about a person by asking someone questions. / Responsibility. To take care of stuff. Don’t judge by cover. Helps you on jobs. / We learned responsibility. Teamwork, friendship. Get to know them. Knowing more about people. Creative Storytelling: How to work together. When doing group work. Confront the bully. To help get along with people. / Being confident, being important. Tell someone, share with each other, stand for yourself. How to be responsible. To be kind, caring. / Trustworthiness. By trusting friends. By trusting teachers. To make dreams true. / We use the character charts in our life. People bully and we need fairness. It would help bullies be fair with other people. No bullying. Through the Hoops: Teamwork, fairness. To stop bullying. By using our teamwork skills. By being fair to people. / Teamwork. By helping others. Have the same obstacles. Everybody needs to help others. / Teamwork. Learn to work in groups. You could defend with a team. No one is alone. / Teamwork. Trust others. Yes I can attitude helps you on sticky situations. No negative thoughts and go on with your life and make dreams happen.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Help be confident. Believe in yourself. You know what’s right. People would see you as a leader. / Look at your eyes, feel confident. Be helpful, be a friend, be there. Use your confidence, stand up for yourself. Practice every day your confidence. / To not judge on how you act or look. To be yourself. To stop caring what other people think. To not be afraid. / To love yourself no matter what. We are all different. Help make your own decisions and find out what’s good or wrong. So you don’t hate others. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
Good, awesome, cool. / Weird, awkward, surprised. / It feels weird. / It makes me feel calm. / Normal. / Nice, handsome, awesome, confident. / Nice and kind. Makes me happy. / Nice, kind, respectful. It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel good. / Happy, joy, cool, confident. / It makes me feel okay. / Happy. / It makes me feel like I am ugly and I’m not good at singing even though that is my thing. / Happy, proud, excited. / It makes me feel good. / It makes me feel wonderful because you could see who you are. / I like myself the way I am. / It made me feel good. / I like myself just the way I am. / It made me feel weird, uncomfortable, and not good and ugly. / It makes me feel like I am smart. / I don’t feel shy at all. / It makes me feel good and special, different. / Good and I could trust him. / Nice, confident, and awesome. / Happy, nice, confident. / Without my hat it felt weird. It made me feel uncomfortable. / Helps think about myself. / Like I could accomplish anything. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. They help you in your life. Nice and fun. / Zoella. Zoella because she has good advice. / She’s my mom. She does stuff no complaining and she cares. / My mom. Whenever I have a problem, she helps me. / Cesar Chavez. I think he is important because he helped in the civil rights movement for labor and tax. I would look for leadership and knowledge. / My family because they can keep a secret and they can be trusted. / My mom. Because she’s the one who takes care of me. Nice, loving, and funny. / My mom. She is nice, kind, helps me out at all times. She is very responsible. I think she is important because she is always helping me at any time. Always with me when I need her. Helps people, is kind, nice and is responsible. / Dad. They help me. Nice. / Dad. They’re in my family. Nice, always has my back. / Mom. She is important and I love her personality. / Piper McLean. Piper thinks she’s a failure, but she saved all of her friends. Kind, not greedy, brave, caring. / Batman. They save lives. / My mom and dad. Yes, because they gave me my life. Awesome, nice, cool, friendly. / My mom and dad. Yes, because they gave me my life. Awesome, nice, cool, friendly, respectful. / Sophia. Sophia saved her school by fighting her grandmother, who wanted to destroy the school. My hero is a girl named Sophia. I think she is important because she saved her school. To be kind and helpful to other people. They should be wise too. / My heroes are my parents. They are important because they help in who am I. They are kind, nice, and helpful. / My family. Because I love them. Caring. / My mom. She raised me. Super powers. / Superman. Because is a superhero. Super power. / My mom, dad, and family. Because they take care of me and help me with hard times. Smart, caring, respect, and trustworthy. / My family. They always took care of me. Kind, funny, trustworthy. / My mom is my hero cause she gave me birth and raised me. / My step dad. He is a great dad and took us in as his own. Smart, independent, cool, nice, role model, honesty, support. / Because he is honesty. Honesty, trusted. / Mom and dad. They are important because they give us food and water. What I look into a hero is their characteristics. / My family. They can be trusted. Only sometimes. / Nobody. Because he is awesome. He is awesome and trustworthy. / My dad and my mom. They take care of me and love me. Super speed. / My mom and dad, grandparents. They are my parents and grandparents. Fun, cheerful, intelligent.
Seeing Beyond: Don’t be shy. Because you don’t have to be shy when you present in front of class. You would be able to help people present. / You feel stuff without looking. To concentrate, think about what you’re going to say, raise your hand, don’t shout. It will be fair, give people chances. / We focus and think, trust your instinct. Trust your instincts like when you’re having trouble with a math problem. Believe in yourself. / We learned teamwork. We had to use teamwork to ask the right answer. To have conversations. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Sharing is caring. Share with others. If someone needs food, you could share. / You always describe things when you go tell them. So could other people participate. By learning that people could get a chance too. / To be helpful with other people. To trust each other to help them on subjects. To trust yourself and others. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? When I helped a person, it felt good because I’m Christian. I saw a dog attack a girl, but I made the dog run away. / A time when my dad goes to work, I watch my little brothers. / I helped the old person when he dropped his cane. When he couldn’t bend down to get it, so I decided to help him. / I was trustworthy and caring cause help others in sticky situation. It felt great to help others. / Helped a friend when she needs me and I am always there for her and she is always there for me. / One day one of my friends were crying. I was helping her think positive things and that was a time that I was caring. / When I saw money on the floor and gave it to the owner. / I have helped my sister in many ways like clean her room. I feel helpful. / One time I was helpful is when a teacher was carrying a lot of stuff and she couldn’t open her door so I opened it for her. Later, I felt very pleased with myself. / One day my friend named Jade was hurt because of her ex-boyfriend. He was using her and cheated on her. He even asked me out but I said no because Jade is my friend and he is ugly and annoying and I am too young. So, me and my other friends followed him and told him that he is a user, player, and a cheater. We told him that no girl deserves him. While he was dating Jade, he asked out all these girls, maybe even more. / It feels awesome. / It feels awesome. / I was caring when my grandma needed help and I helped her. I felt very special. / One time I was caring for my friend’s things and he trusted me. / I helped my dad work at his job on Saturday and I get money for helping. / When I helped my grandmother. She let me borrow her iPhone. / My friend was being bullied by two popular girls and I told them to stop and they realized until my friend ended up killing herself. / Yes once I was trustworthy and caring with my godmother because she always talk to me because she says I’m a good model for trustworthy and caring. / Once my mom told me to take care of my cousin because she needed to leave and I did take good care of my cousin so she called me trustworthy. I felt good afterward because I like being nice. / One time when my mom needed help taking care of my brother. I helped her in a caring way and I felt like a special person.
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Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 54
%Female 46
Dates: March 10-12, 2015
Ages 11-13
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 84 %NO 12 %Other 4 Post %YES 69 %NO 19 %Other 12 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 23 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 12 Post % Not at all 15 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 27 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 35 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 23 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 42 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 8 % Equal 42 % Leader 50 Post % Follower 8 % Equal 42 % Leader 50 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 35 % No 65 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 65 % No 35 Did you do anything? % Yes 35 % No 38 % No Answer 27 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 77 % No 23 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned that when someone is acting like a bully, I can speak to my teacher. / Today was my first day. / Be defending myself. / To tell an adult. / Tell someone. / No, because I don’t see anything that helps. / You can try and help bullies to stop. / I didn’t because I did not hear. / Today was my first day. / To not be scared and speak up. / By complimenting a bully will help you with your problems. / To be confident. / When the fear showed us how to help people in need. / I could speak to other people. / Help others when they are getting bullied. / What if the bully has no fear. / Learn more about others. / I did not see anything. / To ignore the bullies. / Stop bullying by working together. / They make me feel confidently. / Help others deal with bullying. / To not bully others. / To go and tell an adult.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I don’t want anyone in this world to get harmed. / I will speak to a guardian or help that bully change his/her ways. / I learn to listen to my own feelings. / To tell an adult. / Yes. / Yes, because it’s not fair to be bullied. / I will defend my friends. / Yes because that will be respect. / I would help that kid up and not be scared. / I would tell to leave that person alone. / I’ll ask why do they treat people differently. / I would tell a teacher. / I would because it is not fair for them. / I would tell a teacher. / Cuz it’s not fair. / I won’t let a bully beat them up. / I’d tell the bully to get a life and stop him/her from hurting someone right away. / I would do the right thing. / I would say to stop. / I’ll go and say why do you do it then. / I would go get a teacher and say stop. / Help the other kid getting bullied. / Stop them and call a teacher. / Go tell an adult or teacher. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 97 % No 3 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I have tools to talk to them. / Today was my first day. / Because it’s wrong getting bullied. / To respect yourself and others. / No. / No, because does not help. / To try and not get struggled. / Yes because they talk about respect. / First day. / It is your own life. / Other people also need respect in life. / I will respect my own decisions. / That when you are responsible, you will be good. / Decision can lead to bad things. / I respect. / Make your own decisions. / Bad decisions can lead to bad things. / I learned teamwork. / To be fair. / I respect people mostly my family. / I learned to be brave cause of the activity. / Because when I am respectful, people think I am trustworthy. / I learn to treat others how I want to be treated. / To be responsible. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 50% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color makes everything beautiful. / I really think about color is caring. / I think color is beautiful because you always need color show how you feel every day. / Color blue is my favorite. / I think blue is the best color in the world. / I think that the colors are really helpful. / I think that color blue represents fairness. / I think the color blue is like freedom, caring, and responsibility. / I think that the world would be boring without color. / I have never thought about color. / So. / No. / A rainbow. p/ All colors are pretty. / Excitement. / I think peace quiet, it depends what color. / I don’t think about color. / Color is different. / When I think of color, I think of Skittles. / I think color as red of determination. / I like the color pink and blue because it makes me think about myself. / Rainbow. / No cause I don’t like to color. / Green is good. It stands for nature. / It is amazing. / Blue makes me feel calm. / I don’t think nothing about color. / It makes everything colorful. / I think that color is awesome. / Never in my life. / I don’t know what color is. / I thought if I’m black or white. / I never thought about it. / No, what’s color? / I never thought of that. / I never thought of that. / Color is different. / It’s a way to express yourself. / Yes, purple green. / What I think about colors. / I have never thought about color.
Post: Color means a little more to me now. / Without color, the world would be blank. / What I think about colors is that they fit with everything. / Your hear a kind of music. / It’s nothing, just a thing. / I learned that color goes with everything. / To see your point of view in color. / It is helpful. / It might appear in music. / Color describes everything. / Color describes everything. / Color could go with anything such as music. / I think color is fantastic. / Yes that color is cool in this world. / That music helps you see color. / It’s pretty. / It goes with everything. / Color is important. / I don’t know what color is. / Color represents everything. / Color is everything. / That colors are everywhere even if they are not in our eyes. / That color describes everything. / Color describes things. / It’s everything. Without colors it will be plain. / I think that color is cool. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 88% Post 88% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Wanting to see my grandpa. / I would go to college and be an artist. / My most important hope or dream is all kids should be nice to each other. / To go college. / To go to college. / I don’t have one. / Go to college. / My hope is to see my cousin again. / Go to college and overcome my fears. / I have hoped if I can go to my grandpa’s ranch. / My most important dream is get better in class. / To be a bomb defuser. / To become a famous soccer player. / So. / My most important hope or dream is just to be successful. / To become a lawyer. / My most important hope or dream is to become a lawyer. / My most important dream is to be in the Navy. / To have a great future. / To be successful and happy in the future. / My dream is to travel the world. / Learn to speak English. / To be a mechanic. / To go help my dad work at Green Val’s. I work on weekends. / To become a doctor. / I think about being a chemical engineer. / So. / My dream is to help others. / My dream is to become a pro football player. / My dream is to be a pastor at church. / I want to help my family and become a writer. / Is to be a famous inventor. / Living in NYC. / Being a singer. / Graduate. / I don’t have one. / My most important dream is to become an actor and singer. / IDK. / To get a very good job. / I don’t have none. / I don’t have a hope or dream. Post: My most important dream is to become a mechanic. / To be a famous singer, hair fashioned, a model and an actress. / To be in the NFL football team. / To do parkour. / Get dollars. / To be a actor that sings in movies or a singer and person who plays football. / To own a shop. / I want to be a mechanical engineer when I grow up. / To help people in Africa. / To be a counselor in the future. / My dream is to succeed in life. And also become an actress and help the planet. / Is to go to college. / To become a translator or social worker. / Being an artist and a detective. / Being a singer. / Pro basketball player. / Make sport cars. / To revive extinct creatures and help endangered species. / To help my family and become a writer. / Becoming a video game developer. / My dream is to be a professional football player. / To be a pastor and serve my god. / To be a professional dancer. / Become a mechanical engineer. / To be a lawyer. / To become a police. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I learned to speak in front of everyone in class. / Be brave and follow your steps towards your dreams. / Is my education. / To respect others while reaching my dream. / Drawing – communicate. / Get good grades, practice things I love to do, and fight my fear. / Teamwork can help me reach my dream. / To get a successful future. / Work as a team. / Don’t give up. Keep dreaming until you get there. / I learned is to always think positive and never think negative. / Is don’t be afraid to talk in front of everybody. / To be confident. /
Helping people in need. / Who cares what people say about other people. / Never give up. / Doing good in school. / Is to don’t stop believing in my dream. / Being open about your dreams can help. / Teamwork. / To never give up. / To do it even if things are hard. / Is that I can keep on trying. / Working hard. / Is to be trustworthy. / Is to do good deeds and be responsible. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Trustworthiness. It helped me by being trusted. / Today was my first day. / I want to improve on how to be responsible. / I want to improve on responsibility. It helped. / Draw your feelings. / Not to be shy. / To build up your courage. / I learned that not judge their fear. / I can have a future if I follow my dreams. / To feel comfortable with myself, to not be shy. / You could also accomplish other people’s dream. / People don’t see if you’re shy. / That I won’t be judged by others. / It taught me new things. / I want to improve the characteristics. / Never give up. / Teamwork and other stuff. / Is self-control. / I want to improve responsibility and they helped because they gave us homework. / By showing teamwork. / Responsibility. / Help kids speak up of bullying. They help me understand stand forward. / To work harder. / I got to learn stuff which helps me be a better person. / To be more responsible. / Showing us to be responsible and respectful. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 88% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned how to speak the language. / That they’re very special. / To be true to them. / That they are like me. / No. / One of my two friends want to sing in a talent show coming, but me and my friend quit. It’s not that were shy, it’s that my other friend don’t stop bossing around. / That your friend is not so shy as you are. / Respect the speaker. / She has a future she wants to achieve. / To help each other and trust one another. / Don’t be shy of your fears because other people have them too. / To be a team. / that we can be a team. / You can trust them. / That don’t care when people judge. / To not be shy. / Everyone has fears. / Yes. Many other people have sibling (I didn’t know that). / Nothing. / That some of us have the same fears. / They spoke but didn’t want to but spoke. / I learn you can trust others. / They will support me. / They use an instrument. / To work in a team.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 28 young lives from Garcia School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on March 23-26, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : To stand up for bullies. To make the school safer. To overcome a bully. By defending myself. / Don’t be shy, trustworthiness, confidence. Don’t be afraid of yourself. Help learn better, loving yourself before anyone else. To help stop bullying. Prove people I’m not what they think I am. To not say anything if you don’t know. By not letting us give up or stop what we’re doing to accomplish our goals. / Not the only one. More trust with classmates. Being more open. Becoming a better person. / Courageous, confident. Help do presentations. They won’t do it. I will be a bigger person. Creative Storytelling: To be respectful being in front of people. To be nice to teachers, respectful. Not to be nervous. Have a good job. / Citizenship. Responsibility, public speaking. Not get in trouble as much as owning up. If you start bullying, be responsible to stop it. Make me more trustworthy. / Great to help people. Responsible, respectful. Everyone is equal. I can treat people more fairly. / Different words to express a word. To be fair with others. It would prevent bullying. It would better my personality.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Through the Hoops: Connection with people. Help us work with other people. More people can stand up for you. Communicate with people in a job and surrounded. / Trust, teamwork, communication. Helping others with subjects. Tell someone the situation. Getting alone with coworkers. / Teamwork. Help other people. Everybody could get along. You learn how to help people you work with. / Communication. Learn different things from others. Get the word out to prevent bullying. Discover new things. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Everyone has and is a hero. A role model. Calm down, go in your way. Inspire people to do good things in life. / Responsibility, love yourself before others. Confidence on yourself. Believing in yourself. Gain success. / I learned that having a hero may be a good or bad thing. Your hero could help you go the right way. Follow the good leader. / Caring. People will like you more. You would care about your decision. People would think better of you. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. It makes me feel an inner feeling of belief. / It makes me see in my eyes who I really am. / It’s okay. It would be better coming from a friend honestly. / It makes me feel a happy person. / Good, happy, loved. / It makes me feel good to say that. / Beautiful, kind, makes me feel better. / I feel happy. / Makes me feel loved. / It made me feel awkward and good at the same time. / Awkward and somewhat pretty. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My brother. He always makes good choices. Responsibility. / Kobe. Because they inspire to me to do my best. Killer instinct, talent. / Anime character Alfred F. Jones. Well because even though he’s just a cartoon character (to some people), he inspires me. Happy, caring, sharing, doesn’t care what others say about him, takes time for others, happy even if he’s sad to show others it gets better, “totally awesome”, put others before them. / My dad is important because he always inspires me. My dad is honest and trustworthy. / My mom. Because she brought me to this world. She’s smart, funny, talented, nice. / My best friend. Because they help me through a lot. Kind, respectful, risk taker, brave, truthful. / My dad because he’s been there ever since I was small. Because he’s a real best friend. / He help me in my life. / My hero is Chris Brown. They say the truth. They are caring. Humbleness. / My hero is my mom. I think she is important because she helped me become the person I am today. Respect, humbleness, energetic, optimistic. / My hero is Kanye West. They are important because he raps/sings amazingly. He does whatever he wants even though people judge him a lot. I look for talent, ambition, and confidence. / My mom. She is inspiring. She is an amazing person. Responsible, caring, loving, respectful, and smart.
Seeing Beyond: Being patience and try harder. Be patient to figure out your keep trying till you get it right answers. It will help you be prepared for a job. / Using given information. Math. It helps use logic to answer problems. Helps me be more conservative with basic chores. / Learned to be less descriptive. You can use this in reading and writing to be more descriptive. To be more focused at what we do. / The tools that we learned to listen and pay attention to listen better. It would apply in subjects because you will be able to pay attention better. This will build a stronger character. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: That people can overcome fears. By not being scared in school. / Express yourself in artistic ways. Speak out in subjects. Speak up. When getting a job. / To not be scared of your fears. You will not be afraid of standing up. Stand out for someone! Overcome everyday fears. / Allows the person to open up. It would help kids know that they are not alone. It would let the victims open up to how they feel. People would learn more about me.
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Garcia Elementary %Male 54
%Female 46
Dates: March 23-26, 2015
Ages 13-14
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 68 %NO 25 %Other 7 Post %YES 75 %NO 18 %Other 7 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 18 % Sometimes 68 % All the Time 14 % No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 29 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 57 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 39 % No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 39 % All the Time 57 % No Answer 4 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 4 % Equal 46 % Leader 50 Post % Follower 4 % Equal 46 % Leader 50 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 35 % No 61 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 82 % No 14 % No Answer 4 Did you do anything? % Yes 53 % No 29
% No Answer 18
Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned that you can be fearless and open up. / You can say to the people they can be anything. / I learned that most of the time students can be dealing with something similar. / Yes because you can stand up for yourself. / I don’t get bullied. / Speaking up for yourself. / Because they teach us to be yourself and not be scared. / Standing up and speaking up. / I can stand up to anybody. / Speaking up. / To speak up for people. / I learned to speak up for yourself. / We learned to speak, so I can stand up for kids. / Because now I would know what to do. / You can overcome it. / To speak up. / To speak up. / To stand up. / To not be afraid and stand up for myself/someone.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would help the person with what their dealing. / Yes because they might be hurt! / I would stand up for them. / I have and will always stand up to someone because that is what I would want them to do for me if I was in that situation. / Yes of course, because it feels great to know you have at least someone on your side. / I would tell the bully to stop of else…. / I would stand up for them and for anyone. / Because if it was me I would want to get help too. / I have more confidence. / I can tell them to stop and talk to other. / I wouldn’t want someone hurting. / Because it is not fair to just watch. / If I saw someone being bullied I would tell the bully to back off. / Yes because that is rude and something no one should go through. / Because I don’t like people getting bullied. / I would tell them to stop. / Because I want to help. / I would stop them. / Tell teacher. / Yes because it’s not fair for that person. / It is important, amazing, and in music. / Color means millions of things. / Your thoughts. / It expresses people. / Yes. / I still think of it the same Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 85 % No 11 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: Respect because you can respect people. / I learn respect myself and my own decisions. / I learned that just because you think on your own does not make it bad. / To respect others no matter what, to be very kind. / I already know how to deal with it. / To have responsibility with everything you do. / Because I would now being working with others. / I can hold explanation and forget it. / You are your own leader. / I learned that I make decisions on my own. / Because speaking is something I am not really good at until now which kinda helped me. / Not be afraid. / Always depend on yourself. / I learned to treat others like I want to be treated. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 86% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Green – expression. / I think that color is an emotion because you will always have different moods. / They are cool colors. / Happiness. / No because IDK what it means or do or stands for. / When I think about color I think about is the sky. / I see color as more of emotions. / I see the colors as emotions. / I think it’s a expression of your mood. / I think color is a expression of a mood. / I think is emotional. / I see color as something to make things more interesting. / I think color is a symbol of meaning. / Between different people to be treated the same. / Color is colorful. Respect. / Colors are colorful. / I think it is emotional. / Happiness. / It’s a skin color. / Mix emotions or feelings. / I think color makes up the world beautifully. / I have thought colors are something cool. / No, I think color is just a color. / It’s just another way to be unique. / I never heard of the color but then it sounds important but I never think about color. / Colorful. / Colorful. / I never thought about color. / Never thought about it. / I think it’s a mix of emotion. / I think color is what gives meaning to things. / Color are colorful and not really.
Post: I learned that color can be expressed in many ways. / To see what it depends on. / I learn the music have color. / Sometimes is like the emotion you feel. / I think that color is based on emotion. / Color does have meaning, other with music or mostly anything really. / It has different meanings. / I think color has more meanings. / It’s a tone, not just a color. / Colors are what you feel like a mood of how you can be yourself. / I learned everything has color. / Color could now mean anything. / I think they are incredible to learn how to work. / Color express moods. / It is thoughts. / That music is color and it is all different. / Color can be in everything. / That music does have color. / The color changes on what you feel or hear. Example as music. / Color has music and things. / It has many meanings. / It is important, amazing, and in music. / Color means millions of things. / Your thoughts. / It expresses people. / That it is in music. / Yes. / I still think of it the same. My most important hope or dream is. What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 96% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to be a lion whisperer. / Is that my parents don’t have problem with money anymore. I want to help them. / My most important dream is to go and graduate from college. / I don’t have one. / My dream is to have a great job that’s actually worth it and pays it off. / My dream is to be a police officer or a soccer player. / My most important dream is being a game creator. / To help people we don’t have things like we do. / Is to become the first one to go to college. / To get my music band famous. / My hope is being a pro soccer player. My dream in a engineer. / My most important dream is be a football player. / Finish college. / To succeed in life. / My dream is to become a leader. / My dream is to be a doctor. / My dream is for all my dreams to come true. / My most important dream is to become a soccer player. / My most important dream is to finish my education by finishing college. / To pass college. / To be someone important in life. / My most important dream is to give my parents whatever they want. / I want to become a very successful person. / IDK, get away from people. Be alone with my friends and make our lives worth something. Make the world better. / My most important dream is to be a cosplayer, speak French, Italian, and be able to imitate voices. / My dream is to be the best of the best of engineer and architect designer. I’ll never stop. Also be a gamer. / Is to be a professional dancer. / My dream is to be a baseball player. / My hope is complete my school and go to university. / My most important dreams are to take care of my mom for as long as I can also my baby sister. / To be someone important in life. / To reach the NBA. / My most important hope or dream is reaching all my goals. Post: My most important dream is to become someone who a person can look up to. / Is to be a professional soccer player. / Be a football player or a architect. / My most important dream is to loose on special person. / My most important hope or dream is to finish college and not fail in life. / My dream is to have a great career to then get a job that would actually pay it off. / To become a famous musician. / To be a pharmacist. / My most important dream is to become a lion whisperer. / My most important hope is to reach all my goals. / My dream is to become a doctor and help people. / My most important dream is to be a game creator. / To be an important and best video game engineer and best gamer. / Animation, costume maker. / To be a baseball player. / To help my mom with everything. / To play with the Lakers as a shooting guard. / To become a heart surgeon and help the homeless. / Helping my family with money when I grow up. / Becoming a chief. / Pro athlete. / To become something successful in life. / To grow up and not depend on anyone. / My dream is to have a bigger music studio to start something new. / To be a basketball player or lawyer. / To study fish. / Is to become pro football player. / Is to become a famous YouTuber when I’m a littler older.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: One thing I learned is that I can be persistent and never give up. / To never give up or what you want to do. / Think about anything and work hard. / To try my best. / The one thing I learned is you have to be responsible and to speak up because your voice matters. / To never look back to see beyond the future. One day you will get there. / Dedication. / Determination will help me. / To speak up for yourself. / One thing is to be respect and responsibility. / One thing I learned to help me reach my dream is never give up. / The one thing I learned is never give up. / My dream and memory can overcome my fear. / Care. / I learned respect and responsibility. To keep trying and don’t give up. / I learned about determination. Speaking would help because I would need to talk to complete strangers. / Is speaking in front of people. / Is never stop til you get there. / Being a leader. / To never give up and be as confident as you can. / To never give up. / To not be afraid of speaking up. / Believe in myself and not in peer pressure. / To study. / To collect with other people. / One thin is to not give up in what I believe. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 93% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: It helped me to be more responsible by never giving up. / To give them my responsibility to tell them. / To stand up and talk in front of everyone. / I wanted to improve on thinking more on my own and not agree with what other people think. / I wanted to improve on my responsibility and I know that I can do it just have to be patient. / Fairness. / Speaking in front of others. / Speaking in front of others. / It would improve things I have to change. / One thing I want to improve is my grades. It helped me by never giving up. / The one thing is that I want to improve is trustworthiness. / Trust and responsible and to be a leader. / Continue learning. / I learned fairness and expectations. / My courage. / I wanted to improve fairness. I saw both sides of the argument. / Yes I can speak more to people and aloud. / Is by not being scared of talking in front of others. / It helped me become a new me. / By standing up and saying it out loud. / To be more open about my opinions. We spoke about ourselves. / They helped me improve on respect. / I could speak in front of the class. / It didn’t. / They told me to study. / To not be scared and help others. / I want improve on is responsibility and well it helped me by doing better. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That they have the same fear as me. / To be friendly to others. / I not alone with problems and something else. / I learned to stand up for my own self. / I learned that many classmates share my fears, hopes, dreams and that I am not alone. / I learned that everyone has something in common not everyone is alone. / My friend is scared of spiders. / I learned about color, art, and music. / I learned about art, music, and color. / That some have same fear as me. / That others fear things that I also fear. / What I learn is that the classmate some has the same as I do. / Everything that people in has same fear and dream with other. / They are just like anyone else but still unique in their own way. / People choose different things. / That we are all different. / I learned I was Melerio’s hero. / That some of my friends have the same fear as others. / Connection. / Don’t believe what other people say about your best friend. / I learned that he has a fear. / I learned some of them aren’t as different from me as I thought they were. / That I’m not the only one going through rough times. / That me and my friend have the same dream. / That some people are afraid of spiders. / They have the same fear. / That they have many fears, dreams. / I learned about a fear they have.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 17 young lives from Kuban School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on April 20-23, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-15. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Get to knowing my friends more. Not to judge them based on how they look. Getting to the fact, not just the inference. Keep it to yourself. / Figuring out a career. By encouraging you to accomplish it. By helping see reality, open your opinion to others. By revealing who I am. / Question and have a better understanding. Not being shy, be confident, communicating. Question individuals and realize they’re not the stereotype we thought them to be. / Got out of comfort zone, building confidence. It’s essential to speaking in crowds. You’re surprised with other’s answers. Sometimes you might have to do something you’re not comfortable with. Creative Storytelling: To be confident. To be more expressive about yourself. To speak for self, not to be afraid. Practice for next time. / Fairness. Act equal to everybody. It will prevent things from getting serious. It will take you further through success. / Public speaking. Class, confidence. Stand up for yourself and others, ask for help. Speechless, courage, express. / Participating, confidence. Everyone is part of something. People gain more confidence. It gives you examples of the character traits so people can prevent bullying by standing up. It helps people speak out and stand up for what they think is right.
Through the Hoops: Teamwork. Working well with others. Standing up for others. Helps in future career. / Teamwork. Helping you in subjects you’re not good at. Work together to stop the bullying. Work with others to succeed. / Teamwork. Need help on the subject. Ask for help from another. Learning to work together, getting the job done. / Teamwork and cooperation. You help each other. By standing up for one another. It helps build trust between one another and makes them depend on each other. Reflective Take Away Assignment: See the real you. Help against peer pressure. By saying no. Citizenship. / Heroes teach you to never give up. Learn from others. Think about heroes examples. You follow your hero’s steps. / Building confidence. Confidence when presenting. Having confidence to make decisions. Feel strong. / To know who you are. Confidence, value. Bullying and peer pressure. When someone tries convincing you to do something you know is wrong, you don’t do it because you know who you are and you value yourself. By having self-worth and self-respect. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
This makes me feel happy. / Awkward, okay. / Good. / Confident, dignity, happy. / Weird. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. She is important to me, so I can talk to her about anything. Some characteristics are kindness, courage, understanding. / They are important because they have taught me good morals. Respectful, caring, trustworthiness, hard-working, citizenship. / Mom. She gives me advice, gave me life, care for me, etc. Someone who cares for others, not just themselves. / Friends. They help me when need. They support me even when it wasn’t a good decision. They help me when I’m upset or feeling down. They are there to bring the dignity in me. Confidence, support. / Because they are my role model and I look up to them. Smart.
Seeing Beyond: We learned how to be descriptive and use our senses. This will help us in writing by being more descriptive. It will help us again on our future career. / Learn to use imagination. It helps in math by getting what you know to figure out more. It would help you see things a different way. / Being descriptive. Writing, give specific details, information. By not depending on one sense. / Helps us to be descriptive and trustworthy by trusting one another’s answers. Because you can lean on each other and be supportive with one another by trusting each other in all subjects. By relying on each other for support and help when someone needs it. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Even though there are a lot of obstacles in the way, you can find a way to achieve your goals. This may help you in school because it shows you to never give up and when you are falling off track, to get back up and live your life. This helps with bullying cuz if someone bullies you, you know how it feels and to not bully others and let yourself down. This can help in life by knowing what your goals are and achieving them. / Face your fear to accomplish your dream. Never give up. Help someone overcome their fear. Accomplishment. / Common fears, you’re not alone. Share what you have in common and help each other. You know each other’s fears and dreams. You’re able to understand yourself. / You’re not alone. We share the same fears. Others can back you up. Face your fears together.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: You help others feel good and in return, it also help you feel good on helping them. When you help others they will help you back. This skill or tool may apply in life because in life harder times will come and you will find a way to brush it off. / Trustworthiness. Trust others. Help others. / Able to reflect when doing something positive. Helping others. Able to feel positive and help others. / How being helpful makes you feel. Everyone said they felt good after helping, so it’s worth it (giving something up, but emotionally). It makes you feel like other students look up to you. It helps you build helping skills when it comes to helping people you don’t know and it encourages you to help them and others. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? One day my dad woke up really early and started to clean around the house, so I felt bad and woke up my sister. So we both helped my dad. / I was trustworthy when my friend needed help and advice. So I helped her/him. It made me feel needed by others. / The time I was caring was when I helped my brother with his homework. And it felt great. / A time I was caring was last week cuz I shared my snacks with my little sister Alexis. / When my step-sister left her phone on the truck and when I found it. I thought to myself to look at her personal info, but then made a second choice not and decided to play a little on her phone and finally gave it back. / I was trustworthy and caring when my sister was going through rough time and also a heartbreak because her son was in the hospital. It made me feel good and happy because after I saw her smile and she felt way better. / When people come to me for advice. People say that they like my advice and that it helps them. It makes me feel extremely helpful and good. / When my nephew was sick. I was caring for him that I didn’t go to bed until 5am in a school day. / When my friend had problems, I gave her advice. It made me feel good because I helped someone feel good/better. / I helped my little sister do her homework. I felt very happy that my sister asked me for help. / A time I was trustworthy was when I told my coach I wasn’t able to play because I was hurt. I felt bad about it. / I was caring when my cousin was going a hard time and I listened to everything she had to say and trustworthy about everything she said I never told anyone. / A time I was caring and helped someone was when they were crying and I asked what was wrong. I gave them advice and heard what they had to say. I felt very glad that I could help.
®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Kuban Elementary School %Male 41
%Female 59
Dates: April 20-23, 2015
Ages 13-15
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 88 %NO 26 %Other 6 Post %YES 94 %NO 0 %Other 6 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 94 % All the Time 6 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 24 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 29 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 35 % All the Time 65 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 65 % All the Time 35 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 35 % All the Time 65 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 65 % Leader 35 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 35 % Leader 65 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 47 % No 53 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 53 % No 47 Did you do anything? % Yes 24 % No 47 % No Answer 29 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Not really. / How to stand up for myself. I know there’s others that support me. Learning or talking to their fear. Why they’re bullying you or someone. / Being caring. / Teamwork. That bullies probably have the same fears or dreams so us and them are not alone. / Asking for help. Never give up, stand up for others. / That others got your back. / Be caring and tell them to stop. Asking for help and being equal to others. / I would stand up for myself. / Don’t let it bring you down. You can be what you want.
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After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes because then I could be a better person. / I would go and try talking things out with the person bullying. / Maybe depending on the situation because if he was bullying that one person then the bully will bully you or me, but I will do something, so yes! / I would be the more responsible person and tell the teacher. / Stand up for a person. / I would help them and work
together. / Everyone is equal. / Stand up for them. / I would call a grown-up. / Tell them that it’s not nice. / I would help them. / I would talk to them and help. / I will stand up for them. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes because respect is a big one. / I learned self-worth and some responsibility. / Yes by helping others or sharing your decision. / I learn how to deal with things. / To think for myself. / Yes, you have to be confident in yourself. / Not let others influence you on what they think. / Not let others influence on what they think. / To not let others interfere with what you believe in. / I learned how to stand up to peer pressure. / To be fearless with others. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 82% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: It really doesn’t matter. / No. I have never thought of color. Everyone is the same. / Green, because it’s really pretty and it reminds me of my dad. / Orange and blue cause I like those colors. / Blue because it is my favorite color. / Aqua because favorite color and it my braces color also. / Purple – favorite color. / Rainbow. / Black. I like that color. / Rainbow colors. Red, it is my favorite color. / What type of color? I think of people with different type of skin color. / When I think color I think of the rainbow. / I believe color is important when it comes to race. / Everyone is the same. / Everyone is equal and should be treated the same. / Everyone is equal. Color doesn’t define anything about who you are. / Skin color. / Not really. Post: I like color. It could turn into anything. / I know color is life! Without it, our lives would be boring. / It does not just mean one thing. Color means music, painting, or listening. / First thing that comes to my head is red and colors are like emotions. / It has life! / That color is music and music has color. / That it is important. It is in music. / I think about emotions. / I think color gives you expression. / Nothing. I seen nothing but black. / Color expresses many different things, feelings. / Color expresses different things. / How color may express many different things. / I think colors is in everything and everyone. / I learned how to see colors through music. / Color is in music. / Color has many meanings. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 82% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be just like my mom. / To be successful and have a family. / Rich. / Becoming a video game creator. / Is to go to college and succeed. / Is to become a major criminal justice or to be with behavior analyst unit (FBI). / Become a pediatrician and buy my parents a house. / Become a marine biologist. / I don’t really know. / Going to the NFL. / My dream is to become a DJ with a friend also wanting to become a DJ. / My most important to me is to help other with special needs. / My most important dream is to go to college. / To become narcotic officer. / I don’t have one. / I want to help people. Emotionally and physically. / Be a soccer player. / I am unsure of my dreams.
Post: Accomplish it. / To become either a bio-engineer or criminalist. I will study for both thing! / Is becoming a DJ and help people in need of help. / To be the best QB in the NFL but first I have to get a scholarship and drafted. / To succeed and I want to help people. / To become a doctor and help support my family. / Going to University. / To be successful and to help others. / To complete the goals I need to. / To become a FBI. / To become a pediatrician and support my family. / To become a soccer player and win the best player of the year. / To study hard and become a marine biologist. / My most important dream is going to college. / My most important hope or goal is to accomplish my dreams and goals. / To never give up, to achieve my goals on being successful. / To be someone in life. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To set a goal and accomplish it. / One thing I learned was that there will be lots of obstacles, but they won’t affect my dream because I learn how to beat it. / Is that I got to show more on my personality and who I am. / Is never give up and keep on going. / To be responsible and helpful and be a better leader. / Not to be afraid to ask for help. / Be confident in myself and don’t give up. / Is by being more confident. / Is to believe in myself without any doubts. / Never give up, keep reaching for the stars. / Respectfulness, to help others and care for each other, also help. / Help each other and don’t give up. / to be trustworthy and confident. / One thing that has helped me is not to be scared to ask for help. / One thing that helped me is that how to reach my dream and how to stick to it. / Never give up. / To not give up, there is not right or wrong answer. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 94% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: It help me improve. / Self-esteem. It helped me overcome a bit more because many people share same fears. / I would like to improve on responsibility because I need to remember I need to take care of things more often. I need to improve on it better. / The character count was responsibility and they did activities that helped me with that character count. / Responsibility. It helped me accentuate my responsibility by keeping me on track. / Citizenship helped me by showing good character and being respectful. / Fairness. / To encourage myself to do something and not be afraid. / Citizenship. / To stand up and express myself. / To stand up and express myself. / By standing up and expressing myself. / By public speaking. / It helped me improve how accomplish my dreams and goals. / To work harder. / To not give up. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Help each other. / I learned they have some fears and that they are not all perfect as I thought. / That everyone had different dream, fear, and memories. / I learned that my sister has a odd problem (she likes doing things good). / They love something I didn’t even know they liked. / That we all have the same fears. / They have similar dreams and fears as me. / I learned that one my friends eats on the table with their family. / I learn that some people have the same fear and brave. / Help others or never give up. / Their fears, hopes, dreams, memories. / Their fears, hopes, dreams, memories. / How to be respectful and to communicate with others without being scared. / That we all or some have the same fear. / I learned that some are good friends and some are bad friends that you shouldn’t trust. / Not everyone’s perfect. / We have the same fears.
Thanks to Murphy School District Character Education Grant, 44 young lives from Sullivan School experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on April 27-29, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 10-16. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Trustworthy. Respect. The Golden Rule. It will help me in the future. / Respect. Want to treat others how you want to. Learning more about them and their qualities. Be respectful and listen to others. / Responsibility. Talk with more people. You will know who they are. We will get along more with people. / Confidence and be honest. By trying hard. It stops people from lying. Respecting others decision. / Public speaking. It’ll help you speak in front of a class. By speaking up for the people who are stereotyping. It’ll help you be confident. Creative Storytelling: Everyone has had their own fears on it. Help understand people better. By helping the person overcome the fear of bully. By encouraging the people who are targets. / Working together. Get along with others. You have people to protect you. / Participating. By presenting in class. Being able to express your feelings. By not being afraid to talk in front of people. / Teamwork. To work together and make everything better. To not exclude someone. To work better in the future with other people. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Made me feel good about myself.
I dunno. It makes me feel the same. / It makes me feel confident about myself. / Happy. / Weird, alright, ok. / Happy and I like the way I am. / It makes me feel good and gives me confidence. / It makes me have confidence. / It makes me feel calm and loyal. / Good, excited. / Smart leader. Those two words make me feel good. / It makes me feel dope. / Awesome because I felt normal but I hate mirrors(JK). / It does not make me feel any different to the other times I just look at myself. / Good, nice, proud. / Happy, confident, and enthusiastic. / I feel good and I feel friendly. /
Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Teachers. Cause they help you to do better and they put you first. Confidence and niceness. / My mom helped me through hard time when my dad got deported. To be caring, responsible, respectful, and helpful. / They are there for me. Trustworthy. Yes I want to be like them. / My father. He was there when my mom left. Brave, responsible. / Mom, dad. Cause they’re always there for me. I find that they could make me a hero with powers and I will look in a hero determination. / My aunt is really responsible. She speaks of herself, is kind, and cares about people. Someone who is my hero is my aunt. She is my hero because she has confidence and has patience. I think they are important because people need a lot of confidence and a lot of patience. The characteristics look for in a hero is patience, confidence, kindness. Shows responsibility and brave. / My hero is Rosa Parks because she stood up for her rights and she wasn’t afraid. She was brave. I think they’re important because they changed how people act today. Bravery and have confidence. / My dad and mom is important because they are there for me. I would look trustworthy. / My brother-in-law. Like his career. Good personality, responsibility, technologic career. / Captain America. I think Captain America is important because he protects people. Strength, kindness, brave. / Nana. Because she’s done so much for me. I want them to motivate me. / Tia Rosa. Because she stands up for me. Be respectful and listen to your conflict and problems, courage. / Grandma. My grandma is important to me because at all times she will make to provide us what we need. All 6 of the traits. / God is my hero. Because is with me all the time and forever. He have everything. / My parents. My mom and dad. Because she’s great without them, I would be here. Careness, respect, fairness, responsibilities. / Tyrann Mathieu and Tim Tebow. Their careers to get to the NFL. Work to get something. / My dad because he always help me in every moment in I have all life and he understand me. Because I feel good like that. He understand, he help me. / Doug Baldwin #89 WR Team: Seattle Seahawks. Cause we have a lot in common. He resilient, broke a collar bone. / My brother. They are the first to take that path. Leaders, strong ideals, humor, don’t mess around. / My mom. Because she takes care of me. Nice, kind. / A hero would be myself because that I feel that I can look past bad habits. A characteristic would be braveness. / Parents. Because they took care of me since I was born. Nice, kind, caring, responsible, to give stuff to help us. / My hero is my sister because she’s always there for me when I need her. I think she’s important because she’s a human being. Being caring is a characteristic that I look in a hero. / My hero is One direction and my Tia Susie. One Direction changed my life, they make me happy. My Tia Susie. She has cancer and she still is going in life. If they are brave, love themselves, feel good about their life, and love their life and to wake up every single day happy and excited for a new day.
Seeing Beyond: Able to trust each other without noticing. Science project, to trust your senses and what you feel. Able to help people with disabilities. / Communication, teamwork. By talking to other which will help you communicate better. Communicate with others. / Teamwork and communicating. To work with others. It will apply in science because you work together. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Interpret other people’s dream. Working as a group and seek their dream. So others know how they feel. By sharing our thoughts. / Some people have the same fear. You get to know them better. Bullies might have same fear. To understand that I’m not the only one with fear. / Presenting. Being confident in front of people. By not letting yourself being shot down by other people. By not being shy in front of others. / Communication. You can speak your problems and never be lonely cause you can talk to people. You could talk to the bully and convince him to stop. It will build character because you won’t be shy to talk to anyone.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Funded By: Murphy School District Character Ed Location: Sullivan Elementary %Male 54
%Female 46
Dates: April 27-29, 2015
Ages 10-16
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 68 %NO 27 %Other 5 Post %YES 80 %NO 18 %Other 2 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 25 % Sometimes 39 % All the Time 14 % No Answer 2 Post % Not at all 18 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 23 % No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 39 Post % Not at all 2 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 2 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 41 Post % Not at all 7 % Sometimes 61 % All the Time 32 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 2 % Equal 48 % Leader 48 % No Answer 2 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 61 % Leader 39 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 39 % No 61 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 66 % No 32 % No Answer 2 Did you do anything? % Yes 40 % No 30 % No Answer 30 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 73 % No 25 % No Answer 2 Thoughts Shared: I learned bullying isn’t nice at all. / To not bully people because they can relate to you. / IDK. / I learn bullying is not respectful. / IDK. / I dunno, nothing helped me. / I don’t think we really talked about it. / To stand up for others and help when in need. / To always speak up. / To stand up for them. / You cannot be a bystander. / Communication can help. / Maybe. / Because they helped me on to not bully. / Because me alone can’t make a huge difference. / Stop people. / Stopping the bully and tell the teacher. / Kick the other bully’s butt. / Talking and persuading. / Stop people. / I will stop it without violence. / Because it is not good. / Respect. / Citizenship. / I never been bullied. / By communication. / To stop. / Respect will help you.
After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 93 % No 5 % No Answer 2 Thoughts Shared: I would have told them something. / Because what happen if you’re being bullied too. / Yes, I would try to stop it. / I’m gonna talk you better stop. / I would tell the bully to leave him/her alone. / Because I don’t want it to happen again. / It ain’t right, they need help. / I would at least go tell an adult. / I would help. / Because it’s good to speak up. / I would stand up and tell them to stop. / Help out. / Because I wouldn’t want them to get hurt. / Maybe. / Help him. / Because he knows that he’s in the wrong. / Stop them or help. / Help the victim and beat the bully up. / Help the victim. / I would tell them to stop. / I would tell him to stop and if not, tell a teacher. / Yes about respect. / Golden rule. / Because there shouldn’t be any bullying. / I would step in and speak for him/her. / Stand up for them. / Stop them. / Maybe. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 86 % No 9 % No Answer 5 Thoughts Shared: We’ve learned the 6 pillars. / Because we learned the six pillars. / IDK. / I learned confidence. / Sometimes you gotta make you own decision and be confident with yourself. / IDK. / To respect when others are talking. / To take my time. / Do what’s the right thing. / You should only do what you think is right. / Listen to others. / Sometimes. / Because yeah. / I feel confident with my decision. / Respect. / Tell the teacher and helping him. / A lot of people have a lot in common. / Citizenship. / Not to be afraid about anything. / No pressure. / Respect is the Gold Rule so yeah. / Look at my self in the mirror and complement myself. / By staying calm. / Not to take a long time. / Maybe. / When being. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 59% Post 84% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No. / No. / Yes it can be heard. / Pink. / Color purple, because it means peaceful and respect. / It could be hear. / Red. / Rainbow. / I don’t know. Colors. / No. / Is cool. / IDK what that is. / Red because it means love. / I never thought about color. / About color, I think color is beautiful cause without it, it be dull. / Without color, things wouldn’t be the same. / I think color means character traits. / I think it’s important. / I think clouds, sun, strawberries, cherries, etc. / Not really but I respect. / Yes. / No. / Color does not matter. / IDK. / Color shouldn’t and doesn’t matter. / Just colorful. / I don’t know. / Color does not matter. / It can be heard high school. / IDK. / Colors. / It is cool. / I think it’s cool. / Azul porque esta muy churo. / I think color is a way to express yourself. Each color signifies a different expression or feeling. / Color is what makes the world non-boring. / Color describes emotion. / Yes and no. / It is bright at times. / Green seems like a cool color. /Race / No, because I respect everybody equally Post: To imagine beyond the color. / Is pretty nice. / That colors are important. / Color expresses you. / Red is pretty nice. / I think color is to imagine beyond the color. / Red is cool and bright. / Color is needed to make things unique. / What you imagine you can see. / What you imagine you can see. / Without color, you can’t really see the difference in anything. / Respect. / Nothing. It represents something. / It all equal. / I think express yourself. / To express yourself. / I can hear it. / That you can use them to communicate. / It’s bright. / I don’t know. / Skill think some color has different meanings. / Nothing. / Still don’t know what it is. / That it sometimes has a meaning. / Color can have many meanings for me. / It’s cool. / That it is cool. / Color show emotion. / Cool. /
Color = emotion. / Color means your future. / I honestly I don’t know what this means “color”. / Colors can sometimes represent a person. / I think it comes true. / Color is okay. / Green is a cool My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 84% Post 98% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is being a dentist. / Mayweather. / Don’t know. / Finish university. / Army. / My most important dream is to go to college and studied as a artist. / Is to be a vet and to finish college and help my family. / Someone in life. / Someone in life. / Be someone in life. / I don’t have one yet. I’m a focus in school. / Be a teacher. / Accomplish life goals. / My most import hope and to finish college and have my dream come true as a vet and help my family. / My important dream is to be someone big in life and accomplish my dream. / I think it’s to be a recognized choreographer – successful. / To become a doctor. / My dream or hope is to finish school and make my family happy. / My most important dream is going to college and finishing it. / To be able to sing in front of a large group. / To be successful and have big house. / Is to be a bicker. / Basketball player. / No. / Being important. / To help people. / Pro racer. / Being a football player. / My hope is to finish. / Pro racer. / Going to college. / Soccer player. / My most important hope or dream is to play in the NBA. / To be someone in life and be admirable. / Become a pharmacist. / To have my own business. / Finish school. / Become a computer engineer. / My most important dream is to help people. / Is to live a good life. / To be remember. / To accomplish the dreams, I would like. Post: To stay in school and make it to the Marines. / To be a cop and help others. / To be a vet and help the animals. / My hope is finishing school and my dream is vet. / To go to ASU and open my bakery. / Coming to school every day except for Saturday and Sunday. / My hope and dream is to meet 1D and graduate from high school. / Be a basketball player. / I think it’s really important for me to attend Arizona Dance Artistry and become a choreographer. / Have my own business for architecture. / To have my own business for architecture. / My most important dream is to become a doctor. / Someone in life. / To be someone in life. / To be happy. / To go to ASU and open up a bakery. / To be a singer, actress, and a basketball player. / To go finish University. / My dream is to go to college and get a good job. / To become famous. / To be a FBI. / Become a computer engineer. / IDK. / Going to college. / To work at Apply Co. / To be remember after death. / My dream is to play in the NBA. / To be working in Activision. / To be a leader and to become a NFL player. / Cool. / To make my company. / To become a basketball player. / Being a big success and help your mom with anything. / Get drafted in NFL and play and win a Super Bowl with the Arizona Cardinals. / To learn. / Football. / My dreams to become reality. / Going to college. / To become someone in life and have a good life with my family. / To go to medical school and become a pharmacist. / To become a soccer player. / My most important dream is to graduate from college and get a good job to help my family. / Go to college. / To be a football player or actor. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 87% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To not give up. / Coming to school every day. / Is not to be shy in front of the classmates. / Is not to be shy in front of the class. / To not bully anyone. / IDK. / One thing I learned is never to be afraid to talk in front of your peers. / IDK. / To be confident, I’m will need all my confidence to be able to dance in front of a lot of people. / Never give up, stay strong. / Never give up, stay strong. / Being confident with my dreams and do anything to help me achieve my goals. / Get through tough times. / To try even in tough times. / To be nice. / Always be confident. / To respect others. / The important are words. / Is to speak for myself and not be shy. / I learned more
about my dream by drawing it out. / To learn. / Don’t fall for peer pressure. / Nothing. / Nothing. / Is to work for what I want. / To be successful in life. / Responsibility. / To keep on going and never give up. / Teamwork. / Cool. / Teamwork. / To go to college. / To respect and not be afraid. / Teamwork and work hard. / Yes because it come true. / Don’t give up. / Determination. / Responsibility. / Be positive and be confident with what I choose. / To communicate. / To respect people. / Work hard and be responsible. / Nothing. / Be a leader. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 87% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: To learned to be trustworthiness and listen carefully to others. / Respect when others are talking, you sit down and look at who the one and talk. / By getting help and helping other. / By getting help and helping others. / To work as a team. / IDK. / I want to improve on trustworthiness and it help me improve by learning new things and listen. / Citizenship is the Character count that I improved on. / Yes I will never give up. / Yes I will never give up. / The Character Count I wanted to improve on is respecting. The workshop helped me improve it by listening to what people have to say. / Help me. / It helped me a lot. / Caring because we worked together. / It help me by being respectfull / Helped me speak up more. / Respect by knowing how to use it properly. / I want to improve on talking out loud with other people because I talked with people I don’t talk with. / Yes it help me work with others. / To get good grades and listening to them. / Responsibility take in my actions. / Nothing. / Citizenship because I need to improve. / To pay attention and listen. / I want to improve responsibility because of this workshop, I feel like I can benefit. / Respect. / By being respectful. / In a hurry. / Cool. / Fairness I worked with my team. / IDK. / By learning about trusting. / Teach me how to use the skill. / I don’t know, responsibility. / Responsibility. / To talk with others. / Caring, have respect. / Being confident and expressing myself. / Respectful cause when I get mad, I get really mean. / Responsibility. / It helped me by playing games with the whole class. / Didn’t help me at all. / Responsibility. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 82% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: To work as a teamwork. / To be friendly, to be nice, to share with others. / Not to be shy and to work harder. / Not to be shy in front of the class. / To work in a team. / IDK. / What I learned new is to work as a team always because it would help you work better. / I learned many people’s fears. / To respect others on lost the fear. / They have many things in common with other people. / People have interesting. / They have interesting lives. / They can actually talk! / That we have the same fears. / That we all have the same fears. / They step in on a question they wouldn’t really answer on. / That we have a lot in common. / She likes coffee, is afraid of clowns, and likes her dog. / I don’t know. / Listen closely to others. / Nothing. / Nothing. / That they can help us in many ways. / I learned my friends fear clowns. / Responsibility and citizenship. / That Oscar is going to work at Apple Co. / Fear. / Cool / We share fears. / To respect them. / They are all annoying. / Some classmates I can relate to. / Respect. / Nothing, I know them. / Trustworthiness. / Have the same fear and there’s no right or wrong answer. / We have some stuff in common. / A lot of them are afraid of heights like me. / That they are scared like me. / I learned about fears and dreams about them. / That some are shy
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . .
Thanks to the insight of Arizona Department of Education and Murphy School District every child that experiences program walk for with a better character. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to deliver Character Education at its Best and for believing in our mission and vision ,that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empower with the tools to make better life choices. Today they are that much closer to finding their gifts they have to share with the world around them. Most sincerely,
Robert J Miley CEO and Founder
Office- 302 W. Monroe in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org www.releasethefear.org
CHARACTER EDUCATION 2014 - 2015 REPORT Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy
Thank You Arizona Department of Education For Helping Us Our Hopes, Fears, and Most of All, Our Dreams...
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Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to the foresight Arizona Department of Education
for funding character education for Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy This is the Final Report of 4 different workshops making a difference in 52 young lives. Tomorrow's leaders in Arizona, experience their hope and dreams. They are now Inspiring and empowered find their gifts, know that they matter and lead a more meaningful productive life and a brighter tomorrow.
2014 - 2015 RELEASE THE FEAR 2014 - 2015 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results Character Education OVERALL PERCENTAGES 52 Students (4 BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 86% – Youth Ages 14-19 97% discovered something new about themselves 93.8% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 67.5% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 97.8% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 86.8% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 97% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. Individual Workshop Percentages 1. September 3, 10, 12, 2014 Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy 5 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 15-17 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 100% compared to Post 80% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 80% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 2. November 17-20 2014 Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy 12 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 14-19 100% discovered something new about themselves 92% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 42% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 92% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 3. January 12-15 2015 Florence Crittenton 13 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 14-15 92% discovered something new about themselves 92% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 46% compared to Post 92% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 84% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 92% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 4. April 6-9 2015 Girls Leadership Academy 22 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 16-19 96% discovered something new about themselves 91% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 82% compared to Post 77% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 91% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 91% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 96% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.
RELEASE THE FEAR 2014-15 Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy and The Arizona Department of Character Education Matching Grant. Program Budget: Bridging Possibilities Workshop: Budget Per Workshop Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer Co-Facilitator / Trainee Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories Final Report Supplies and Other Workshop Exp Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Presentation Travel Expenses – Average
Budget for 4 Workshops
$680.00 $300.00
$2,720.00 $1,200.00
$150.00 $ 70.00
$ 600.00 $ 280.00
$ 80.00 $ 60.00
$ 320.00 $ 240.00
$260.00 $ 50.00
$1,040.00 $ 200.00
TOTAL FOR 1 WORKSHOP $1,650.00
$ 6,600.00
Total
$6,600.00
Cost Breakdown per workshop with average of 18 youth each: Average cost per daily session: $550.00 Average cost per youth per session $30.55 Per Capita cost per youth workshop:$91.66 Average In-kind donations: The space, equipment and staff oversees participants for the overall evaluation of long term success of workshop. Volunteers coordinate preparation of documents, organize all supplies, and assist facilitators prior to and during workshops. In-kind:$250.00-Per = $1,000.00
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
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Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process
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Thanks to Character Education, 5 young lives from Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on September3,10,12 2014. “Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-17. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Not label people, create a new path. No judging, will lead to bullying. People won’t take it the wrong way. Become respectful towards others. / To be open minded, communicate. We have to be open minded and communicate to create such a close knit community. Gives you a better chance to see and learn who the person is. Working with others and communicating. Creative Storytelling: To be creative, work together, interaction. Work together, with public speaking. Coming as a team. Expressing! Be leader, speak at, be yourself. / Expression, communication, teamwork. No judgment, the art focused classes. Saying something, self-expression. We all need a way to express ourselves or it becomes bottled up and it eventually overflows. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Senses, description. English essay, being more descriptive with 5 senses. Be more confident about yourself. Become a better describer. / Confidence, respect, responsibility. Homework, speaking up. Confident in your choice against influence. Everyday choices, chores. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. When I looked into the mirror to say that “I like you just the way you are”, it made me feel weird because I’m not used to saying things to myself like that. I felt awkward because I thought that it wasn’t true. / Looking at myself only in the eyes in the mirror makes me feel awkward. Reason why is because it is something that I never do. It feels like it is something so hard to do, but this is why because we don’t love ourselves how we are. I myself judge myself every day, but don’t compliment myself a nice thing at all.
Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom and dad are my heroes and they are important because they have taught me since day 1 what is right and what is wrong. They keep me from going to the wrong path. They motivate me to succeed so that way I won’t have to struggle like they did when they were young. Some characteristics I look for in a hero is someone who keeps me motivated. Someone who takes up their spot and proves me wrong. Someone who is a leader, has dedication, and is someone who actually cares about me. / My hero is my dad. My dad is a man who didn’t care to be a single parent of 3 children and have other responsibilities. He didn’t even think about it, he automatically took charge of us and has never failed or quit on my or my brothers. My dad is important for me because since the day my mom decided to live my family, my dad did not back out on me and my brothers. My dad day by day has known how to maintain a meal, clothes, and a shelter for his children. He has been my friend, father, and someone I truly admire and appreciate for not leaving his kids behind. One of some of the qualities that I look for in a hero would be their personality, trust, and most off all the effort they give to help others, to help and change people’s lives or world. Make a place a better place. Someone who puts their heart and mind into doing a change!
Seeing Beyond: Describing. English with better essays. Be a better writer, use better 5 senses in life. / Descriptiveness, thinking, IQ. English, math, science, public speaking. Stores, words before action. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Distinguish obstacles. To avoid obstacles in school. To avoid people who will be obstacles. By distinguishing our fears we can overcome them. / Knowing what you want in life, thinking. Help you stay on track. Think ahead, think before action. Setting life goals. Reflective Take Away Assignment: To turn negative to a positive. Be more proactive. To be more positive. / How to take something negative to something positive. Not give up and give it a chance. Try. When something seems hard in life, give it a change and make something positive out of it. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
My mom did not let me go to a party and I was really mad but that night, some guys had shown up at the party and people started fighting. / When my mom did not let me move schools for sophomore year. However now I am thankful that she didn’t because I met friends that are so amazing and also I learned a lot in this school on who will be there for you. / When my parents split up I thought my brothers and I were gonna be alone but my dad stayed and now I have become a stronger person. / I wanted to not go to the AZ You’re Hired but made some cool friends. Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: The things that I learned is that to be respectful, citizenship, and fairness. This can help me by helping my friends on their problems. Also on not going off on people because what others think and be fair to everyone and respect others the way I want to be respected. / Something that I learned was that I am trustworthy, caring, and respectful. I am trustworthy because my friends and family members trust in me. I also need to trust in myself to become an anesthesiologist. I am caring because I care for my friends and family. I need this later in life to care about patients’ health. I am respectful because I respect others for what they do and I will need this later in life because I will need to respect myself and other people in my life.
Funded By: Character Education Location: Florence Crittenton %Male 0
%Female 100
Dates: September 3-12, 2014
Ages 15-17
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 100 %NO 0 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 80 %NO 0 %Maybe 20 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 100 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 20 % Sometimes 80 % All the Time 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 40 % All the Time 60 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 100 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 80 % All the Time 20 Post % Not at all 20 % Sometimes 40 % All the Time 40 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 60 % Leader 40 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 60 % Leader 40 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 60 % No 40 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 60 % No 40 Did you do anything? % Yes 40 % No 60 % No Answer 0 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 80 % No 20 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Communicating and expressing. / Be fairness and don’t judge others by looks. / To not judge everyone, but get to know them better. / Speak up, not be afraid. / Only attended 2 class. After attending the character education workshop, and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Stand up and speak up. / Because I believe that all they need is someone to help them and show them that they are not alone. / It would stick up to them and do something about it. / To make a change. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Expressing. / Make up my mind! And don’t let anyone tell me what to do! / Because I should be able to do what I believe and stick up to myself. / Take time to make decisions.
What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 80% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No I never thought about color and I don’t know what to think about color? / I think color is nice. Every color is unique. / I think that each person has a color that defines them and that at times even if the world is black and white, no one is solely one but a mixture of both creating different shades of gray. / I think everyone should be equal no matter what color you are. / I think it doesn’t matter about color. Everyone unique in their own ways. Post: I still feel the same but my idea of color is unique. / I think that it is unnecessary to judge people by color also that it is a beautiful thing to be different! / Well we shouldn’t judge anyone based on color! We should know them better. / Colors are pretty. There are colors that can make you feel happy, emotional, or sad. / Be descriptive, don’t hold back. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Get scholarships and graduate high school and go to college. / Graduate high school and go to college. Finish the career I want to do and get scholarships…lots of them. / Is to remain true to myself no matter what field in life I decide to go into even with other people’s opinions pushing me down. / My most important dream is to be able to go to a university to make my parents happy and to be successful in life. / My important hope or dream is to graduate high school and go to mechanic school. Post: To move to Japan and discover who I want to be. / Is to get a lot of scholarships and go to college also have a fun job!! / Is being successful and doing the best I can be to make my parents proud of me. / Go to college, graduate high school. / Living in a world where everyone is seen as equal. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To express and visualize. / Is to believe that I will make it and believe in myself! / Is to be confident and to believe that I can do it instead of giving up. / Use 5 senses to write better paper. / Not to give up. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 80% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Yes. / Is on thinking faster thinking on my feet! / That it’s okay to see yourself and say what you like about yourself. / That I am a strong person and can help others with issues. / Not really. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That Sabri is afraid of UFOs. / I learned different fears that each of them had and their dreams and hopes! / That someone went to a Jewish convent? / That they like all sorts of food, go to church, and cat with family. / Alison wants to live in Japan like my other friend. What has this workshop taught you about what Art can do for your community? Post 100% discovered something that Art can do for their community. Thoughts Shared: It can open doors for people. / It taught me that art can make a difference.
Thanks to Character Education, 12 young lives from Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 17-20, 2014. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 14-19. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Social, active, get to know each other. Gives you voice. It’s smaller and you know everyone. People would assume you’re shy, but you show them you’re confident. Gives you confidence. / Social, honest, confident. When you get in trouble you got to be honest. You’re not gonna assume. Public speaking, computer work. / To not judge a book by its cover. When a new student comes or learning a new subject. To get to know someone before judging. By meeting new people and learning about something new. / Confidence. Presentations. Not judging. Be yourself. Creative Storytelling: Expressing, memory. Test, study, be yourself, social. Defend someone who needs help. Achieve goal, leader. / Memorization, insight on a person creativity. Studyfor tests, creative writing, public speaking. Having an insight to avoid judging people. Building our confidence. / Creativity. When we have a project (science fair). Getting to learn what others can do to not judge. By doing/trying new things. / Imagination, memory, studying in tests. Express yourself, remembering. No judging people, think positive. Help us think positive.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, accomplishment, determination. Determined to succeed your classes. Helps you to know what right/wrong. Achieve greater things in life. / Success, bravery, confidence, personality. Public speaking, making friends. Stand up for what you believe in. Working good with others. / Bravery, confidence. Helps us grow. Standing up for yourself. Helps become a leader, successful. / Confidence and positive. To be successful. To be confident about yourself and not give up. To reach your goals. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
It makes me feel confidence, strange, and uncomfortable. / This exercise makes me feel good about myself. I feel this way because I rarely tell myself that I love myself so I sometimes forget. / Unique, different. / Weird. / Well…this makes me feel awkward and weird and conceited. / Awesome, happy, sad, awkward. / Awkward, conceited. / Made me think of what I like in myself and weird, disappointed. / Uncomfortable, unsatisfied, little narcissistic. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. Because she is always there for me and never judges my decisions. Also she is caring and loving. Loving, caring, understanding, supportive, being their self, strong confident, nice, amazing, preset at all times. / Batman is my favorite hero because he is amazing. He helps people and he protects them. He is not real only in movies. His enemy is the Joker. He is important in the movie because he helps out others. What I look for in a hero: nice, helpful, protective, cool, saving people. My mom is also my hero. My mom is my hero because she’s always trying to guide me into the right future and she’s always had some kind of struggles but it never held her back from trying to keep moving forward. Also because she taught me how to be an independent person just like her and she’s always trying to do as much as she can to make sure I’m happy and she doesn’t let anything, anyone get in the way of her trying to achieve. / They are my role model. My mom has achieved so much. She has support me with everything. Achieve so much. I look for loyal, confident, be overachiever, positive. / My heroes are my mom, my dad, and my grandma. My mom and my grandma because they have always been there for me and they have got through hard times because they are brave. And my dad because he saved lots and lots of people. I look for bravery, kindness, and selflessness in a hero. / Mom. Because we work as a team. / My mom. She encourages me. Success, bravery, determination, confidence, honesty. / Kevin Ortiz. I think he is important because people be saying, “he is ugly”, “he looks like a girl”, “He don’t sing good”, or “he is just famous because his brother is famous”, and instead of self defeating himself because of all those bad commentaries stupid people make, he remains confident and successful and keeps singing his cute songs. The characteristics or qualities I look for in a hero are confidence, respect, leadership, honesty, trustworthiness, positive attitude, and determination. / My mummy. / My mom because she’s been through a lot and she is still strong. My cousin cause I can be myself around him and he is weird like me. Strength and confidence. / My lovely is my hero because she gotten back no matter how hard the problem is. She has taught me to be brave and that I can achieve my goals. / My father basically runs the family. He is the lifeline of this family. If he dies this family would fall apart, shrivel up and die out. We would grow distant from each other. My father is a provider and caretaker. He is influential for me and my sister. He is inspirational because he enforces good values in the family. / Zendaya from Shake It Up. Because she’s a model and I look up to her. To stay being a positive person.
Seeing Beyond: Participation, details, senses, imagination. Confidence, imagination, creativity. Have time to think. / Participation, teamwork, voice. Math, science when you have a group project. A job being brave. / Participation, voice, details. Math – by being precise in numbers likes graphs, science – with the scientific method. Planning and choosing goals. / Brain, knowledge, senses, voice, mind eye, participation. Science, math, reading, writing. Using your senses. Can help by getting through hard times. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Hopes, accomplishing dreams, optimism. Gives motivation. Gives courage to stand up for yourself. It helps make you determined to accomplish more in life. / Hope, optimism, memory. Studying for tests. You don’t care anymore when you become confident. When you have a home. / Determination, hopes. Helping us grow. They go through the same as you do, makes you stronger. Makes you a better person. / Recognizing our fears and analyzing our goals. When you have to share this. It makes you stronger and not let people step over you. It makes you confident and gives you more strength.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, self-worth, could get worse. It gives you motivation to do better. Gives you leadership. / Confidence, self-worth, determination. Public speaking. Helps to accomplish dreams. / Learn from mistakes, confidence. Don’t get in trouble. Persevere, confidence, reach our goals. / Confidence, determination, and perseverance. To acknowledge what you learn from stuff. To see the positive side of things. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
I lost a close friend and at first I was really depressed about it but now I can care less about her and gained new better people to surround myself with. / In the summer of the 7 th grade I was invited to go to a summer engineering/robotics camp. I didn’t want to be there but was happy. So I try to make it happy and at the end there was a competition and it was a funny, different experience. / When my auntie and uncle died from drugs and drinking too much, I was very sad. Then that’s when I learned that I won’t turn out to be like them and I turned their deaths into a positive lesson. / Something negative was my dad leaving but then I realized that if he was still here I wouldn’t be as free as I am right now. / When having to present my poetry writing. At first I felt sick because I knew I was nervous and bad at presenting in front of the class. I was also scared. But then when I was done, I felt it was an accomplishment. That I improved myself and I was happy that I went up. And I got a good grade! / When my dad left I felt really discouraged and I felt like I was useless but then when I started to get better and that’s when he started to get miserable and that was when we had already moved on and there was another man in our life who really cared for us and never left. / I went camping with my church, thinking it was going to be negative and boring but in reality, it was fun and wonderful. / Filling out the wrong papers for Metro Tech because I found Glaaz. / I sucked soccer and now I am better. / I was sad because my puppy was dying and she did. I still remember that day but I try to forget. It is still negative for me. / I used to hat cats but now I like them. / When my dog died but then I got over it because I didn’t have any more responsibilities to worry about. / I was sad about losing a friend but as time passed so did my feelings because that person wasn’t worth it. / My attitude when people don’t tell me what to do. / Last year at my old school this girl was being bullied and I felt bad because no one did anything about it. When everything got better when someone stood up for I was happy for her. And I noticed that everyone is different. No one is normal.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
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Funded By: Character Education Dates: November 17-20, 2014 Location: Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy %Male 0
%Female 100
Ages 14-19
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 42 %NO 50 %Other 3 Post %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 17 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 8 Post % Not at all 17 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 42 % All the Time 58 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 42 % All the Time 50 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 67 % Leader 33 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 67 % No 25 % No Answer 8 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To be confident. / That you need to not stereotype people. / It taught me to stand up to it. / Bullies deal with the same. / Be confident. / Confidence helps with bullying. / Have confidence in yourself. / Standing up for myself. / Stand up/speak. / Because they didn’t talk about it. / It’s not cool! / Respect. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would stand up for that person. / People have already trouble, why do one need to add more? / Because it never hurts to help someone. / I would speak out. / Stand up for them. / I would tell an adult/teacher. / I don’t like friends getting bullied. / Stand up for them. / It is rude not to help. / Trusting. / Stand up for them. / Tell someone.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes, to respect myself, and love myself. / I need to have confidence to stand up for what I believe in. / Yes I did. / I learned patience and respect. / I learned to have my own voice. / I learned to have more confidence in my decision on what is wrong or right. / Motivation. / I can do anything not their thing. / Respect everyone. / Respect. / I can’t be controlled. / No one can make fun of you. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No. I see and base my feelings on people’s behavior and personality. / I think that color shapes our world. Color is beautiful and without it, our lives would be empty. Color gives people meaning and motivation. / I think everyone has a favorite color and I love my favorite color pink. / I love color because without color, the world would be different. / Color is a way to express your personality. / Color doesn’t matter. Sometimes like when I think pink is for girls and not boys. / Sometimes color can express yourself. To me, I like. / It can make an impact on your mood. / I honestly don’t know. / I think it expresses your mood. / I think of a rainbow. / I do not understand your question. / There’s different color. / I think color is cool. Yes. / It doesn’t really bother me. / I think color is all black and white with variations that are perceived differently and yet at the same time there is no black and white but only different shades of grey. Post: I think color is a type of expression and I learned that color can represent anything. / Color is a form of expression. / Colors can describe your moods. / It shows diversity. / It is the mood of something. / Color helps express what you are feeling. / Without it I can’t tell anything. / It is an important thing in life. / Yes color is everything and everywhere. / That it is awesome. / Expression. / Describes people. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is to be successful enough to influence someone. / To become a police officer or detective…or doctor. To be an inspiration for someone or people and to save people. / Become a lawyer. / Is to become a veterinarian. / Graduate high school and college. / To become a doctor or surgeon. / My most important dream would to graduate the university with my Master’s and visit the world. / Is to become an Industrial Engineer or an engineer in computer science. / To become happily successful, graduate high school and college, and help others in need. / To either be a musician or an author. / To be a photographer. / To be a pediatrician. / I want to be a famous Youtuber so I can help rescue with no money. / To finish high school, go to college. / My dream is become a detective. / Is to be a model. / To destroy all labels that either myself or society places on me. Post: To reach my goals and never give up. / My most important dream is travel the world and become a writer. / To help others. / To get away from labels. / Owning my own photography business. / To graduate high school and become a musician. / Having my mom crying for happiness of me. / Is to become an industrial engineer. / Vet/Youtuber. / Is to become a teacher. / Graduate. / Finish high school, go to college.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: To have self-confidence. / To reach my dreams, I need to have determination. / To always have perseverance. / That color can show diversity. / Be determined. / I learned to have more confidence in myself and to have more confidence in my goals. / Have confidence. / Never give up. / Art can turn art into anything. / Try harder. / Work. / Confidence. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I learned that I am confident. / I learned that I need to have confidence. / That you can do anything if you set your mind to it. / Nothing cause I wasn’t here for the whole thing. / That I’m determined to reach my goal. / I learned that I am capable of achieving my goals. / I am happy for who I am. / I have to change my attitude. / Art is everything. / I’m more awesome. / I’m strong. / Be confident. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 92% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned that some of my classmates are more mature than they seemed. / I learned that some people have similar fears (loss of abilities and death). / That a lot of people are the same in one way. / That they hold similar fears. / What their fear is. / I learned that some of my peers have the same fears and goals as me. / They have same fears as me. / They have similar fears as I do. / No I already knew. / They’re different. / Everyone is different.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
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Thanks to Character Education, 13 young lives from Florence Crittenton Facility experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on January 12-15, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 14-15. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Trusting people, getting to know each other. Not being shy. You’re gonna ask them; not judge them. Sociable/confident. / Open-minded. Willing to listen to others without judgment. Not judging by their covers. By respecting them. / Got to know each other. Get work done much faster. You don’t judge people early. You will have more social skills. / Tell feel more sociable with my peers. Make friends and no shyness. To get to know the person. Make friends and open up and be confident. Creative Storytelling: Trustworthy. Not being shy. Telling someone else. Trust people. / Teamwork, helpfulness. Helping other student when in need. Because when someone is down, you can go and talk to them. Selecting co-workers. / We worked together. Be brave and speak louder and don’t be shy. To get along better with each other. How to be a better respective person. / To participate in a team and trust each other. Participation to pass classes. Bully won’t have time to bully kids. Well if you participate then you will get further in life and succeed. Through the Hoops: Trusting/teamwork, communication. Public speaking. Tell someone. Have a good job. / Help, trust, partnership. When you need help with work. Trust that your friends will have your back. Work together and be able to get things done. / Teamwork and trust other people. How to work faster and better. Everybody stands up for each other. Working together you will be more successful. / Teamwork and communication. With group work. Integrated with others. Work with people with jobs. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Caring. Helping others. Trust someone. Be more caring. / How to help others. When someone needs help with homework. When someone is thinking about doing something bad they can talk you out of it. Because knowing that you have helped someone can be life changing. / Being kind and helpful. Making more friends you will have each other back. If you’re kind, people around you will be kind too. People will think of you as a positive person. / To be kind. Help you make more friends. Change people’s hearts. Have a strong leadership.
Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
It makes me feel interested, surprised, and wonderful. / It made me feel weird and at the same time pretty nice but then everything goes back to what I really think. / Loved, weird, tired. / It feels weird and uncomfortable and pretty. / Happy, confident, pretty. / Makes me want to be how the inside looking to see I’ve done wrong. / Loving, cute, amazing. It makes me feel good about myself sometimes. / I didn’t really feel any emotion, but after a couple more tries I felt better/self-confident about myself. / It makes me feel good about myself and it makes me look at myself in a different way. / I felt awkward and weird. / It makes me feel confident in who I’m as a person. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Mom and Dad. Cause they are brave and have success for their child. Mom and Dad. / Because of everything he went through and still stayed with us and til now he has showed me better than anyone and no matter what he always smiles. Honest, mind read, loyal, unselfish, trustworthy, responsible. / Mom. Loving, kind, caring, committed, strong. Because she is my mom and I love her. Fairness, respectful, responsible, caring. / My mom. Because they take care of me. Love. / My mom is my hero because she’s always with me and takes care of me. I believe she’s important because she does everything for me. Love, protection. / Grandma Helen. How they affect me. How they’ll affect me and our similarities and differences. / Because she tells me what wrong or right she’s just like another mother to me. Rich homie too much. / My soccer coach/family friend. Because he was the one who talked me out of doing something that would have ended my life and he helped me get through most of my situations. Self-confidence, positive. / My Grandma. Because she always said the right thing to help me out when I truly needed someone. Respectful and truly healing when you’re down. / My neighbor. I think she is important because she has a girl who is sick and her daughter can’t walk or do anything and she has to feed her every day.The characteristics and qualities that I’m looking for in a hero is that they need to be brave, always looking for others and are carrying. / God. They are important to me because they make me feel happy and lighten up my life. Respectful, trustworthy, responsible. / My hero is my mom because she takes care of me. What we in important. I think because we should know who we are and know others. What I would look for a hero is that knows to save me so nothing happen to me or us that a hero for me! / I think she is important to me because she puts others needs before hers even if hers is just important. She will find the time to help me or talk to me. She is very kind and open to anything and is strong believer in God, which I love. Loyal, honest, unselfish, religious, trustworthy.
Seeing Beyond: Thinking. Science and math. By describing something. / Describe, ask questions. When you don’t understand what you’re doing in class. Because you’re not going to always know everything so asking questions will help with that. / Thinking skills, comprehension skills. You need to think 24/7 to excel in school. It’s a skill of critical thinking. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? When someone didn’t know how to approach her friend/boyfriend and she asked me how should I do this, I told her what she can say and to do just say it from the heart and that’s what she did. / I went to Safeway and on the way out a homeless man asked me for a dollar so I gave him a dollar. I felt pretty good about myself. / Well this happened on Monday. I had McDonald’s for breakfast and I got two burritos. I gave one of them to a homeless person. I felt really bad for him. He looked like he hasn’t eaten in days. I felt like a good person afterwards. / A time I have be caring is when I care for my brother education and help him with his homework. Makes me feel good because help my younger brother. / When my sister was depressed I helped her be happy again cause I was the reason she was sad in the first place. So I felt like it was my job to and now we are so close and I’m the only person who can really make her laugh. / When I helped my little sister that was struggling with her homework. I told her if she needed help and she said yeah. I felt good afterward. / Well a time I helped someone out was a neighbor needed help carrying stuff up some stairs and I helped her do it and now she counts on me to help if I see her needing help. Afterwards I felt accomplished and helpful. / I helped my dad clean the car when he had it. I was being kind. / I helped my mom clean the house when she didn’t feel good. I felt caring afterward because I was being helpful and kind. / What I would do is that I would take my brother because they are is the best what I had. It felt great! / I tell my mom everything I do. And I care a lot about her. / I took care of my lil brother and sister. I felt good because I’m helping my mom. / I took care of my little brother and it feel so good. / When I took care of my godsister when my godmother went to the baile and it felt good cause she’s my favorite! / I am approached by my friends to give them advice. Being the good friend I am, I do and it makes me feel better knowing that I was able to give someone advice for something they were struggling with. / My friend fell down a bunch of stairs and was bleeding a lot. I cleaned up her leg and put bandages on her. I went with her to the doctor’s office. I felt good and useful. / When a friend was getting bullied, I did everything I could to stop the argument/fight. I felt scared, but confident because I was the only one able to stop it. I was scared because I was also threatened.
Funded By: Character Education Location: Florence Crittenton %Male 0
%Female 100
Dates: January 12-15, 2015
Ages 14-15
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 46 %NO 39 %Other 15 Post %YES 92 %NO 8 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 84 % All the Time 8 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 69 % All the Time 31 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 62 % All the Time 38 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 54 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 38 % All the Time 54 No Answer 8 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 46 No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 31 % Leader 69 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 23 % Leader 77 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 77 % No 23 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 92 % No 8 Did you do anything? % Yes 29 % No 71 % No Answer 8 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 84 % No 16 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I never had to deal with it. / I already know how to deal with bullying. / How to respect. / Stand up in a respectful way. / How to be caring to others. / Stand up for others. / I feel that no one should be bullied. / How to treat others with respect. / Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. / We did a skit about bullying. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I never faced peer pressure. / Help them. / Stand up for him/her. They may be shy. / I would tell the person to back off. / Yes, talk to the other person. / I would make them stop and help him walk away. / I would stand up for them and be a friend. / Stand up for themselves. / I have been bullied. I will try my best to stop it.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Cause I would’ve already done some. / Both. / To be responsible for my actions. / I learned respect. To respect my decisions. / Stick to what I want. / It is good to be an individual. / Be yourself, respect yourself, love yourself. / Never give up. / To not judge. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 62% Post 77% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Happiness. / What I think about color is that it make it shine. / I think about color all the time because colors are beautiful. / No I haven’t thought in depth about color but I think it gives life to things. / I have never thought about color. / ? / It’s something everyone has a favorite of. Yes, I have thought of color, a lot. / Color is beautiful cause color is happiness and yes. / I have never thought about color. / I have never thought about color. / No. / Color usually affects how you feel. / That it pretty and that no matter what color it is it stands out if you make it shine. / Not really but most people do. / That your color of your skin doesn’t define who you are. / No, I’ve never thought of color. / Right when I hear color I think black (skin) and how I’m judged because of my “color.” Post: Think it look good. / I thing about the color now is that they should know that everyone has a color. / Color makes a big impact. / It gives light and life. / That it represents something you don’t know. / Color is happiness. / It can change in a second with mood. / It has meaning. / Beautiful. / Same as the other paper. / Color is like music. It can mean different things. / IDK. / I treat everyone with respect so I don’t have time to think about color. / It doesn’t matter about color. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I want to be a WNBA player and a doctor. / My family finish school and go to challenges. / I want to become a doctor/lawyer/engineer. / To become a mentor or foster parent to troubled kids or people who need a life in life. / Is to become a math teacher. / Doctor. / My hope or dream is to become a lawyer or nurse. / I want to be a forensic scientist or a professional sports player. / My dream is to become a doctor or a paramedic. / A doctor or a dancer. / Psychologist. / Fashion designer. / To become a general surgeon or medical examiner. / Is to make my family proud and finish school, college, etc. / My dream/hope is to become a successful person in life. / To be a psychologist or personal trainer. / Being a dentist or doctor. / Finish high school. Post: To graduate college and university. / Most that I would want to. / To succeed and have people look up to me young or old. / It gave with to life. / To be happy. / To be self-accepting. / To be able to bring my parents to the United States. / To become a teacher. / To become an equine vet. / Becoming a doctor. / To finish school. / To be a vet or YouTuber. / To be successful in life. / Being a dentist. / To go to college! And to learn a instrument.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 92% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Yes. / Most dream that every has what they had. / Don’t judge a book by its cover. / To never give up. / Move back or on from bad things. / To have communication skills. / To respect. / Don’t give up. / To be responsible. / It to have an open mindset. / The bridge thingy. / Is to not be shy. / Be respect. / Be myself not what other people want me to be. / Confidence. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 92% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Yes. / What they are going to had about this. / Trying if you get bored of some make it interesting. / I don’t really know. / Respect by not being as rude. / Already did. / With everything. / How to talk to people more opening. Yes I talk to people about dreams and fears. / To be social. It helped because I had to talk to others. / Respect. / Talk in front of people. / Because if you know the words then you can make it through. / Kind, to speak my mind, outgoing. / Be respectful. / Shyness. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 92% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Friendship. / It was good to have fun. / We have more in common. / To never give up on life. / Trust and creativity. / Already did. / A lot of things. / Everyone is afraid of something maybe the same as mine. / That they struggle too. / Learned to respect their ideas. / Yes that I’m not the only one that has struggles. / That everyone is similar to me. / I learned that everyone has struggles just like me. / We all have fears. / That they have been bullied.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
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Thanks to Character Education, 22 young lives from Girls Leadership Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on April 6-9, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 16-19. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Trustworthiness, respectful. Respectful towards peers and teacher. Respectful to people talking. Teaches to be a better person. / Not to judge. Self we used everybody would get along and not what we judge them on. You’ll actually meet them. You’ll make more friends and you won’t think you’re better. / Being comfortable expressing ourselves and aspects of our lives. Contributes to being a fearless leader. By allowing us to see others based on their trust colors and not how we perceive them to be. If you’re confident, it opens up opportunities for success. / Honesty, courage. Not be scared to be who you are. Everybody is not as different as you think. Stay true to who you are. Creative Storytelling: To show examples of the word. In English to help with vocab words. All these traits teach us how to help others and ourselves. Teaches us to be a well-mannered young adult. / To show understanding of the word. Respect teachers and do homework. Will not be rude to others. / To demonstrate how words are shown in new world. Need all traits to be better students. To make you a better person. Through the Hoops: Trust teamwork. Need teamwork for projects. Trust teachers when someone is getting bullied. Overcoming obstacles. / Working with unfamiliar pairs. You get to know each other better and you become more confident. You get to support them because you’ve gotten to know them better by having worked with them. Because you learn to improve the skill of partners by being able to work together. / How teamwork helps you strategize to get through obstacles. Answer problems. Support from others. Always presented by obstacles however with the help of others you can overcome them. / Trustworthiness and responsibility. Learn to work with others to get things done. Work together to prevent bullying and make awareness. Trust others because you can’t always do everything on your own.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Respecting self-caring. More confident with self. Respect self enough to not get to it. Build more confidence. / Learn to feel good, not as negative. For example when we did the circle we realized that sometimes we put more pressure on ourselves that others. You don’t get stressed, it allows you to make better life decisions and not fall into peer pressure. You tend to feel better and it makes others. / Selfconfidence. If you feel confident about yourself then it won’t affect you. Trust in yourself and being confident. When you’re more confident, you’re more genuine. / Appreciation, be positive. Less likely to fall in peer pressure. Less likely to fall under it because you know your value. You have a high self-esteem more likely to take chances in life. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
It makes me feel weird because I don’t feel like I truly love myself. / Doubtful, uncertain, unbelievable. / Feel good and confident. / Gorgeous, beautiful, perfect, strong person. / It makes me feel good because I love myself. / It made me feel better about myself. / Pretty, funny. / It made me feel weird at first because I never do that but then I started laughing and it made me feel good. / Increased my self confidence and made me feel like I am truly beautiful. / It made me feel weird because I never do that. / At first it was awkward because I’ve never told myself that but that I regained confidence and it made me feel good. / At first it was awkward because I’ve never told myself that but that I regained confidence and it made feel good. / Love my smile. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mother because she is hard working. Truthful, reliable, or persistent. / My grandmother. Because she is very inspiring. Basically, the 6 pillars. / Gave up so much for me and my brothers/sister. My mother. Strong, independent, confident, nice, loyal, good cause. / My mom. She very special to me. She always been there for me. She’s a strong person who I look up as a hero by her accomplishing things in her life. She’s a single parent who has raised me on her own. They are important because they brought me to life. They gave me a chance to live. Care, responsibility, responsible, trustworthy. / So we can have someone to look up to and have goals as to who we want to be in the future. I want them to be honest, caring, hardworking, and cool person to be around with. They would have to be pretty awesome to be my hero. / My mother. My mother because she’s always there for me when I need her and makes sure I have everything I need. Nothing. / They are important because he is always there to support me. Kind, nice, respect, fairness. / My mom is caring and hard working. She never get angry. She wants the best for others. Cares about family. Has a big heart. She is important because she has always been there for me. Caring, kindness, respect. / My grandmother is important because she created my dad who created me. She is loving, persistent, and endures many things. However she does not let hardships overcome her success and compassion for others. I look for endurance, respect, compassion, persistence, strength (mentally, physically, spiritually), and wisdom. / My sister Sophia Ortiz is my hero. She’s my sister and I’ve looked up to her since I was little. She’s shielded my younger brother and myself when we were little but had no one to do the same for her so she’s my hero. Respectful, honorable, helpful, kind. / My mommy is my hero. If it wasn’t for her I would be alive and if it wasn’t for her hard work, I would be here. Someone who is respect who I can trust because everything they say is correct. Someone who will be there for you to look up to whenever you feel down. / Jesus. God gave his life for us to give salvation. Sacrificed his life for us. Always have faith.
Seeing Beyond: To demonstrate how we should act in life. Allow us to be better students within any class. Teaches you how to be a trustworthy and positive worker. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: We learned that our fear will help us get to our dream. Not give up. Confidence. To get somewhere, achieve dreams, and to overcome obstacles. / To visualize your dream and realize that nothing can stop you from reaching it. In any problem it’s important to step back and realize that you’re capable of realizing it. If you or someone is getting bullied, it’s important to do something about it. Reflecting on your past and visualizing your future keeps you motivated to achieve success. / Relax, breathe, try again. Test, oral presentation. To know that you are not alone to achieve your dream.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: To look at the positive. Will not get frustrated when you don’t understand. To learn to accept when things go wrong. / Take the negative and make it positive. Don’t look at things with a negative perspective and always have an open mind. By thinking positive you become positive and continue thinking that way naturally. / To be optimistic. To believe in yourself and know to try your best and you will make it. When faced with a difficult change, you can start to look at the bright side. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one. The time I went to Kenya I was afraid of getting sick but I ended up falling in love with it. / When my parents were arguing a lot and decided to separate, I was scared because I didn’t know what would change, but later on I actually realized that my parents were actually civil around each other when they didn’t have to see each other every day. In a way my family became stronger because we were all happy, my parents were happy not to argue and my siblings and I were happy not to hear and see them argue. / I am the oldest of all my siblings. / The time when I first returned to Texas and I was crossing the border. I was really frightened because it was my first time crossing the border. I’m legal but I was still afraid. Everything turned out excellent but I don’t know why I was so nervous. I got to see/feel how immigrants do it, and it’s so scary. They are really brave. / My mom had a dangerous surgery and I saw it positive because I had time to share things with her as she recovered.
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Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 695
Funded By: Character Education Location: Girls Leadership Academy %Male 0
%Female 100
Dates: April 6-9, 2015
Ages 16-19
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 82 %NO 18 %Other 0 Post %YES 77 %NO 23 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 14 % Sometimes 72 % All the Time 14 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 73 % All the Time 23 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 91 % All the Time 9 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 41 % All the Time 59 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 42 % No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 42 % All the Time 50 % No Answer 4 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 55 % Leader 41 % No Answer 4 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 59 % Leader 41 % No Answer 0 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 64 % No 36 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 82 % No 14 % No Answer 4 Did you do anything? % Yes 32 % No 64
% No Answer 4
Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because we all have problems. / I’ll have more confidence to help others. / To stand up for others. / Stop it. / Tell someone about it. / Do something about it. / Use confidence. / Stand up for others. / Si somos amistosos y tenemos valores nadie sufriria bullying. / Not let anyone get bullied. / That everyone is different in their own way. / Trust others and care for them as well. / Do not stay quiet and look for help. / If you believe in what is right, continue fighting for it. / To speak up. / Yes, it takes teamwork, respect, and confidence to deal with bullying. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 96 % No 4 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I will help because I been through it. / Because I’m not a person who likes conflict, but I’ll tell someone about. / Because that’s part of being a citizen, and having trust in someone. / Yes, not fair. / Tell someone like an adult. / I will stick up for the person being bullied. / Tell them to stop and help them. / Es bueno ayundar a otras personas. / Sometimes it depends. / Stand up. / Of course, everyone has a voice even if it’s not their own. / Help him/her! / I would stick up for them. / Bring an adult in the situation. / I wouldn’t want anyone to do nothing if I was being bullied, so I need to step in and make sure that I prevent bullying as well.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes you can make my own. / I need to respect my decisions for my benefit. / Yes, because we had to be able to be dependable. / Go for what you want to. / I should trust myself. / Self-confidence. / Porque teniendo esos valoes podre tener Buenos decisiones. / I know to respect myself enough to be responsible when making decisions. / Respect my opinions as well with others. / I learned I should stay true to myself. / Be confident in yourself and the decisions/ideas that you have. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 64% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I accept that everyone is different and unique in their own way. / Without color life would be bland, a variety of different colors (pigmentation of the skind or the color of the sky) allows new and interesting concepts to enter the world. / I like it. It’s beautiful and nice. / I think color expresses things and emphasizes. / It expresses, makes things beautiful. / Different color, different emotions. / No, IDK. / They are really pretty! Gives light. / They are nice, represent mood. / No, just thought of it as a color. / I have never thought about color. What type of color? / Color is important because it represents diversity. / I really don’t pay attention to color. / I don’t really think about that. / I don’t think about it. / I think colors are very important. Without them the world just wouldn’t work. / Color of? I don’t ever take color into consideration when viewing others. / Race color? No…sometimes. / No. / Color does not matter to me. You could be green and you are still equal. / I’ve never thought about color. / All color is have quality and are pretty in their own ways. Post: It doesn’t matter. / That color doesn’t matter, they’re all equal. / That some colors can represent feelings, fears, and others. / It symbolizes something for you. / It means or represents something. / It’s nice and beautiful. / I still think it’s important. / They’re all the same. / I wasn’t here for that. / It represents diversity. / Color can be associated with memories and dreams. / Color represents moods. / Creo que los colores tambien depende para que nos guste algo, exepto en personas. / It has a meaning just like us. / I love colors! / That everything has own color and we can see it in everything. / It can help you express yourself. / Colors allow the world to be filled with uniqueness. / Color is everywhere. / Yes, emotions can be seen in different colors. / To associate color with more things. / Color is everywhere, in music, personalities, etc. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 91% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I hope that I succeed in life and in whatever career I choose to be in. / Is to become a doctor and help those who need it around the world. / I really want to help disabled children. / To become a profession/famous cosmetologist and open my own school. Also become a photographer. / Graduate from a university and support my parents. / Travel the world. / Don’t have one. / Dream, is to be rich and help children in need. / Become and veterinarian. / Is to become a nurse. / I want to graduate high school. / I want to be able to help animals. / My most important dream and hope is to meet my goals in life. / My most important dream or hope is to become a forensics. / My most important hope is to have a good future. / I really want to move to New York and live with a roommate or by myself and work as a makeup artist or in fashion. / I dream of being successful and owning my own practice. Also changing the lives of others for the better. / I want to be rich with U.S. dollars. / Being happy. / My important dream is being who I really want to be. / Is to be a pediatrician and help the poor in Guatemala. / My dream is to become someone important in life.
Post: Be who I am. / Is to get into a college and travel. / My hope is to become a teacher. / Traveling the world. / Becoming a forensic scientist. / To be something in life. / To live in NY and major in fashion. / To become someone in life. / To be successful and become a veterinarian. / Helping animals. / Is to have a good and successful life. / To become a veterinarian. / Es ser psicologa, e independiente. / To become a nurse. / Be happy! / To just do whatever makes me happy. / To make my mom proud and help out as many people I can. / To be someone my family and I are proud of, by being a helpful person as a doctor! / Be an anthropologist (medica antropologia). / Go to college and become a pediatrician. / Whatever career I choose, I want to be happy and successful. / Is to be successful in whatever I do and make sure I never stray from love, compassion, respect, and intelligence. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 96% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Don’t give up. / To be more confident in myself. / I learned to believe in myself. / Not to give up. / Being a leader. / Nothing well IDK. / Be confident in myself. / Respect. / Others will step up and help you. / Confidence. / Is that confidence can help me achieve my dream. / Trust in myself, everyone has the same fears. / Tratar de ser buena persona y saber el real valor de mi persona. / To perseverance. / Never let anyone interfere with my decisions. / To stick to my beliefs. / To look at the positive things and use my fears to achieve my dream. / Don’t let the negative things stop me. / Don’t stop believing. / Always look at things with a positive perspective. / To not let fears get in the way of your dreams. / Use your fears and negativity from your past to fuel the events of your future. Coming into the workshop, which Character Count did you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 96% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: Caring, made me a better person. / On all of them because I haven’t really been the best person, it helped me improve a lot. / I wanted to improve on Fairness. I did not think I completely got there but I will. It helped me by making me spread out the leadership. / Comfort. / Comfort. / I wanted to improve caring and I guess I got help by noticing people feel the same as me. / Respect. / Trustworthy because I have a hard time trusting people. / Responsibility. Not really. / Trusting in myself. / Citizenship. I learned to contribute and work together. / Responsibilidad, porque siendo responsalde podre llegar muy lejos. / To be brave. I wasn’t as brave as I should have. / Public speaking. / I wanted to work on respect and it did help because I now respect other’s beliefs. / I wanted to work on responsibility and it helped me respect my peers. / Respect for others and I did learn more about respecting others. / Respect? By listening to others, talking to them in a good way. / Citizenship. I learned what it means and what it looks like. / Responsibility, caring, fairness by doing different activities. / I wanted to work on being trustworthy and compassionate. This workshop has allowed me to be a trusting individual who has the ability to care for others. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 91% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They have problem like me. / That we have a lot in common and that I’m not alone in my fears. / I learned Josie and Sabrina are sometimes class clowns and mean to cover up how they feel about themselves. / Similarities. / Some similarities. / IDK. / We can rely on them. / Their fears. / They have the same fears I do. / The type of people they look up to. / We all doubt ourselves. / Las diferentes cosas que le gustan a cada muchacha. / We all our equal and different. / They have also dreams. / That everyone is different are all scared of something. / That we all have things in common. / Some people didn’t know me as well as they thought they did so I learned a little of what they thought about me… / Help them and respect them. / We all have the same fears. / That we are similar. / I learned that we are all similar in one way or another. Treat each other equally and respectfully.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices
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Thank you Florence Crittenton Girls Leadership Academy for the opportunity and for believing in our mission and vision ,that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empower with the tools to make better life choices. Today they are that much closer to finding their gifts they have to share with the world around them. Most sincerely,
Robert J Miley CEO and Founder
Office- 302 W. Monroe in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org www.releasethefear.org
2014 ~2015 REPORT
Thank You Arizona Department of Education and Genesis City For Helping Us Realize Our Hopes, Fears, and Most of All, Our Dreams...
RELEASE THE FEAR'S BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES=
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to the foresight Arizona Department of Education
for funding Character Education for Genesis City Academy This being a Final Report of 3 different Bridging Possibilities Character Education workshops making a difference in 27 young lives, plus a Discover U Character Ed. summer camp for 25 additional youth. Tomorrow's leaders in Arizona, experience their they are now Inspiring and empowered find their gifts, know that they matter and lead a more meaningful productive life and a brighter tomorrow.
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hat: Release the Fear, a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth the
life skills needed to combat the effects of Peer Pressure, Gang involvement, Bullying, Abuse, and Violence in our society and to make better life choices. Release the Fear (RTF) has worked with thousands of at-risk youth and adults in Arizona and around the world, offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing effects of fear and diminished self-worth. Our programs encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills through evidence-based curriculum that meets National Common Core standards. Arizona Department of Education, accredited Release the Fear program as a Character Education program
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ow: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new
and in him and will applied-knowledge teaching methods.figure one These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Our trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences, an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still- maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life.
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pproach: Through experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical
problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.
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ransformation: The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of
Inside Out Bridging Possibilities workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped by 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped by 16 percent - nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general.. Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands.
April May 2015 RELEASE THE FEAR 2015 Pre/Post Survey Results
Character Education and Genesis Academy OVERALL PERCENTAGES 27 Students (3 PB Workshops) Male 37% Female 63% – Youth Ages 15-20 86% discovered something new about themselves 94.3% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 81% compared to Post 85% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 94.3% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 83.3% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. Individual Workshop Percentages 1. April 22-24 2015 Genesis Academy 9 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 11% Female 89% – Youth Ages 16-20 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 100% compared to Post 89% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 100% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 2. April 28-30 2015 Genesis Academy 12 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 16-20 75% discovered something new about themselves 83% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 50% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 83% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 3. May 13-15 2015 Genesis Academy 6 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 15-19 83% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 83% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 83% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 67% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 4.DISCOVER U Character Education Summer Camp June 22ed thru the 25, 2015 from 10 am to 2 pm- Results to follow 25 Students
RELEASE THE FEAR 2014-15 The Arizona Department of Character Education Program Budget: Bridging Possibilities Workshop: Budget Workshops Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer Co-Facilitator / Trainee Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories Final Report Supplies and Other Workshop Exp Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Presentation Travel Expenses – Average
Budget for 4 Per Workshop
$680.00 $300.00
$2,720.00 $1,200.00
$150.00 $ 70.00
$ 600.00 $ 280.00
$ 80.00 $ 60.00
$ 320.00 $ 240.00
$260.00 $ 50.00
$1,040.00 $ 200.00
TOTAL FOR 1 WORKSHOP $1,650.00 Total
$ 6,600.00 $6,600.00
April 22, 23, 24th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 April 28, 29, 30th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 May 13,14, 15th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 June 22, 23, 24, 25th from 10:00am - 2:00pm Discover U which includes the fourth character education program -$5,250.00 (Yoga, Zumba , Nutrition RTF Character Education & Primal Fitness) Total $10,200.00 Deposit $3,300.00 Paid 11/2014 Balance Due $6,900.00 Cost Breakdown per workshop with average of 18 youth each: Average cost per daily session: $550.00 Average cost per youth per session $30.55 Per Capita cost per youth workshop:$91.66 Average In-kind donations: The space, equipment and staff oversees participants for the overall evaluation of long term success of workshop. Volunteers coordinate preparation of documents, organize all supplies, and assist facilitators prior to and during workshops. In-kind:$250.00-Per = $1,000.00
Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 9 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on April 22-24, 2015.Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 16-20. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Not to stereotype or prejudge. Helps you get to know someone. Communication, openminded. Teach by example. / Interaction, don’t judge, get to know peeps. Welcome new kids at school, help out others. Communication, open mind. Learn about other cultures. Creative Storytelling: Fairness and equality. Same rules apply to everyone. It would prevent it, causing irrigation. Do unto others as you would have done unto you, hold people accountable. / Interacting with others, build character. Work in team. Teamwork. Well make them feel that we care. To get along with people. Through the Hoops: Trust and work together. Teaching each other what the other doesn’t know. Not everyone perfect, don’t judge. Network to get what you need, work together. / Teamwork, trust, communication (body language). Doing teamwork helps when cooperating. Let them know that they’re not alone and there is someone there for them. I believe in myself and there are people that support me.
Reflective Take Away Assignment: Accept the way you are. Non-judgmental. Confidence not to be a follower. Feel good about yourself. / To find and love our true self. Recognizing people’s true self. I would be less likely to fall into peer pressure. You to help someone else find their inner beauty. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.
Mortified, sad. / Insecure, not confident. / It makes me feel good about myself and have confidence. / Ugly, but pretty also. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Mother Teresa. She helped the poor and was very non-judgmental. / My mom is important to me because she is always there for me when I need her no matter how far away she is. She taught that no matter the struggle or pain to always keep my head up and put a smile on. Trust, caring, confident, respectful. / My mom gave me life and she is always helping me and others. She is my best friend. Being able to be responsible and always drawing positive things out of negative. / My mom. Because she raised me. Happy, protective.
Seeing Beyond: Trust, communication, opens the mind. Reading, writing. Be more open to things, non-judgmental. / Seeing positive out of negative situation. Math, reading. We see math as hard and unneeded in life. Judging a book by its cover. Change your thoughts, change your world. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Turns negatives to positives, analyze things. Be determined, hope. Look on the bright side. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
A time where I made a bad situation into good is when my dad left me at four months but then I got a step-dad out of it, a loving dad and mom. / I got divorced and was devastated but then realized it was the best thing for my family. / An experience that I perceived as a negative was going to Mexico to live but as time went I thought was what was best for me.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
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.
®
Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process
Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy Location: Genesis Academy %Male 11
%Female 89
Dates: April 22-24, 2015
Ages 16-20
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 100 %NO 0 %Other 0 Post %YES 89 %NO 11 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 11 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 44 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 100 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 11 % All the Time 89 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 22 % Leader 78 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 33 % No 67 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Did you do anything? % Yes 56 % No 33 % No Answer 11 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help people prejudge. / How to let others know they are not alone. / To always see the bad thing as good. / Don’t let things get to you. Ignore them. / Stand up for others that can’t. / Not to be afraid of who you are. / They’re not alone. / Stand up no matter what. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would let them know I’m there to help. / I would stop it. / I would tell them to help themselves out first to be perfect. / Help that person out. / I would stop it. / Tell the person to stop or call someone. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned how to draw the positive out of the negative. / I can stand up. / I can stand up. / Say no all the time.
What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 100% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: It brings me joy like if it was black and white, it would just be simple. / There no color. Everyone equal. There is really no race, we’re all the same color. / Color fills up more life and makes things look different. / I think color gives everything life and happiness. / Color give more joy to the world. It make things look different. / Color brings joy because black and white is boring. / Color bring joy to my life. / It brings joy. / I think color is important so we can tell how it looks. / I don’t actually care about color. It’s about the person’s personality. Post: I think the same. / I learned that color is amazing. Music even has color. / Color bring happiness. / That color is beautiful and means many things. / We need color in life or else life would be boring. / Color can define art by how you see it. / It expresses things. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to become a midwife. / Is to be more confident in myself. / I dream that I can become a nurse. / My most important hope/dream is to have my family reunited. / My most important dream is to come a cosmetologist. / One of my dreams is to help my mom get her residency. Another one is to become a cosmetologist and pediatric. / My most important dream is to become someone in life (finish school and be someone). / Is to have my family together again. / My dream is to go to the Army. / A dream of mine is to help other kids in care from the government. Post: For my son to have a better life. / To become a doctor. / To become a cosmetologist. / To become a nurse. / Be someone in life. / To become an attorney or a forensic anthropologist. / To become a vet. / To graduate. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Be respectful. / How to interact with others and help them. / To trust people. / To don’t let negativity get to me. / Trust people. / See thing in other light. / Good communication skills. / Communication skills. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: I will care more about people. / Public speaking. It helped me by building confidence. / We had to practice to speak in public. / On trust, know being able to connect with others. / Same connections. / Accept myself. / Expressing feelings. / Trust more people, be more open. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: To help them out and let them know you are there for them and that they have your support. / We all have the same fear. / We all have the same connections. / We might have the same fears. / People have fears just like others. / We all have the same connection. / That they have the same fear as me.
Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 12 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on April 28-30, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-19. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Express yourself. Show you how many people have the same problem. Once you open it and read it different, it might be ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Communication skills. / A lot of people go through the same stuff. Know in compassion for others. Compassion to others. Helps to land a job. Creative Storytelling: By memorizing things. Remembering classes and lectures. Not taking the bad path. By helping you remember for presentations. / How creative other people are. Memory, communicating, perspective. Communication. Creativity, how to look at things differently. Through the Hoops: Trust teamwork. Helping out others. Help out people that are in trouble. Learn to trust. / Trust. Going through hoops to obstacles. Friends helping with struggles. Help others. Prepared to go through obstacles. Reflective Take Away Assignment: We felt connections. That we would get along. It would help to trust people. I would learn to help out my self. / See yourself in your own eyes. Learn not to judge others. Don’t be a follower, the way you carry yourself. Grateful for others in your/our lives.
Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Happy. / Makes me look beautiful. / I love my self. / Sick and happy. / It makes me feel confidence. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My aunt. They are a huge impact on my life. Thoughtfulness. / My mom. She’s important because she’s always there for me. / Anthony Davis. Favorite NBA player. He has unibrow. / Joshua Ponce. He was my son. He makes me want to be a better person. / I don’t have a hero.
Seeing Beyond: Helping. It’s helping us by working with each other. Reading class. It would teach me in life that you very descriptive. / Realizes on sense of touch and your descriptive skills. Being open minded to new opportunities. Math – you can focus on something else. Trust your senses. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To express yourself. Dreams. Dreams help by standing up for yourself. Help receive fairness, respectfulness. / To identify your goals and your fears to overcome. Helps you reach success. Yes because it puts confidence in people knowing their goals and hopes and memories. Yes knowing where you are going in life. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.
A time when I perceived something coming to Genesis. / Talking to new people and helping them when they felt down. / You feel good about helping people. Sometimes I don’t because girls get mad. I hate being nice because it backfires. / I would be excited and happy and make me cry. / When my son died, but in both way it would be good.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .
.
.
Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process
Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy 2015 Location: Genesis Academy %Male 50
%Female 50
Dates:
April 28-30,
Ages 15-19
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 50 %NO 250 %Other 29 Post %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 25 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 59 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 42 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 25 % Leader 75 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 75 % No 25 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 83 % No 0 % No Answer 17 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 83 % No 8 % No Answer 8 Thoughts Shared: Leadership is key. / Dreams help by standing up for yourself. / To stand up. / I learned to trust and communication skills. / Helping others. / Helping those to not feel the same like I was. / Stand up for others. / Not yet. / Trust, comfortable, respect. / Bullying shouldn’t be allowed or practice. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It’s unfair to watch. / I would stand up for that person. / Tell them to stop. / No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. / By telling them to stop. / I don’t like when people suffer pain. / Say leave them alone. / Go tell a teacher. / No one deserves to be bullied. / I would help them out. / I would stop the situation.
Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 92 % No 0 % No Answer 8 Thoughts Shared: Never give in. / Respect, responsibilities. / Responsibility. / Learned good thing to make my own decisions. / Not doing things the wrong way. / Say no. / No one will tell me what to do, but me. / Yes all of them. / Follow your heart. Think careful before your actions. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 100% Post 75% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Yes that it explains your feelings. / Yes but only black and white. / It’s beautiful. / Color is just the tint of melanin in your skin. Or just the color that you have. No real significance. / I love it and no not really on a daily. / I think they’re beautiful. It makes me feel alive. / Nothing. We are all equal. / It defines what you are. / I think joy and fun. Something beautiful and equality. / No to me, color is pink, blue, green, but when it comes to colored people, I don’t see it. / Color of the sky. / I think nothing. Things shouldn’t be based on color. / Beautiful. / Green everything that is living and good is the color green. / They’re all beautiful. / What I think about color is that it’s beautiful. / What I think about color is that it opens things to people to succeed. / I love being black. Post: It has no social value. / Releasing fears, dreams, and hopes. / Blue. / Nothing. Colors are colors. / Yes because every color mean something different. / There is color everywhere. / They’re all beautiful! / You may not like a color but you can overcome it. / Red’s a good color. / That no matter what color is, their will always be shapes out of it. / We are all different, but the same. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be a fire fighter. / To become a doctor of sorts. / Peace and love for everyone. / To achieve my goals. / To find peace. / To learn how to be happy in my own way. / Because what I am reaching for. / To go to the Army. / The most important hope I have is to be able to say I made it. / To be a police officer and work my way up to a homicide detective. / To be successful. / My dream is to be an attorney. / Finish high school. / To become more than my family. / Is to graduate. / My most important hope or dream is being a therapeutic massage therapist. / I don’t have one yet because there is so many decisions. / I want the world to be safe for my kids. Post: Have a family. / Finishing college and do therapeutic massage therapy. / To become someone. / To help kids in need. / Dreaming being a soccer player and to sing. / To become a better person. / Is to graduate high school and college. / To be a police officer. / Being a motorcycle builder. / For right now I just want to graduate. / Navy Marine to achieve. / Be a successful young respectable man.
One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Self respect. / Follow your dream, don’t give up. / To never give up. / Not to care what others think. / By succeeding my goals. / Not giving up about my dream. / Keep focus. / To never stop. / To be confident. / Talk about my fears that stop me from my dreams. / To express everything, don’t hold back. / Obstacles will get in your way but you can overcome them. The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 75% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: I want to work on my leadership. / Communication, becoming better person. / yes to become a better person. / Communication skills. / Yes because I’m not scared of saying the truth. / By doing things that is right for myself. / Yes made me express more emotional. / To do. / To show my skills. / The workshop made me be more patient and relax. Also to trust and be loyal to the right crowd. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 83% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Not everyone is so different. / A lot of exciting things, new things. / To not judge. / Most of us have a lot of the same fears. / Yes knowing or meeting new people. / That they suffered more than me. / That they have the same fear. / That they also went through hard times. / We all have problems but we could fix them. / They had a rough past, but they want to better themselves.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 6 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on May 13-15, 2015. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©
“Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-19. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Learned about people. You get to meet new people. You would know certain things aren’t true. To not judge by appearance. / To not be so judgmental. Do not learn to be so stereotypical. You wouldn’t do it as often. You will learn to be more understanding. Creative Storytelling: Respect the speakers. Give respect. Might stop bullying. So you give and gain. / Learn not to laugh. Respect others. To take action when others are down. Learn to be compassionate. Through the Hoops: Trust and personal space. Helping others and being more open. You have a bond with others. You have to work together. There is no I in team. / Go beyond the boundaries with people you know. Help with teamwork. Feel sympathetic for others. Be there for others through their problems (be there through thick and thin). Reflective Take Away Assignment: You can accomplish your goals. Get your education so you can succeed. You won’t be easily persuaded. It makes you aim high. / There is always someone watching you. Accountability on others. Being comfortable to ask for help from others. To motivate and realize your actions have consequences. Stay on track for others.
Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. It makes me feel awkward. / Confident. / I feel happy looking in the mirror. I feel goofy also because I
have a goofy personality.
Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? Tom Brady. They are important because he inspires people and gives back to his community. He’s brave and was overlooked but proved everyone wrong and proved that he’s the best ever. He’s also very clutch and has a model wife and money. / My hero is my mom because even though we didn’t know each other, she still loved me. Because they loved me unconditionally. Respectful, caring, trustworthy. / Joe Flacco. He is the leader of my favorite team. He led us to the Super Bowl and won SB MVP. Leader, talent, hard work, winner, respect, dedication.
Seeing Beyond: You use senses that you usually don’t use. It applies when you need to describe the underlying feelings and emotions. / Trusting your senses. Biology, speech, literature. Biology because you have to describe surroundings. Speech also because you have to describe a story or situation. Integrity and accountability. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Learn to put our dreams first. Focus on what we’re working towards. Better understanding. Focus on what your goal is. / Get to learn about yourself and others more. Know strengths and weakness. Understanding situations with others, communicate. Don’t let others bring you down. Keep your head up high. It shouldn’t matter what others say or think. Reflective Take Away Assignment: To be considerate. Be more caring towards others. Helps in a workplace. / Be kind to others. It’ll set off a chain reaction. Help our classmates with other things work, home, etc. Consider others in any situation. Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I do not have a specific time. I usually just help people normally with sadness issues or just issues in general and it always feels good to help people. / I remember going to Scottsdale to visit my friend and we went to a McDonald’s to eat. I was really hungry and hadn’t eaten all day so I was in a hurry. My friend just went site and I was about to enter when I saw 2 seniors in back of me. So I just opened the door for all twenty of them and the last lady said thank you. I felt good. I later went on to join my friend to order. I finished ordering and the same lady interrupted me. She said, “I’m paying.” / A time I felt caring and trustworthy is when I helped me aunt while in the hospital.
®
Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959
Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy Location: Genesis Academy %Male 50
%Female 50
Dates: May 13-15, 2015
Ages 15-19
Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Post %YES 83 %NO 0 %Other 17 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 17 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 67 % Leader 33 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 83 % No 17 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 17 % No Answer 33 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 67 % No 33 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Helping the bully not bully anymore. / Think in their shoes. / Communication. After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I was always gonna help, workshop or not. / I wouldn’t let the bully, bully anymore. / Always. / Help them, get a teacher, stand up for them. Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Respect others and letting people the real me.
What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: White – pure, red – happy, pink – shy, black – darkness. Color classifies emotion sometimes. / To me I kind to whoever. I don’t think I should be mean. Everyone has to be treated the same. / All the same. / I think color is beautiful and unique. Most importantly, we all bleed red. / Crayons. / No opinion. / Color shouldn’t matter. It’s not a most. / How see things. / They’re beautiful. / Beautiful. / Red. / Yes because I ;8was curious saying why do we see color? / Color is alright. Post: The workshop confirmed that emotions are tied together, color. / I learned that yellow means happiness. / We see it everywhere. / I always know that colors show emotion. / It’s beautiful, it creates mood. / There is many different ways to perceive color. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think hope is more important because without hope, you give up and you’re done for. / My dream is to graduate and go to college and study for a real professional soccer player. / Become a Navy Seal. / I want to be a sports reporter. / Is becoming successful in life. / Make bank in the future. / My most important hope is to finally be done with my adoption process. / To go to the Army. / To join the Navy. / I can be able to support family. / Being a fire fighter. / Don’t have one. / I want to make something of myself. Post: Have a son and make him happy. / Finish college and have a career waiting for me. / Being a computer engineer. / Is to become a doctor and possibly wealthy. / To have a good job. / To help kids and have a successful life with my own little family. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 83% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Don’t think about the negatives. / Never giving up. / Is learning leadership skills. / Being positive and focus. / To trust and communicate. Coming into the workshop, which Character Count did you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it? Post 83% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count. Thoughts Shared: My intelligence. / Respect on people speaking and I managed to do so. / The workshop had all my needs. / Patience. / My Character Count I wanted to improve on was my citizenship. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned some of their names. / I learned that everyone here has pretty similar fears as me. / That they will accomplish their dreams. / I learned Alejandro is very interesting. / They can relate to me. / That some of us have the same fears.
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Thank you Arizona Department of Education and Genesis City for the
opportunity and for believing in our mission and vision ,that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empower with the tools to make better life choices. Today they are that much closer to finding their gifts they have to share with the world around them. Most sincerely,
Robert J Miley CEO and Founder
Office- 302 W. Monroe in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org www.releasethefear.org 602 818- 6959
RESEARCH Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections longitudinal study on recidivism Report By Francisco Alatorre Ph.D.-New Mexico State University & Leslie Chilton Ph.D.-AZ State University Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Report Effect on Recidivism AZ College and Career Readiness Standards RTF Meets
Release the Fear Collaboration with ADJC on Recidivism Research Update through December 2014: 27 months - ADJC Report Submitted January 20, 2015 Since September 2012, Release the Fear has participated in an Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) multi-year study of participant recidivism. Recidivism is defined as “a return to custody,” in either the ADJC or the Arizona Department of Corrections. Data from the first 27 months of the study are reported below. Twenty-nine “Release the Fear” workshops were conducted between September 2012 and the end of December 2014, serving 721 juveniles age 14-18 year of age. Seventeen workshops took place in secure care (562 individuals) and twelve workshops (159 participants) occurred in the community (Release the Fear @ Grace Chapel). ADJC further reports that 19% of participating individuals in secure care attended more than one RTF workshop. Of the 562 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while in secure care, 66% of the population (370 youth) have been released from custody, while 34% (192 youth) remain in custody. Of those released or discharged from secure care, 31% (116 individuals), have since returned to secure care as a result of violations of their community supervision. Of the 159 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while on community supervision, 78% (124 individuals) have been released or discharged. The remaining 22% (35 individuals) are still under community supervision. Forty-eight individuals (39%) who participated in one or more RTF workshops during community supervision have been returned to secure care due to violations of the terms of supervision. PARTICIPANT STATUS BY RTF PROGRAM LOCATION 9/25/2012 - 12/24/2014
Total Released from Secure Care -ORfrom Community Supervision Returned to Secure Care (Recidivated)
Total Participants
Participants in Secure Participants in Care Community Workshop
* ADJC notes that the follow-up time for this report is limited (ranges from one day to one year and five months), which may result in inaccurate statements of recidivism rates than if the cases could be followed for the preferred 36 months. 60 12 months 50
24 Months
40
36 Months
30 20 10 0 2009 Release (N=675)
2010 Release (N=588)
2011 Release (N=523)
2012 Release (N=470) .
.
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Recidivism Rates (%)
Evaluation-Report August 26, 2013 Discover U: Summer 2012 - 2013 Release the Fear By Francisco Alatorre Ph.D. New Mexico State University Leslie Chilton Ph.D. Arizona State University
"II. Establishing Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation of this program was performed to determine the following: first, if RTF met its goals and, second, if this vulnerable population was assisted through RTF’s evidence based intervention. This evaluation will be based on diverse methodologies such as descriptive statistical information, Agency own data, in depth observations and in depth interviews." 1
I. Background: Defining the Problem and a Possible Solution: Youth resiliency is defined and measured by the degree to which young people are productive and healthy despite hardships, traumas and obstacles in their environment. Individual resiliency, which is critical to the youth’s survival in the environment of risk in which they are being studied, is created and built by personal attributes and influenced by cultural factors (Marsiglia et al., 2002). The aim for this evaluation is to understand if the agency Release the Fear promoted youth resiliency by achieving the following goals: (1) to encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and (2) to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills. RTF worked with youth at a summer youth camp/2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, in which an evidence-based intervention was provided to the vulnerable youth that participated in this camp. Vulnerable youth lack the benefit of the stability of a family that usually creates a safe environment. Without this environment and the support of stable family, the youth can develop hatred, rage, fear, and live in survival mode, rather than living to learn and thrive. Here it becomes important to notice the need of specific intervention by programs such as Release the Fear that will help such youth transcend the lack of stability to discover their own innerresources and to find their own strengths and abilities to help them survive in a “hostile environment”—an environment that daily exposes them to the risk of crime, as well as physical and emotional trauma. II. Establishing Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation of this program was performed to determine the following: first, if RTF met its goals and, second, if this vulnerable population was assisted through RTF’s evidence based intervention. This evaluation will be based on diverse methodologies such as descriptive statistical information, Agency own data, in depth observations and in depth interviews. III. The Agency: “Release the Fear, a non-profit health and human service organization, teaches youth life skills needed to combat the effects of peer pressure, bullying abuse and violence. The area in which Discover U/13 was presented has been hard hit by the economy and the multicultural and multi-ethnic residents of the community have suffered job loss, loss of home, loss of medical care, and most critically, suffer a pervasive loss of self-esteem. An additional challenge to these youth is making healthy life choices, both physically and emotionally, that will help them overcome the barriers of instability and low self-esteem. Release the Fear programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new applied-knowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Their trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and 2
analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences; an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the stillmaturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life. Release the Fear approach is to utilize experiential programs, encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves. The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of Inside Out Bridging Possibilities workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped by 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped by 46 percent - nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general.. Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands”. IV. Literature Review: Demotion and Promotion of Resiliency: To understand the critical aspect of resiliency among youth, which Release the Fear attempted to promote, the Ecological Risk and Resiliency Approach (1997) will be reviewed. Such an approach creates a perspective on the relationship between the individual and her/his social context by addressing how risks and protective factors influence behavioral outcomes (Marsiglia, Miles, Dustman & Sills, 2002). Research based on this approach argues that greater attention should be paid to basic social conditions and the need to contextualize individually based risk factors. This contextualization is created by examining risk factors peculiar to better understand how youth successfully overcome challenges of vulnerability (Marsiglia et al., 2002). *Risk and Resiliency Approach Resiliency is defined and measured by the degree to which people are productive and healthy despite hardships, traumas and obstacles in their environment. Individual resiliency, which is critical to the youth’s survival in the environment of risk in which they are being studied, is created and built by personal attributes and influenced by cultural factors (Marsiglia et al., 2002). Such cultural factors relate to aspects of culture described as “cultural constructs” or “cultural variables” which include specific beliefs, values, norms and behaviors that capture the 3
core life experiences of racial/ethnic minority people (Castro & Alarcon, 2002). These factors include family. The youth participating in this program have a variety of family experiences; some have families while some are separated from their families. The family is an important source for resiliency. The family provides cultural transmission of values, beliefs, traditions and practices that are passed from elders to children. The generally healthy, supportive family may proffer protection from risk. Kingon and O’Sullivan (2001) stated that open family communication can be an asset by offering expressions of concern for all the members of the family. Moreover, families with better communication are more likely to resist depression than those families with poor communication. Also, the higher the level of family cohesion, the less likely the adolescent was to exhibit distress or deviance, and the more likely to avoid vulnerability (Kumper, Karo, Olds, Alexander, Zucker & Gary, 1998). Marsiglia et al. (2002) describe the family context as a protective factor: perhaps the most important protective factor arising from Mexican American culture is familism, a cultural criteria in which the family of origin is of primary importance even after marriage. Mexican and Mexican American families tend to have strong family pride, family closeness, and respect for parents, mutual obligation, trust and cohesion. Traditional Mexican norms such as parental monitoring and involvement with children, and the tendency of married couples to settle close to the parents and other family members thus provide children with a greater number of caring adults and a more cohesive community. Families, exert greater protective characteristic of their family members as they seek to maintain a sense of cultural identity while seeking success. Ceballo (2004) establishes that despite general trends in underachievement of racial minority youths, some children from impoverished families do in fact succeed against the odds. Adolescents are motivated to do well in school by a sense of obligation to repay their poor parents for the sacrifices the parents made for them to be successful (Bacallo and Smokowski, 2007). In another example, a family’s Mexian cultural traditions and practices give family members their cultural identity and sense of belonging based on a sense of nosotros (we-ness) that comes from having common values, beliefs and traditions (Castro, Boyer & Balcazar, 1998). The family is clearly a dominant socializing context for its members especially their youth. Families are the locus for decisions concerning whether to migrate, the primary source of support for navigating transitions, and the site for transmission of culturally based beliefs and practices for all its members (Yoshikawa & Way, 2008). Understanding family factors such as levels of potential education, language use, parenting practice, family structure, and parent involvement in school, helps explain why and how families succeed in the United States (Barrera et al., 2002) and how their youth survive and persist. It is important to identify the strengths that the undocumented immigrant community has to promote resiliency; it is equally important to identify unique risks that derail resiliency efforts among its youth. Strengths and risks can come from the same source. Researchers studying family structure have discovered contradictory and inconsistent findings on the effects of family function (Gillanders & Jimenez, 2004). Much of their work is based on the recognition that a structured family cannot be a proxy for effectiveness and that a more traditional or normative
4
family structure is no guarantee of an emotionally healthy, well supervised family environment (Amey, 1998; Castro et al., 1998). If there is no guarantee of how an emotionally-healthy family develops then it is important to look at specific patterns of risk that reduce resiliency. For instance, parents who have received very little formal schooling affect their children’s academic performance by their lack of understanding of the importance of education, and their lack of reading and writing skills, consequently putting them at risk of failure in a variety of ways (Punklet & Bancama 2003). Another potential risk that challenges this community is that children from poor families tend to display lower levels of cognitive functioning, social development, psychological well-being and self-esteem. The educational performance of poor children is marked by a consistent pattern of underachievement (Ceballo 2004). Also, children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are more prone to common childhood illnesses. (Clark 2002). The Ecodevelopmental approach holds that there are risk factors at all levels of the social environment; moreover those levels have a profound effect on the other levels (Pantin, Schwartz, Sullivan & Coatsworth, 2003). According to the Ecodevelopmental theory, there are four systems: macro, exo, meso and micro. The macrosystem refers to the social and philosophical ideas that define a particular culture or society. For example, American culture places great emphasis on individualism, self-directedness, self-sufficiency and independence. Academic performance, consequently putting them at risk of failure in a variety of ways (Punklet & Bancama 2003); Resiliency is measured by the degree to which people are productive and healthy despite hardships, traumas and obstacles in their environment. Another potential risk that challenges this community is the fact that children from poor families tend to display lower levels of cognitive functioning, social development, psychological well-being and self-esteem. The educational performance of poor immigrant children is marked by a consistent pattern of underachievement (Ceballo 2004). The second level is the Exosystem which refers to the condition and settings in the parents’ lives. Some examples of these settings are the parents’ work places and parents’ support networks many poor parents work in low paying jobs that demand extensive working hours to produce a minimum living wage (Castro, et al., 1998). This creates two potential risks: first, their health is at risk due to working long hours and perilous conditions such as working under the sun, or working in unsanitary conditions. Second, they are subject to exploitation such as lacking benefits and any kind of job security. Support networks such as friends or faith-based agencies can help those families overcome those challenges. By this support they are able to find knowledge, help and solutions for many of their problems. The third level is the Mesosystem. This refers to the relationship between the adolescent and his/her world, including parental involvement in school activities and supervision of the adolescent peers. A main principle of mesosystemic functioning is that the stronger and more complementary the connection between the parts within the system, the more positive is the influence of Mesosystem on the child’s development and wellbeing. Researchers have stated that the educational performance of poor children is marked by a consistent pattern of underachievement (Ceballo 2004). This is due mainly to the poor interaction between the parents and their children’s school institution. Many parents will 5emonstrate lack of ability to speak and understand English and also the poor knowledge of the American culture and educational system cripples them when relating to their children’s needs and problems. 5
The last level is the Microsystem, which refers to the social context in which the adolescent is directly involved, such as their family, school and peers. Through these sets of relationships, each microsystem shapes the adolescent’s development either toward function or dysfunction (Pantin, Schwartz, Sullivan, & Coatsworth, 2003). Here it is important to recognize that the better emotionally and socially equipped that the youth is the better he/she will function in the host society and be better able to confront every day challenges (Adams, 1997). A basic review of the literature reveals that in the youth coming from poor families their resiliency arises from a number of factors, most notably family as a site for strength and support. However, the family and school, or the microsystem, does not provide solutions for all problems; indeed, the family itself can be a problem to resiliency as marriages break up, children assume burdens for their unassimilated parents, or parents are unable to help their children adjust to the host society. The literature review also reveals that while the family is a vital source for strength, poor youth cannot rely on it solely and must extend their search for support beyond friends and family, into external systems such as social service provision. The social service provider can promote greater success in the social environment by equipping vulnerable youth with social skills and emotional skills for navigating a challenging and the frequently hostile environment. Of the two approaches, both are applicable, but Ecodevelopmental system has particular impact in this evaluation of the programs and youth experiences in Release the Fear. V. Identifying Current Policies of intervention: a) Interventionists: Robert Milley CEO/Founder Dr. Sonya Bladow, DC LN Krista Murphy ( Richard Bestwick Associates Degree Stephen Jeckel: B.A. in Criminal Justice (12/2013) Amezone b) The length of the Intervention: Two weeks or four days per week. c) Sites: Site one: Larry Kennedy School 2702 E. Osborn Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 Dates: July 15-18, 2013 Site Two: Florence Crittenton. 715 W Mariposa St. Phoenix, AZ. 85013 Dates: July 22-25, 2013 d) Themes for the 2013 Discover U Release the Fear Summer Camp: Overall Themes:
6
“Being open to new positive experiences, teamwork , overcoming fears, respect self and others, new perspectives, breathe to think and focus, and defining goals Day one themes:
Be open to new positive experiences
Accept others/ Don’t judge people
Respect self and others
Learning to breathe, to think, focus, and calm
Day two themes:
Believing and loving yourself
Recognizing the traits of a hero
Teamwork
Asking for help when needed
Improving communication
Day three themes:
Overcoming fears to reach goals
Creating dream with detail
Seeing that we all have fears that are similar
Seeing the positive in something negative
Day four themes:
Clear focus
Getting past the No’s/ Struggles in life to reach the dreams
New perspectives when obstacles arises
Power or community”
e) Daily Schedule for Larry Kennedy:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
07/15/2013
07/16/2013
07/17/2013
07/18/2013 7
Check-In
Check-In
Check-In
Check-In
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Yoga
Zumba
Zumba
Yoga
9:50-10:15 am
10:15-11:00 am
Krista Murphy
11:05-12:05 pm
12:10-1:10 pm
1:15-2:00 pm
Krista Murphy
Krista Murphy
Krista Murphy
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Primal Fitness Amenzone
Primal Fitness Amenzone I
Primal Fitness Amenzone
Primal Fitness Amenzone
f) Daily Schedule for Florence Crittenton:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
07/22/2013
07/23/2013
07/24/2013
07/25/2013
8
Check-In
Check-In
Check-In
Check-In
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Circle-Up
Yoga
Zumba
Zumba
Yoga
9:50-10:15 am
10:15-11:00 am
Krista Murphy
11:05-12:05 pm
12:10-1:10 pm
1:15-2:00 pm
Krista Murphy
Krista Murphy
Krista Murphy
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Nutrition Counseling & Lunch
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Dr. Sonya
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Release the Fear Program
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Robert Miley
Primal Fitness Amenzone
Primal Fitness Amenzone I
Primal Fitness Amenzone
Primal Fitness Amenzone
g) Interventionist’s Objectives: *Stephen Jeckel’s Objectives: “The workshop uses the internal aspects of the martial arts to allow the students to recognize their own feelings when they have to face a scary situation. To a greater extent, these teachings are allowing the students to become more intuitive and sensitive to their surroundings. Ultimately, all of the exercises that I am teaching focus on the martial art concepts of distancing ones self from a negative situation, being confident to stand up for what’s right, and to relax the body and the mind in order to join them in a positive manner.”
9
*AmenZone Objectives: “Day 1: Intro to AmenZone Culture (‘Training for Life’, inspirational and motivational, encourages self empowerment) -spoke to youth about self care and how the biggest competitor is ourselves -believing in yourself, using the ‘Mirror’ exercise from Discover U Day 2: continue to use ‘Mirror’ exercise to emphasize the importance of self confidence -believing is a crucial key to success -kids shared with each other there career goals and steps they are taking to get closer -introduced the topic of FEAR Day 3: focused on the topic FEAR -examples of FEAR and how they are overcoming these FEARS -the effects of FEAR; career, personal growth, and workouts -how we let these FEARS limit our growth Day 4: overview of the week -how everything we discussed has helped assist to become a better person” *Dr. Sonya Bladow, DC LN Objectives: “Day One: On day one we taught the kids what cooking healthy and eating healthy looked like. The kids got the opportunity to see and try new foods. We discussed the importance of each of the foods, with the kids being able to have a question and answer session about nutrition and what they found important, dealing with nutrition. Also discussed how much water should be drunk on a daily basis. Day Two: The second day the kids divided into teams to play nutrition themed Pictionary. Most of the foods they drew were healthy foods and several foods came from the foods they tried and learned about the day before. After drawing the food, I discussed the importance of each food. Then the teams played a game matching up foods that benefited certain body parts. When they finished we discussed why the foods benefited the body. Day Three: The third day was learning about food labels and playing a game looking at calories of junk food and how long it took to burn off those calories. We had the kids divide into teams again and pick a food item. I went through the food label and discussed what a serving size was, what a calorie was, and the difference between a fat, carbohydrate and a protein was. Looking at the food label, I taught the kids what was important and how to read it. After we had the kids keep the teams and using white boards’ answer how many calories were in each food and after how long it took to burn it off. We kept score and had a prize for the winners. The kids also got colored bracelets
10
that day and they were asked to write in their journals foods that were those colors. We discussed why eating a rainbow of colors of foods is healthy. Day Four: On the last day we got the kids back into teams and played ‘MANGO’ (BINGO with nutrition questions). The questions centered on fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and calories/fats/proteins/carbohydrates. The winners got a healthy treat (fruit and veggie gummies). We handed out recipes for healthy snack ideas to put into their journals”.
11
Discover U Summer 2013 – Krista Murphy, Yoga, Zumba Daily Objectives, Discussion Points, Activities, Reflections Create/Introduce concepts of‌ Positive Affirming Language Grounding Space Quiet Stillness Deep Breathing Authentic Self (Self Confidence, Self Awareness) Mantra (Mission Statement, Meditation)
Teach Asana PracticeCat/Cow Mudras (hand positions) Seated Asanas Lotus Tadasana Uttanasana Adho Mukha Svanasana Bhujangasana Savasana Deep relaxation, self esteem meditation Introduce and Provide Experience with Rhythm and Movement in Merenegue Salsa Cha Cha Bachata Partnering (Florence Crittendon) lead, follow, communication, cooperation, respect of self, respect of others, patience, fun
It is always a wonderful opportunity to work with the students in all settings at Discover U. I am reminded again and again how much children and teens embrace the experience of being still and quiet, how they welcome being in a space that is kind and peaceful. They teach me the importance of slowing down and creating a space to allow them to be, as they are, in this present moment. To allow them to have their experience in its authenticity. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Discover U again this year.
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*Robert Milley and Richard Bestwick Objectives: “Release the Fear programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new applied-knowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Their trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences; an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the stillmaturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life. Release the Fear approach is to utilize experiential programs, encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves”. Both Robert and Richard followed the themes below: “Overall Themes: Being open to new positive experiences, teamwork , overcoming fears, respect self and others, new perspectives, breathe to think and focus, and defining goals Day one themes:
Be open to new positive experiences
Accept others/ Don’t judge people
Respect self and others
Learning to breathe, to think, focus, and calm
Day two themes:
Believing and loving yourself
Recognizing the traits of a hero
Teamwork 13
Asking for help when needed
Improving communication
Day three themes:
Overcoming fears to reach goals
Creating dream with detail
Seeing that we all have fears that are similar
Seeing the positive in something negative
Day four themes:
Clear focus
Getting past the No’s/ Struggles in life to reach the dreams
New perspectives when obstacles arises
Power or community”
VI. Evaluation of Current Policies of Intervention: The evaluator chief interest in observing this program was in how it can help promote these youths’ resiliency by helping them to find a sense of self-identity. Discover U/13 offered these youth at risk the opportunity to develop life skills, critical problem-solving skills, and in this way “instill positive life changes” in these youth. Ideally, this program is to help them “to write their own story of how they will spend their lives.” In other words, to help these youth reimagine a successful future. A multi-method approach was used to carry out the intention of this evaluation because the intervention under investigation deals with human beings facing difficult problems. A multimethod approach is best suited to this observation because it brings the representativeness and generalizability of quantitative findings and the in-depth, contextual nature of qualitative findings (Hanson et al., 2005). Simply stated, a multi-methods approach allows both methodologies to complement each other. Moreover, the evaluator strongly believes that the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data gathered throughout this evaluation can suggest strategies for improvement. The most compelling feature of this evaluation should be whether management from RTF understands it, and is able to follow its logic, and as a result is able to formulate a better policy (Patton et, al, 1993). a) Quantitative Data: *Overall Percentages: 63 Students (2 Summer Camps) 14
Larry Kennedy School – 28 Students Florence Crittenton – 35 Students Male 11%
Female
89% – Youth Ages 7-17
92% discovered something new about themselves 92% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 51% compared to Post 84% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 80% compared to Post 98% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 84% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 92% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. Pre 30% compared to Post 56% feel that they can relax and Breathe All the Time. Pre 46% compared to Post 30% eats fruits and vegetables and drink water daily. Pre 72% compared to Post 76% like how they feel after exercise.
b) Qualitative Data: *Release the Fear workshop at Florence Crittenton Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:
Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.
The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public. Participant Responses: Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. 15
The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-17. Location: The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Communication, social skills. Getting to know people, communicating with teachers. Being able to approach the situation a positive way. Making friends, keeping healthy relationships. / Communication, social skills. By communicating needs, helping others. Raising awareness, recognizing, advocating speaking up. For a career, jobs, relationships, parents, church. / Not to judge people. To get to know new peers. Say nice things. Being a good citizen. / Social and communication. Meeting new friend and speak up for yourself. Hold your own. I’ a new job. / Focus, social skills, prejudice. Talk to others before you judge. Speaking up, talk to an adult. Speak to other kids before you judge and let others know it’s not fair. Creative Storytelling: Focus, memory, attention, imagination. Memory and focus to study for tests. Self awareness and attention to surroundings. Imagination and creativity. / Creativity, memory, imagination. Paying attention, responsibility. Awareness. Humor, get further ahead, creativity, fun, imagination. / Memory, imagination, teamwork. With tests, homework. Attention to surroundings. To memorize and know what to do. / Pay attention, memory, creative. Stayed focused, longer memory. Paying attention to surrounding. Imaginative, have fun. / Pay attention, memory, imagination, sense of humor. Paying attention, passing test. Paying attention to surroundings. Sense of humor. Through the Hoops: Awareness, focus, trust. Focus while staying on task. Working together. Trust friends, be aware of your surrounding. / Trust, teamwork, self-awareness. Be aware of yourself to trust others. Win win, teamwork. Bring awareness to the community. Trust yourself, with teamwork you’ll get farther. / Trust, teamwork. Make friends. Get with people who have been bullied and use teamwork to stop it. Getting to know and trust people. / Self-awareness, trust, movement. Working together effectively. Working together as teamwork. Learning to trust others. / Teamwork, self-awareness, trust. Doing group project, trusting yourself to get good grades. Talking to trusted adult to stop it. In order to succeed in life you have to be willing to accept help from others, be self-aware of what you’re doing and trusting in yourself. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, communication, responsibility. Getting homework done, not let others get to you. Don’t give in easy. Push yourself forward. / Responsibility, self-confidence, making goals. Stand up for yourself, aspire positive goals, be responsible. Self compliment, being proud of your decisions. Once you help yourself, you can help others. / To be self-confident. By being a leader. Know yourself, accept yourself. Make you stronger, believe yourself, jobs. / Positive affirmation, self-confidence. To get through it, believing in yourself. Because if you know that you are who you are you can be your own person and not have to deal with peer pressure. Not letting others bring you down. / Self-esteem, communication. When people pick on you, you know what you are. So what they say don’t bother you. Using communication skills to say how you feel.
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Communication skills are important in life to be able to say what you feel and having high self-esteem will help you accomplish that. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Kinda weird, sad, and there is a little piece inside of me that its happy. / I suppose it makes me feel good because it’s like telling a friend I love you after having a big fight. You’re weary to say it, but it feels good to hear it. / It makes me feel nice and love but kinda awkward too. / It feels good to look myself in the eye and say I love you. / Nothing. / It makes me feel alright. / Great, positive. / Weird, awkward. / Weird, scary, sad, stupid. / Shy and courageous. / It makes me feel better about myself. / Weird. / It made me feel better about myself. Also it made me feel confident and happy. / Makes me feel like I’m special. / It makes me feel silly but it also makes me feel confident about myself. / Like a liar. / I didn’t do it because it’s hard to tell myself something I don’t feel. / Good about myself. / Weird, stupid. / Happy. / It makes me feel good and happy. / It was normal I do it a lot when I feel bad. / Happy, confident. / It made me feel independent and happy. I saw a young woman who is ready for the world. / It makes me happy. / It makes me feel good. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero? My mom. She is strong. She doesn’t give up on us. She is a positive person. She is kind and amazing cooker. Because she is my mom. Because she loves me for who I am. She is positive and strong. Positive energy and nothing bothers them like when people make fun of them or say something bad they don’t care. / Everyday heroes. Can be anyone with traits listed below. Because with everyday heroes, the world has loving people to make the world a more positive place for themselves and everyone around them. Trustworthy, loyal, strong, confident, caring, hard working, positive, respectful, responsible, dependable, a fighter, believer, faithful, survivors, successful, encouraging, courageous, accepting of all people, nonjudgmental. / Jesus Christ, God. Because God gave him only son to die so that we might have a chance to live an eternal life. To love someone/something unconditionally and to be able to forgive them for all their wrongs even if they don’t deserve it and no matter what you need them or call them they will be there. / My grandmother. Because she made it through at my age without treatment. / I don’t have a hero. / Mi Madre. Because she’s strong all that I’ve done to my family stolen, drugs, sold stuff around the house and she gives me another chance. / My mom. She’s so important cause she’s always teaching me something new everyday. I look up to her like no other. / My grandma. I can depend on her and I trust her. / My mom because she is awesome and she is always there for me. / My animals. Because they make me happy. / My hero is my dad. He is important because he helps me through things. / My mama. She loves me. / My mother. She means a lot to me and she is always there for me when I need her to be there for me. / My hero is my grandma. Because she is strong and there for me. / My daddy is my hero. He was and still is a big part of my life. Even with the fact that I don’t get to talk or see him. He taught me how to survive in hard times and taught me how to keep my head up. / My brother because he’s been there for me through thick and thin. He’s helped me when I was down. Because I 17
look up to him. / My mom. Because she’s been in the most hard times and never give up. / My hero is my cousin. Because she understands me and gives me advice and she’s a good listener. / My dad for sending me to this placement to get help if not for him I’d be pregnant or in jail. Because he supports me. / My mother. She’s been a hard worker, made a few mistakes, but I’ll always love you. Because she gave birth to me and she’s one of my best friends. / My father. He was a good dad. / Mom. Because she is my mom. / I don’t have a hero not even myself because everyone fails, no one is perfect, and everyone makes disappointments. I wouldn’t put my trust fully in anyone or my hope. I don’t depend on anyone for anything not even myself. But the qualities I look for in people is loyalty, responsibility, honesty, maturity, and integrity. / Selena Gomez. Because people bullies her. Seeing Beyond: Thinking, teamwork, confidence, speaking up. In P.E. and Drama because it helps you learn teamwork. Confidence, learning how to trust others. / The five senses, imagination, guess and check. Science, water chemicals involved, reading, writing, math. When you choose food, talking on the phone. / Using your imagination. Communication with others. Science and Language Arts. Makes you creative in your communication. / Communication, imagination, creativity. Reading, because you imagine the story. Communicating with others effectively. / Listening, senses, details. Math, because you need details to explain and English as well. Helps connect better with surroundings. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Courage, strength, creativity, communication. Be able to express yourself, be creative with writing. Having the courage to walk away. Helps to communicate with others. / We recognized one of the obstacles that keep you away from your dream. Recognizing our weaknesses can become our strengths. Sharing your story and being more confident. Recall a time if ever that you were peer pressured and did what you believed was right. / To dream big, overcoming fear. To have a big imagination. To ignore the bullies. You could become anything you want to be. / Imagination, self-confidence. Help you accomplish. Identifies the problem with bullies. Helps you reach your goal. / Many people have same fears. If you got dreams, don’t let past get you down. Understand others. You’ll always have obstacles in life just got to find a way around them. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Express yourself, seeing things in different ways. When you have a conflict in school, you are able to think it over, resolve it! Look at life positively. / Radical acceptance, pros and cons, changing perspectives. Doing homework, teamwork. Obey the laws, being there for others. / Not everything is negative. It will help you in school, bullying. You try new things to decide if it’s negative or positive. / Helps you stay positive. Helps you not make the worst of thins. Making positive choices. / Focus on positive outcomes. Focus on good learning and get good money. Kids, hurts at when it comes out but fun at end when you spend time. Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one. I felt weak and not I feel strong than I felt before (emotionally). / When I first arrived here I thought I wasn’t going to like it but I realized that this treatment helps me focus on my future and school. / Coming to Flo Crit but it really help me in my problems and overcome my fears. / 18
Coming to Flo-Critt. / Cussing my parents out and then talking it over. / Being brought back to Flo Crit but it is giving me a chance to start over. / When I was doing drugs I knew it was bad but really didn’t care and thought it was positive and when change came in my life I felt bored of the sober life and still am but getting through it. / Getting put on probation, I thought was going to be horrible but now I’m so thankful for it because honestly it saved my life. I could be dead if it weren’t for probation. / Coming here I thought would be horrible, but I rather have spent my 30 days here instead of Durango. / When I came here I hated it. I wanted to leave and I was willing to do anything to do it but in choosing to stay I really got a lot out of this program. / When me and my friend got taken apart. But in the end it was a good thing. / Going in to CPS I thought for a long time that it was a horrible hell and that it was pointless a bunch of BS. I wanted to be on my own and I thought CPS would ruin my life. Just recently I realized that CPS is helpful and if I comply I can go a long way and they will help me. I realized that it takes patience and time to get what you want, you have to walk your whole way to get to where you want to be. / Being in Durango. I didn’t want to be there, but once I realize that things could be worse, that I had food, shelter and got to take showers, and it could be worse and began to be grateful for things. / Fighting with my parents. I always forgave and forgot we always got through it. / A time I experienced something negative was going to Flo Crit. I thought that being here wouldn’t help me. But, the time that I have been here I have been able to learn to help myself but also help others. So I am grateful that I came here and now I am discharging successfully. Now I communicate better and I am going to be successful in life. / When I got pregnant I thought I was gonna be a drop out and life was over but I came to Flo Crit now I’m bettering myself in my education and going for HS diploma. I also getting started in college courses. / Coming to Flo Crit I thought it would be bad and it wasn’t. / The last time I left my mom I thought my life was over but it turned out positive. Me and my mom can sit in a room together. When before we couldn’t. / I met a crew of best friends then it turned out to be a gang. / When I first started this workout I thought I couldn’t do the workout that they were trying to teach us. But in the middle it’s worth it because you’re the one keeping your body in a good shape. / I broke my mom’s snowglobe but it had like a real piece of diamond in it. / When I came here because I was a little scared and I thought people would hate me but they don’t. Give an example of when you did listen to your Intuition or Inner Voice. What was the result of listening and following that Intuition? What can you learn from this situation? One time my friend and I wanted to steal a t-shirt at Walmart but I decided not to because it didn’t feel right. That I could have got in a lot of trouble if I stole that shirt. / One time listen to my self was when I decided to not AWOL. That good thing I didn’t leave because I’m close to discharging. / Well one day I was mad at my friend and I wanted to tell her something and then I did and we started fighting. To be honest and try to say nice things. / I wanted to go out and drink with my ex-boyfriend and something was telling me not to do it. Later that night my mother came home. To listen to your instincts. / I was poor when I was 6. And we went to the store to buy as much food we can afford. But I wanted something we couldn’t afford. So I wanted to take it. But I thought about the consequence. To follow your instincts. / When I should have told him to go home. Tell people to go home. / When I got in a confrontation and then I went back and apologized on my part and made things civil and then I ended up getting more out of it. To just put my differences aside before I even get in a confrontation and then I wouldn’t have to lose anything. / It made me feel worthy of better things. My mom. She is important because she is such a strong person and always looks forward never backwards. / A 19
time I listened to my intuition was when a girl asked me to AWOL with her and I thought “That’s a bad idea. You want to see your family soon.” So I told the girl that she shouldn’t and I told her how much she could benefit from this program. I learned that I should listen to my intuition more often than not. / This one time I was invited to a party and I thought I shouldn’t go so I didn’t then later that night that party ended up getting busted and almost all the kids there went to Juvie. I learned that I should listen to my intuition more often than not. / I had the urge to AWOL. But then I thought about my teacher and the promise I had made her. / I was hanging out with a group of friends and ended up getting into a fight. To just walk away. / I was suppose to go to the homies house, but my instinct said not to go everything was getting in my way to go. That night their house got raided. Always listen to your instinct and pay attention to the signs around you. / This situation was when my friends came over drunk in a stolen care and asked if I wanted to go with them. My instinct said no and the next day they had a car crash. It will save your life. / One time I followed my instinct was when my instinct told me my boyfriend was cheating on me and so I dumped him finding out he was cheating on me. That your instinct can be right. / The time I listened to my intuition was when I wanted to sneak out of the house and take my mom’s car for a drive to go sleep at my boyfriend’s house. That you should listen to your intuition because at times it will keep you safe! / I ran away. My intuition told me not to go. I ended up having a warrant but ended up in detention. I faced my consequences. I shouldn’t run from my problems. / I followed my intuition when my friend got the idea in her head to starting hitting me. Instead of hitting her back I walked away. I learned self control. / The last time I talk and agreed with my inner voice I was breaking up with my boyfriend thinking he would come back and 3 days went by and he called me. That sometimes things happen right sometimes they don’t. / When I was going to sneak out but I didn’t feel right. So I went back inside and 15 minutes or so later, my mom came in to check on me. Follow your gut instinct. / Going outside on a warrant and police pulled up. To listen to your heart. *Release the Fear workshop at Larry Kennedy School Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Awaken Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.
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Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 7-14. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)? Who am I? : Communication. Making friends. Tell a trusted adult. If you see a “Wanted” sign, ask them. / Social skills and communication. To know people and to make new friends. Saying stop. Talking to friends and family. / Social skills. Conversating with other students and teachers. Defend myself with words. Communicate to apply for job or with employees. / Social, communication. Asking question or making presentations. Push them away for each other. Ordering thing, talking to parents. Creative Storytelling: Memorization. Remembering answers for test. Remember how to deal with a bully. Remember the address to your house, phone number. / Memory and imagination. Remember your curfew. Remember to say stop. Remembering your test and other stuff. / Thinking, memory, imagination. Taking a test, chapter books. Stepping up, telling somebody. Homework, solving problems. / Memory. Remember rules. Remember procedures on what to do. Remember names wherever you are. / Imagination, creativity. Art, music, school projects. Evaluate situation, think. Work, babysitting, work on project. Through the Hoops: Not easy as it looks, teamwork. Taking a test, teamwork. Think about the situation. To work with other people in jobs. / Teamwork, responsibility, trust. By taking responsibility. Being responsible and telling teachers. Trusting yourself and others. / Work together. Studying with a friend. Work together with friend to stop bully. Have teamwork with co-workers. / Trust. Trust people to help us when we need help. Trust someone to tell a trusted adult. So we can trust our family when we have issues. / Trust, teamwork, senses. Projects, P.E., trusting others. Ask friends to help. Taste foods, constructing a building. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence and self respect. No shyness, know who you are. Won’t care what older people think. Confident in job interviews. / Using a mirror, confidence. Encouraging yourself. To remember steps. Try your best and keep trying. / Self-esteem, courage, confidence. Math, talking in front of others, sports. Don’t give up. Do what’s right. Help others. Relate to others. Roller coasters. / Emotions. Resemble feelings around others. It could help think of positive emotions. You make people feel good and positive. / Memory cause if you don’t you won’t remember your hero. May help you speak out loud, make you feel good about yourself. Make you build confidence. Make new friends. Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. 21
It made me very good about myself. / It makes me feel good about myself. I feel like I can tell myself anything. / It was very funny. / It doesn’t make me feel nothing. / Calmed, relaxed, happy. / It made me feel happy. / It makes me feel special about myself. / I had no feeling. / It made me feel awkward and weird. / Fun and awesome. / Happy. / It makes me happy and good about myself. / Very special! / It made me feel good about myself. / Confidential, good, great. / Had no feelings. / I had no feeling. Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? I look up to my older cousins. My family. / My Mother. My mommy is important to me because if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here on this day. / My hero is my dad because he gives me anything I want. / My hero is Paul Goldschmidt because he never gives up. Because he is a good role model. / Sister. She is nice. She tells people what’s wrong or right. She also cares about people. Cause she tells me what’s wrong or right. / Katia my sister because she is my sister and she is cinde. / My hero is my mom. I think she is important because my mom does a lot of exercise and she encourages me to do exercise with her. / My mom is my hero who I know well by heart than anyone else. Because she has raised my all my life and took care of me which makes her a good role model. / Dad. Because he protects me. / My hero is my mom. She is important because she helps me with everything and is really nice to me and my sisters. Also she is hard working. / That guy how came to exercise. Because he made a different. / Mar. Because she’s been through a lot in her life and she’s overcome all the obstacles on her own. / My hero is my sister Emilee. She is my hero because she never gives up and she doesn’t care what others say about her. / My mom. Because she is a great role model! / My mom because she inspires me to do good in school. Because she keeps a roof over my head. / My grandpa. My hero is my grandpa because he helps me with problems and he answers questions that I have a lot. / Dad. / My dad. He takes care of me. Seeing Beyond: Sense memory. Tests, science, math, history, blind people. Face expressions, talking phone, books. Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To be open to others. Talk to friends. Understand bully’s fear. Get to know your boss in a job. / You can accomplish anything. Making plans for schoolwork. Working on communication. Make new friends. / Share your fears, hopes, and dreams. Share your dreams. Tell a teacher. Make hopes and dreams come true. / Learned everyone has different fears, hopes and dreams. Believing in ourselves. We would know the bully has the same fears. By accomplishing our dreams. / Open yourself to different people memory and strengths. Meet new people that will help you achieve your goal. Tell people you trust and solve the situation. Remember you can do anything or join the job of your dreams. Reflective Take Away Assignment: Think deep about the positive and negative. The rules. Jobs and payments. / Not all bad things are bad. Try new things you don’t like. Being brave, trying new stuff. / Share stories from the past. Share ways to study. Share the good times. / Negative turns into positive. Don’t want to go to school but need to learn there. To avoid something horrible happening to you. / Patience, creativity. What for the information wait your turn. Art, cooking, music, dancing. 22
Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one. I thought I wasn’t going to pass a test when at the end I actually passed it and I felt happy. / Negative – I thought it was a bad experience when the teacher told me to do a better job. Positive – Now I realizing that I do have to do a better job. / Negative – I didn’t like eating vegetables. Positive – But now I realize that vegetables are good for your body. / Me and my friend got in a fight then I said I don’t want to fight with you because you’re my friend and we love each other because we are friends. / The time I perceived was when I had to a band concert in 6th grade and though everyone was gonna laugh at me but then I thought they were all gonna like it so I felt nervous but still did it. / My mom and my cousin were going to watch a scary movie and didn’t let me. The next day, my cousin was paranoid from the movie. Now I knew why my mom didn’t let me watch it. I’m glad I didn’t. / I felt nervous when I had to transfer to another school. / One time when I felt negative was when I had a baseball game and we were losing but my coaches told me I was doing a good job. That made me feel good. / A while ago, my friend was getting picked on and I told the bully to leave her alone and they did. After I told the bully to go away I saw that the problem was solved which turned it into a positive. / I took a test in math and got a 70%. I didn’t really think that was a good grade but when I got my report card and checked, my math grade it was a B. Last time it was a D. / At first I felt nervous. I thought I was not going to make the basketball shot. But I did make it. / I never had that experience before but if I did I don’t remember. / My sister needed to read a book in one night and I was quizzing her about Greek Mythology and she didn’t get to read all of the book but it was a positive experience too because she learned stuff about the Greeks. / My mom wanted a job and she got one and I was sad that she was going to be gone. Then she had more money that I can get iTunes cards. / In soccer I made 4 goals. / When I was going to the IB program I thought it would be hard but then I realized that it would help me in the long run. / One time I couldn’t hang out with my friend and I got upset until I found out that they had already gone to a sleepover and couldn’t hang out with me. / When I got a question wrong I got embarrass of saying it. When I get a question right I get happy and I feel like screaming. / When I had to move to LCK. Before I moved to LCK I thought it was going to be really boring and I thought I wasn’t going to make any friends but when I got there it was really fun and I had already had some friends that I knew and I really liked it. Give an example of when you did listen to your Intuition or Inner Voice. What was the result of listening and following that Intuition? What can you learn from this situation? When I was in school and everyone in class was talking loud and my voice told me to stay quiet. Out of all that I was rewarded no detention. To not talk unless spoken to otherwise suffer consequences. / One day I was going to throw a rock but my inner voice told me not to so I didn’t. I learned listening to your inner voice or somebody that tells you not to. / I did not want to turn in my homework and my inner voice said do your homework so you’ll go to the field trip. It is better to listen when something get out of it. / I did it when we were playing a game and instead of winning I lost. Never listen to my inner voice. / My inner self told me not to go to the pool at a friends even when I really wanted to go swimming then I learned that they had just put chemicals in the pool that could burn your eyes. I can learn from this by is that if I really want to do something I have to listen to my inner self. / One day I was going to throw a spit ball at my friend and my inner voice said not to so I didn’t do it. I will always listen to my inner voice so I won’t get in trouble. / It all started when I was play in basketball. My team was 23
losing by 1 point. If I make half court we would win. Kids started to scream. Then my inner voice was saying don’t listen just shoot the basketball. Always trust your inner voice. / Some of my friends asked me to ditch school with them. So I listened to my intuition and said no. I can learn to always listen to my intuition. / It take me to the right place. That I can trust it. / When I heard a inner voice saying don’t wear the blue shirt wear green. When I went to a party everyone wore green I’m glad I didn’t wear blue! / My intuition is when I did what my mom told me to clean the house and I did clean up. I learned about this inner voice that when someone tells you something you did do it. / Once I was going to a party and I was wearing pants but before I left to the party my intuition told me to change my pants so I did. Turns I got chilly in my jeans. I can learn that it’s good when you listen to your intuition so don’t ignore it. / My dad got me mad and I wanted to pull a prank on him then my inner voice said that I will get in a lot of trouble so I didn’t do the prank. I should follow my intuition. / I wanted to go to the pool with my friends but I had to go with my family then I heard that one of my friends was drowning and I was glad I didn’t go. First you got to check if water is clean. Second you have to learn how to swim. / When I wanted to give up on basketball but my inner voice said to not give up to keep going. And I made the team. I learned that giving up is the wrong thing to do. Because you need to give yourself an opportunity. / When my teacher gave us our instructions to our project and I did it differently. I got an A. You don’t always have to follow directions. / An example when I listened to my inner voice was when I was taking a test and there was a question I was stuck on so I tried my best and wrote an answer that my inner voice was telling me and I got it right. What I learned from this situation was to try my best and I may become successful in the situation. / One time I followed my intuition was when my friends convinced me to do something really bad but my inner voice told me I’m better than that and I’m glad I listened to it. To listen to myself and nobody else. / I was going to a soccer game wearing my soccer uniform but for some reason something in my gut told me to bring lots of hair ties. When I got there none of the girls had their hair up. Is that I should always follow my gut even though others tell me not to or to do. / It served me good and it’s saved me when I was really mad and it stopped me from getting into a fight. Yes/No: At first people don’t believe in you because you have to give them proof that you can succeed. / How to say yes and no. Believe and faith in ourselves. Be your person. Overcoming non-believers. / Some people are gonna try to stop you but just keep going. Teachers will help you with your dream. Help you believe you can do it. Help yourself believe you can achieve anything. Overall something New about Self or Others in your Group: Made friends become less shy VII. Findings: *Release the Fear and Promotion of Resiliency For the evaluator, the objectives and goal set by Release the Fear (1) to encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and (2) to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills) were met. Furthermore, Release the Fear programs stimulate wholebrain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new appliedknowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help 24
participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Their trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences; an educational practice in which the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still-maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life. Release the Fear approach is to utilize experiential programs, encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves”. The success of this “discovery” on the part of the youth depends on the successful management of the program. The management of the program took time to design, plan and execute the intervention. Robert was constantly making sure that all aspects of the program were in place. During the observation the interventionists arrived early in the morning to plan the day. I can see their interventionists’ faces and they were all excited about helping these youth. For instance, on the first day of Week One most of the kids were shy and Robert made an intervention called “Get to Know Me” intended to “break the ice.” This intervention met the goal by moving the kids from shyness to openness. Some of the expectations created by the interventionists were clear, such as having fun, participation, follow the rules of school, be responsible, be safe, be respectful, treat others kindly, and be positive about trying new things. Through the days of observation at Larry Kennedy school, it was my impression that the kids met these expectations. In contrast, at Crittenton, the girls had more problems meeting these expectations. All the interventionists came prepared; some of them were more skilled than others although they all had good intentions. For some of them their intervention did not transcend the way they wanted it to. For example, Robert has a lot of experience and skills working with kids and obviously that made an impact on how the youth received his intervention. But Stephen, although his teaching was great, through the lens of the evaluator, he was lacking experience dealing with vulnerable youth. Krista is another good example of someone who is skilled and cares about the youth; therefore, the skills she brought to dealing with youth were amazing. The same with the nutritionist; she was able to connect with the youth and successfully met her goals. Finally, Amenson’s program, in the first week, was excellent. But, during the second week this intervention failed to meet the expectations. Through the qualitative data collected through Release the Fear, it is clear that the youth not only had fun but they learned the lessons taught by Release the Fear. It was also clear that the way the sessions were structured by themes that the kids found it easy to assimilate the lessons. The evaluator believes that there was a strong connection between the interventionists and the youth they were trying to help. Many kids were raising their hands to ask questions and/or participate in the games and lessons. Most of them showed that they were having fun. But besides being 25
“entertained,” the evaluator observed that the majority of the youth were grasping the information being taught to them. There were moments of high stress. The interventionists were quick to respond and to alleviate a moment, or transform a moment of high stress to a learning moment which brought a degree of peace. All the interventionists were excellent in providing information to the evaluator and to let the evaluator sit and observe the intervention; their lessons were not disrupted. I also talked with parents of the youth and the response from them indicated that they were positive in how the program was developed and delivered. Some of the comments from the parents indicated that they preferred their children to come to this program rather than watching television all day: “My daughter did not want to come to this program but now she is excited about coming every day.” These statements provide a high level of confidence of the stakeholder in regard to the program. The evaluator also interviewed some of the children involved at the sites and it was clear to me that at Larry Kennedy school Release the Fear met their expectations with fewer challenges. In contrast, at Crittenton, the interventionists faced more issues. For instance, at Larry Kennedy, the space for the intervention made a big difference. It was very spacious and several rooms were available for the programs. It gave a sense of freedom and mobility to the interventionists and the youth. On the contrary, the space at Crittenton was limited and because of the girls being monitored, it created a sense of limitation and less mobility. The evaluator believed this really impacted the intervention. My chief interest in observing this program was in how it can help promote these youths’ resiliency by helping them to find a sense of self identity. In the two weeks, I observed that the relationships between the coordinators and the children were strong and focused.
VIII. Identifying Policies: Release the Fear program needs to consider the cultural constructs and variables that have affected and influenced the youth they are trying to help *Recommendations: 1. Although Release the Fear did good work in the two weeks of the Summer Youth Camp, the evaluator cannot tell if such techniques could be implemented in a longer curriculum. Eight days are not enough time to make sure the program is effective; therefore, it is my suggestion to design a longer program and make sure the program is tested in some way. 2. Consider how to make or adopt programs that are more in step with the audience’s level of attention and abilities. Also, the interventionist overwhelmingly represented the white Caucasian group, which made it difficult for some participants to relate to them. My suggestion is to actively seek and recruit a more diverse set of interventionists. 3. There were some logistical conflicts which did not create a major problem but did create issues with how the intervention impacted the youth. For instance, the Amenson program 26
committed to have the same interventionists for the two weeks and that did not happen. The person who came for the second week, through the eyes of this evaluator, was not as successful as the first person. This also created some degree of stress among Release the Fear management that was noticed by the evaluator. My suggestion is that there needs to be better planning on the selection of the programs to make sure that the results will be effective and not compromise the intervention. 4. In the Larry Kennedy school during the first week of intervention the ages of the youth were from quite young (seven years) to fourteen. This created a problem because cognitively these youth were at different levels. Therefore, it becomes difficult to measure, or impossible to measure how the intervention impacted all the youth; their ages were too different to measure accurately. For instance, one of the interventionists told me that she knew “that not all the kids were going to get what she was teaching.� She was expecting the younger kids to either not to follow her directions or to become bored. Release the Fear had a good solution for this; they divided the kids into groups. IX. Conclusion: I really enjoyed my four days of observation and actively participating as a volunteer, and I deeply believe in the goals and objectives of Discover U and the overall program of Release the Fear. The work accomplished by this agency will make a difference in life of at-risk youths; however there is still work ahead that needs to be accomplished for even more positive results.
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X. References: Adams, R. G. (1997). At-Risk Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Research, 14(1), 7- 9. Castro, F. G., Alarcon, H. E. (2002). Integrating cultural variables into drug abuse prevention and treatment with racial/ethnic minorities. Journal of Drug Issues, 32 (3), 783-810. Castro, G. F., Boyer R. G., & Balcazar H. G. (1998). Healthy adjustments in Mexican American and other Hispanic adolescents. In R. Motemayor. G.R. Adams & T.P. Gullota (Eds.) Adolescent diversity in ethnic, economic and Cultural context (pp 141-178). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Castro, F. G., & Coe, K. (2006). Traditions and alcohol use: A mix methods analysis. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. Ceballo, R. (2004). From barrios to Yale: The role of parenting strategies in Latino families. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 26(2), 171-186. Emerson, M. R., Fretz, I. R., & Shaw, L. L. (1995). Writing ethnographic field notes. The University of Chicago Press. Ltd., London. Flay, B. R., Biglan, A., Boruch, F., Castro, F. G., Gottfredson, D., Kellam, S., Mosciki, E. K., Schinke, S., Valentine, J. C., Ji, P. (2005). Standards of Evidence: Criteria for efficacy, effectiveness and dissemination. Prevention Science, 6(3), 151-175. Filstead, W. J. (1973). Qualitative Methodology. Chiago: Markman Gomez, M. J., Cooke, K., Fassinger, R. E., Mejia, B., Prosser, j., Luna, J. (2001). Voces Abriendo Caminos (Voices Forging Paths): A qualitative study of the career development of notable Latinas. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 48(3), 286-300. Goffman, E. (2001) Fieldwork practice: Issues in participant observation. In R. M. Emerson (Eds), Contemporary field research. (pp. 153-158). Waveland Press, Inc. Hanson, W.E., Creswell, J.W., Clark, V. L. P., & Creswell, J.D. (2005). Mixed methods research designs in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 224-235. Hill, N. E., Ramirez, C., Dumka, L. E. (2003). Early adolescents’ career aspirations: A qualitative study of perceived barriers and family support among low-income ethnically diverse adolescents. Journal of Family Issues, 24(7), 934-959. Kingon, Y. S., & O’Sullivan, A. L. (2001). The family as a protective asset in adolescent development. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 19(2), 102-121. Kumpfer, K. L., Karo, L., Olds, D. L., Alexander, J. F., Zucker, R. A., Gary, L, E. (1998). Family etiology of youth problems. NIDA Research Monograph N0. 177, 42-76. Marsiglia, F. F., & Holleran, L. (1999). I’ve learned so much from my mother: narratives from a group of chicanas high school students. Social Work in Education, 2I (4), 220-237. 28
Marsiglia, F. F., Miles B. W., Dustman, P., Sills, S. (2002). Ties that protect: An ecological perspective on Latino/a urban pre-adolescent drug use. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 11(3/4), 191-220. Onwuegbuzie, A. J., Leech, N. L. (2007). A call for qualitative powerAnalysis. Quality & Quantity, 41(1), 105-121. Pantin, H., Schwatrz, J. S., Sullivan, S., Coatsworth, J. D., Szapocznik J. (2003). Preventing Substance Abuse in Hispanic immigrant adolescents: An ecodevelopmental, parent-centered approach. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 25(4), 469-500. Petersilia, J. 2003. When Prisoners Come Home: Parole and Prisoner Reentry. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Sherrod, M. M. (2006). Using multiple methods in qualitative research design. The Journal of Theory Construction & Testing, 10(1), 22-25. Strauss, Anselm; Corbin, Juliet (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (2nd edition). Sage Publications: London. Wengraf, T. (2001). Concepts and Approaches to Depth Interviewing. In Qualitative Research Interviewing. Ed.T.Wengraf. (pp. 1-60). Sage Publications, Ltd. Zatz, S. M., & Portillos, E. L. (2000). Voices from the barrio: Chicano/a gangs, families, and communities. Criminology, 38(2), 369-401. Zinn, M. B. (2001). Insider field research in minority communities. In R. M. Emerson (Eds), Contemporary field research. (pp. 159-166). Waveland Press, Inc.
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releasethefear.org
Charles Flanagan has said, “The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) has a longstanding and positive working relationship with Release the Fear. The youth adjudicated to us often have a range of issues to address, including delinquency, substance abuse and dependence, mental health, and trauma. Release the Fear workshops, held at ADJC several times per year, provide a safe place where the youth can be honest and open about their behavioral problems. The workshops take place over a number of days and a large number of youth have been served for several years through this program. Dedicated facilitators assist youth in developing the life skills needed to address the life issues they face, including peer pressure, gang involvement, bullying, abuse, and violence. The value of this powerful program is that it reinforces, in a relaxed and non-judgmental fashion, the treatment interventions that our youth receive while they are with us in secure care. Consequently, all interventions, including those provided by Release the Fear, add to a youth’s ability to successfully transition to the community with transferable skills. ADJC is appreciative of this program and hope that our youth continue to benefit from the workshops.�
Charles Flanagan, Director Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
O
ur programs provide and demonstrate endless possibilities and options
for the individual through the experiential creative process of whole-brain thinking. This awakens a creative consciousness and exposes the individual to the unlimited potential of critical thinking, problem solving, and selfempowerment, awakening the individual to new possibilities and a new purpose that leads to improved life skills and becoming a productive community member. Without these critical life skills, the still-maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak and set in stone with no hope for a “normal” life. More than 6,000 youth worldwide have benefited from Release the Fear’s programs. In the past two years more than 800 Arizona youth have participated in one of RTF’s four programs that use self-exploration as a peaceful alternative to violence. Our facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities to analytically explore the connectedness of those activities to their lives.
I
nside-Out, Bridging Possibilities, program meets many Arizona State
Standards and utilizes Best Practice methodologies. Utilizing research base strategies, with evidence based results. This program, engages individuals to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome their disabilities through, insight into cultural diversity, leadership and social skills development. It exposes the participants to creative problem solving and creates the opportunity to shift a life to a more effective and peaceful outlet. Description of the program, including the goals, expected outcome: Our programs provide and demonstrate endless possibilities and options for the individual through the experiential creative process of whole-brain thinking. This awakens a creative consciousness and exposes the individual to the unlimited potential of critical thinking, problem solving, and selfempowerment, awakening the individual to new possibilities and a new purpose that leads to improved life skills and becoming a productive community member. Without these critical life skills, the still-maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak and set in stone with no hope for a “normal” life.
G
oals:
1 To present educational programs and workshops in detention facilities. 2 To teach youth valuable life skills focusing on dealing with conflict and anger. 3 To share with the community a message stressing decreased violence of all types. 4 To introduce new and fresh perspectives through the creative process. 5 To enlighten participants about their purpose in life. Description of the program, including the goals, and expected outcomes: Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities program engages individuals to explore safe and healthy lifestyles, to overcome their disabilities through leadership and social skills development. It exposes the participants to creative problem solving and creates the opportunity to shift their lives to more effective and peaceful outlets. Between Pre & Post surveys the participants engage in team reflective surveys, after each exercise. During the Workshop participants are broken up into four teams. The participants remain in the same teams throughout the workshop. After each session, they take turns being a team leader, responsible for extracting inquiry from their team and reporting their findings to the entire group. How would this activity help you in your day life in school or out, and why? This engages the participants in a whole-brain thinking process of the creative activities they just experienced. This also introduces them to teamwork, listening skills and the confidence of public speaking. At the end of the 3-day workshop, at the culmination and pinnacle of their experiences drawn from the program, participants create a group painting to present to the public; an expression created by persons from multiple perspectives can be harmonious and unifying. Thus, this is not only a healing experience for the group but also a community awareness campaign, sharing a message of decreased violence of all types. Our findings from Pre & Post results, the majority realize that they are not alone in their fears and that their dreams can become reality. By introducing new and fresh perspectives through the power of the creative process, our participants learn to embrace life and fully realize its endless possibilities. Shifting awareness turns Pain into the means of Bridging their Possibilities, so participants can become enlightened about their Purpose and lead a productive life.
T
here are no other programs with similar methodology of teaching
valuable life skills, enhancing participants’ sense of self and surroundings, and allowing them to experience alternative ways of dealing with conflict and anger. The need for our program & its popular demand, requires each potential participant to read and fill out a form that details the program and why they feel they deserve to participate. Due to class size restraints, only 20 of 60 that applied were selected by the staff at The Durango Facility, as well as SEF. As you can see, the program and its life changing experience and results are becoming very popular among the kids at both facilities, through word of mouth.
Anna’s Story Incarcerated youth usually participate once in Bridging Possibilities workshop. Anna was different, third-generation gang member, hardened and angry. Her mother told her if she got in trouble again she didn’t want to see or talk to her, – Fear held Anna back during that first workshop. Boldly, she applied to attend a second workshop. Anna began to open to some exercises she’d feared the first time. During a hero exercise she realized what mother did was, FOR her. At the suggestion of the group leader, Anna wrote a letter to her mother. Next day she wanted shared with the group; thanking mom, calling her a hero, writing about her dreams and plans for the future –many opened-up with tears, including her. The letter was sent. Attending third workshop, She expressed with a smile, that her Mom came to visit her. Happily reconnected, Anna now believes SHE HAS A FUTURE.
A therapist recently approached me at one of the juvenile detention facilities, saying
that she had several clients who had gone through the RTF workshop. She said that she was amazed at what we were accomplishing in three days work and just had to see what we were doing first hand. “I met with these kids, two days before they participated in the RTF workshop,” she shared. “And then I met with them one day after that workshop. The transformation was incredible. Your Program did what I have been trying to do for two years.” I replied to her that RTF “shakes up the snow globe,” enabling these youth to move forward, and that we all work together in rescuing these youth from a crime-filled life. The releasing of fear is truly a partnership. There are no other programs in Maricopa County with methodologies similar to RTF: teaching valuable life skills that enhance participants’ sense of self and surroundings, allowing them to experience alternative ways of dealing with conflict and anger. Pre and post program assessment surveys confirm that program outcomes have consistently outperformed expectations:
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
Comparison of Recidivism Rates for Detention RTF and Overall Juvenile and Probation Recidivism Rates 88%
83.78%
84%
80% 77.19% 76% 74.0% 72.0% 72% 70.0%
68%
64%
60% RTF, Overall Not RTF participants Recidivating Overall Not Recidivating
RTF, Multiple Sessions Not RTF participants Recidivating Multiple Sessions Not Recidivating
All Juveniles Not All Juveniles Recidivating, FY08 Not Recidivating FY 2008
Juveniles Completing Detention Overall Recidivism Juveniles Detention Probation, Not FY2008 Recidivating Completing Probation Overall FY08 Not Recidivating Not Recidivating
The above graph was provided by Maricopa County statistics office, and reflect youth Not Recidivating. The effectiveness of Release the Fear’s workshops on the reduction of recidivism rate for the period of March 2009 thru March 2010 Statistics from Maricopa County’s Juvenile Probation Department demonstrate that, while the overall recidivism of incarcerated youth hovers around 30%, A study of 357 youth participating in one IOBP workshop recidivate only 22.8% of the time, and those participating in multiple IOBP workshops recidivate at only 16.2% nearly in half . Due to the rippling effects of IOBP and similar workshops, we have learned that seven times the number of participants realizes positive impact because of the workshops.
Percentage of Juveniles Not Recidivating After Attending RTF 95% SEF
DUR
Both Facilities
84.00%
83.33%
83.78%
80.93%
80% 77.19%
71.43%
65%
50% Attending One Session
Attending Multiple Sessions
Average Days RFT Participants to Recidivate by Facility 150 SEF
DUR
131.8 125
100
121
94.37
75
50
28.75 25
0 Attending One Session
Attending Multiple Sessions
Juveniles in RTF by Ethnicity 50%
41%
40%
40% 36% SEF
33%
DUR
30%
20% 20%
13%
10% 7%
7%
2% 0% 0% African American
Anglo
Latino
Native American
Juveniles in RTF by Gender 90%
73.30%
75%
60%
72.85%
SEF
DUR
45%
30%
26.70%
27.15%
15%
0% Females
Males
Asian/Other
SEF
Attending One Session Attending Multiple Sessions Total Juveniles
SEF Facility 126
AVG Days to Recidivate 131.8
New Offenses 36
RTF Not Recidivating 71.43%
25 151
28.75 122.03
4 40
84.00% 73.51%
DUR Facility 194
AVG Days to Recidivate 94.37
New Offenses 37
RTF Not Recidivating 80.93%
12 206
121 122.03
2 39
83.33% 81.07%
55 151 206
Percent 26.70% 73.30% 100.00%
41 67 83 15 0 206
Percent 20% 33% 40% 7% 0% 100%
Durango
Attending One Session Attending Multiple Sessions Total Juveniles
Gender Juveniles Females Males Total
SEF 41 110 151
Percent 27.15% 72.85% 100.00%
DUR
Ethnicity Race African American Anglo Latino Native American Asian/Other Total
Facility SEF DUR Both Facilities
SEF 20 62 55 11 3 151
Percent 13% 41% 36% 7% 2% 100%
DUR
RTF, Overall Not Recidivating
RTF, Multiple Sessions Not Recidivating
All Juveniles Not Recidivating, FY08
Juveniles Completing Probation, Not Recidivating FY08
73.5% 81.1% 77.19%
84.0% 83.3% 83.78%
74.0% 74.0% 74.0%
72.0% 72.0% 72.0%
Detention Overall Recidivism 72.4% 64.4% 70.0%
AVG Days to Recidivate Attending One Session Attending Multiple Sessions
SEF 131.8
DUR 94.37
28.75
121
Recidivism by Facilities Percent Not Recidivating Attending One Session Attending Multiple Sessions Overall
SEF 71.43%
DUR 80.93%
Both Facilities 77.19%
84.00% 73.51%
83.33% 81.07%
83.78% 77.87%
Durango and SEF Facilities Overall Recidivism Attending One Session Attending Multiple Sessions Overall
Juveniles 320
New Offenses 73
RTF Not Recidivating 77.19%
37 357
6 79
83.78% 77.87%
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AZ College and Career Readiness Release the Fear’s program, Bridging Possibilities, addresses the following Common Core National Standards
. STANDARDS, LEARNING STYLES AND COGNITIVE LEVELS Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards (Oct. 2013) Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening. (9‐10. 11-12.L.1) Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. (9‐10. 11-12.L.6) Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue. (6-8.9-10.11-12.RI.7) Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters. (9-10.11‐12.W.3) 6TH GRADE ELA Standards Writing W.6.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence W.6.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. W.6.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. W.6.10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences. Reading RI.6.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings. RI.6.8. Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not RI.6.9. Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person). Speaking and Listening SL.6.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. SL.6.3. Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not. SL.6.4. Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
SL.6.5.. Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information. SL.6.6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate
Language
L.6.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. L.6.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. L.6.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. L.6.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
8TH GRADE ELA Standards Writing
W.8.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. W.8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content W.8.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. W.8.5. With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. W.8.9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. W.8.10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two.
Reading
RI.8.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. RI.8.8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced. RI.8.9. Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
Speaking and Listening
SL.8.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. SL.8.3. Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced. SL.8.4. Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. SL.8.6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Language
L.8.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. L.8.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening L.8.5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. L.8.6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
College and Career Readiness ~ Common Core National Standard
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These workshops help to develop practices which can be transferred into the Math classroom according to the Standards for Mathematical Practices of the Common Core Standards: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Attend to precision.
The activities in the program, Bridging Possibilities, will prepare students to meet the following College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading: Craft and Structure R.CCR.4 Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative and figurative meanings and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning and tone. R.CCR.6 Assess how point of view and purpose shapes the content and syle of a text. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas R.CCR.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words. R.CCR.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. In addition: Throughout the course of the Bridging Possibilities program, Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence is met on the following levels: Interpersonal Intrapersonal Kinesthetic Linguistic Logical/Mathematical TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE .
. . OPENING YOUNG MINDS FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW©
MISSION: To counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment by bridging endless possibilities through education using the creative process. www.releasethefear.org
DREAM CATCHER PROGRAM = Why it is important to let others know your dreams? ”You never know who’s listening”.
"It opened up a lot of areas I thought were closed,, Thank you for securing my future", Devin Devin's Story:
Release the Fear recently started transition workshops with Arizona State Parole. Through the support of Maricopa County Atty.'s Office, helping kids in the transition out of Arizona Department Juvenile Corrections back into the community. Having them realize that they can turn their pain into possibilities and find a productive purpose for their life. Our evidence-based program uses the creative processes of art, music, and communication. We teach kids cognitive behavioral skills, they learn tools to help them in school and with peer pressure and bullying, conflict resolution, while building their self-esteem. One recent Saturday, while working on the East side of Maricopa County with kids on parole, we came across a student in the workshop -Devin, a smart kid, although challenging at times in the workshop. At the end of the first day he said he didn't want to come back because he didn't like group therapy. He challenge himself and came back the second day. His attitude seemed to change. In one of the exercises, the kids get to draw their memory, their fear, and their hope or dream and then share with the group. Devin stated that he wanted to be a photo journalists. The interesting part of the story is that a friend of mine, Jacquie from the gym had just given me a bag that a friend of hers, Maggie donated to us just in case we came across a kid that was interested in photography. The bizarre part about this is I heard about this bag for a few weeks. How stars align, Tuesday night before the workshop I was given the bag and in the trunk of my car it sat. When Devin mentioned he wanted to be a photojournalist I asked what was getting in his way. He said "a camera." I immediately asked his parole officer to talk to me outside and told him of the camera that was sitting in my trunk and asked what he thought. He said he's been really good on parole and he is serious about this photography. He thought it would be a good move. So I went to the car and got the gift bag and asked Devin if I could talk to him. I had the bag behind my back and asked what is the obstacles in the way of your dream he said "my mom just said to me this morning if I sign up for this photography course we can possibly put aside a couple dollars a week and buy a cheap camera. I asked "what would you do with the camera right now." He very enthusiastically began telling about his dream of taking photographs and being a photojournalist and what he would like to do. I pulled the camera from behind my back and said someone gave this to me Tuesday night to give to you today. He opened up the bag and it was like a Disney commercial, the light pouring out of the bag, he looked up and said are you serious. "Yes" I responded. At this year's Governors Arts Awards I was telling the story to somebody and the former staff photographer for the City of Phoenix, Bob Rink overheard the story. He Said he was working on a show with a homeless shelter and if it would work out for Devin and with his parole officer he would like to have him take part in the show. Recently I saw Devin in another workshop and I asked him to tell others why it is important to let others know your dreams? He responded, "You never know who's listening."
Release the Fear vows to let these kids know that they matter and their dreams are possible. www.releasethefear.org
Comments from Detention Staff Regarding the “Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities” Program. “Release the Fear has done workshops where the kids have been able to see the futility of hanging on to grief and resentment and moving past it to accomplish more without the burdens of grief and resentment. The group does an activity where the children are asked about grudges they hold. As they add a grudge they add an empty box to hold and try to walk around the room. Surprisingly enough grudges against absent parents or family members who helped raise the kids but are no longer around kept coming up. Through this activity the kids expressed their feelings and often understood the metaphor for letting go and moving on. This worked for instances when parents were absent in death, imprisonment or just lost in substance abuse.” Brigid Jastrzebski Programming Coordinator SEF Detention Center “Art is a great tool in controlling anger and aggression and by having this program, we have helped many youth see they can vent in positive ways. They also see that they can add to their community. Our youth were trained in dealing with emotion and fear through art…” Dr. Derrick Platt, Former SEF Detention Manager, MCJP, AZ “We had a detainee that was very quiet and reserved. He was also on suicide watch. I didn’t believe he was going to complete the first day. After the first project he became more engaged and more self-confident. As the program went on he became more assertive and comfortable in expressing himself. This is an excellent program for the kids. It allows them to express themselves, to become more self-confident.” Lisa Frey, JPO Program Coordinator This expresses our support and interest in working with Release the Fear (RTF) on the Bridging Possibilities project for participants at the Mesa SEF Juvenile Detention Centers. We have been impressed with the work of RTF in the past, as our youth are taught new ways of dealing with conflict and anger – healthy ways of expressing themselves such that they do not re-offend, and can lead productive lives, contributing to their communities. Through the creative process, our youth have seen that art can be wonderful tool for them, and they have gained a better understanding of themselves and their peers. We are eager to continue work with RTF so that our youth can turn their pain into possibilities and purpose! Anna Gilmore, JPO Supervisor, SEF & Sarah Murillo, Durango Programming Managers “Release the Fear is about unblocking previous personal barriers and becoming open to new possibilities, ones which have not been possible in the past. Participants gain new tools from RTF insights and as a result enter their future from a different perspective. As the participants move through the seminar, a release of energy occurs. From my experiences there is a heaviness lifted off from many. The kids seem to move from understanding their world as an individual to becoming part of a group of their peers. RTF is different than a typical therapeutic setting. The exercises of RTF walk the students through their personal world and lead them to distinguish insights as only they would understand. This is where the release occurs. The kids share their insights and become the stimulus for change for
themselves and the others in the group. Participants leave RTF as different individuals then when they had entered.” Dr.Michael A. Halpert, / RTF Facilitator
A few results in participants own words:
“To learn from my mistakes and move on. How to interact with others.” James, age 17 “That I know a lot more than I thought. I’m intelligent. I can express my emotions” Jasmine,, age 16 “I Learned How to express myself positively, to keep my head up and follow my dreams.” Juan, Age 17 “Learned how to approach and communicate with people and asking questions get you answers you may need or want.” “You can be feeling something and label it with a hundred different words and call it different emotions” “Even if you don’t see/know what something is, you can logically figure it out by eliminating variables” “I learned to overcome my fears of speaking in front of others” “Learn to work together with other people while working on a job or a school project.” “We learned that even if we have people to help us or not, we can accomplish our goals no matter what as long as we put our mind to it and stay focused.” “Use imagination and to active listen” “I learned to listen to my inner voice. I was going to go to a birthday party and I told myself I should stay home and do my homework, I did and I passed my test because of it.”
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .
"The amygdala is in charge of our brain during crisis. Because the amygdala's role is survival, all stimuli passes through it. Under times of stress, the amygdala takes over and the cortex (the reasoning part of our brain) is blocked. The amygdala seizes control of all behaviors when the stimuli is perceived emotionally- hypersensitive." Laughter, routine and social comfort impact brain activity and learning enhancement. Music and movement help to regulate heart rate and blood flow and enhance learning, movement especially for boys. Through experiential hands-on learning, Release the Fear’s programs stimulate Whole Brain Thinking = re-engaging the cortex, to encourage critical problem solving
Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . . Research is property of Release the Fear Incorporated
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www.releasethefear.org
State Standards Grades 5-12 As Applies to RTF Bridging Possibilities Workshops Mathematics Standards Strand 1 Concept 3: Estimation Use estimation strategies reasonably and fluently while integrating content from each of the other strands. Grade 5 PO 1. Make estimates appropriate to a given situation or computation with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Grade 6 PO 2. Make estimates appropriate to a given situation and verify the reasonableness of the results. Grade 7 PO 2. Make estimates appropriate to a given situation. Grade 8 PO 1. Make estimates appropriate to a given situation. Workshop Activities: Third Eye, Seeing Beyond, and Blindfold Drawing
Strand 4 Concept 1: Geometric Properties Analyze the attributes and properties of 2- and 3- dimensional figures and develop mathematical arguments about their relationships. High School PO 2. Visualize solids and surfaces in 3-dimensional space when given 2-dimensional representations and create 2-dimensional representations for the surfaces of 3-dimensional objects. Workshop Activities: Third Eye and Seeing Beyond
Strand 5 Concept 2: Logic, Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Proof Evaluate situations, select problem-solving strategies, draw logical conclusions, develop and describe solutions, and recognize their applications. Grade 5 PO 1. Analyze a problem situation to determine the question(s) to be answered. PO 3. Select and use one or more strategies to efficiently solve the problem and justify the selection. PO 4. Determine whether a problem to be solved is similar to previously solved problems, and identify possible strategies for solving the problem. Grade 6 PO 1. Analyze a problem situation to determine the question(s) to be answered. PO 4. Apply a previously used problem-solving strategy in a new context. Grade 7 PO 1. Analyze a problem situation to determine the question(s) to be answered. PO 5. Apply a previously used problem-solving strategy in a new context.
Mathematics Standards cont. Strand 5 Concept 2: Logic, Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Proof cont. Grade 8 PO 1. Analyze a problem situation to determine the question(s) to be answered. PO 5. Apply a previously used problem-solving strategy in a new context.
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities and Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments
Writing Standards Strand 1: Writing Process Concept 1 Prewriting Prewriting includes using strategies to generate, plan, and organize ideas for specific purposes. Grade 5 PO 1. Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., brainstorming, graphic organizers, drawing, writer’s notebook, group discussion, printed material). PO 6. Use time management strategies, when appropriate, to produce a writing product within a set time period. Grade 6 PO 1. Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., prior knowledge, discussion with others, printed material or other sources). PO 2. Determine the purpose (e.g., to entertain, to inform, to communicate, to persuade, to explain) of an intended writing piece. PO 7. Use time management strategies, when appropriate, to produce a writing product within a set time period. Grade 7 PO 1. Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., prior knowledge, discussion with others, printed material or other sources). PO 2. Determine the purpose (e.g., to entertain, to inform, to communicate, to persuade, to explain) of an intended writing piece. PO 3. Determine the intended audience of a writing piece. PO 4. Establish a central idea appropriate to the type of writing. Grade 8 PO 1. Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., prior knowledge, discussion with others, printed material or other sources). PO 2. Determine the purpose (e.g., to entertain, to inform, to communicate, to persuade, to explain) of an intended writing piece. PO 3. Determine the intended audience of a writing piece PO 4. Establish a central idea appropriate to the type of writing. High School PO 1. Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., brainstorming, notes and logs, graphic organizers, record of writing ideas and discussion, printed material or other sources). PO 2. Determine the purpose (e.g., to entertain, to inform, to communicate, to persuade, to explain) of an intended writing piece. PO 3. Determine the intended audience of a writing piece. PO 4. Establish a controlling idea appropriate to the type of writing. PO 7. Use time-management strategies, when appropriate, to produce a writing product within a set time period Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, and Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams
Writing Standards cont. Strand 1: Writing Process cont. Concept 3 Revising Revising includes evaluating and refining the rough draft for clarity and effectiveness. (Ask: Does this draft say what you want it to say?) Grade 5 PO 5. Modify word choice appropriate to the application in order to enhance the writing. PO 7. Use resources and reference materials to select more precise vocabulary. Grade 6 PO 4. Rearrange words, sentences, and paragraphs to clarify the meaning or to enhance the writing style. PO 8. Use resources and reference materials to select more precise vocabulary. Grade 7 PO 2. Add details to the draft to more effectively accomplish the purpose. PO 8. Use resources and reference materials to select more precise vocabulary Grade 8 PO 2. Add details to the draft to more effectively accomplish the purpose. PO 8. Use resources and reference materials to select more precise vocabulary. High School PO 2. Add details to the draft to more effectively accomplish the purpose. PO 8. Use resources and reference materials (e.g., thesaurus, dictionary) to select more effective and precise language.
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond and Blindfold Drawing
Concept 5 Publishing Publishing involves formatting and presenting a final product for the intended audience. Grade 5 PO 1. Prepare writing in a format (e.g., oral presentation, manuscript, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose. PO 2. Share the writing with the intended audience. Grade 6 PO 1. Prepare writing in a format (e.g., oral presentation, manuscript, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose. PO 3. Use graphics (e.g., drawings, charts, graphs), when applicable, to enhance the final product. Grade 7 PO 1. Prepare writing in a format (e.g., oral presentation, manuscript, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose.
Writing Standards cont. Grade 8 PO 1. Prepare writing in a format (e.g., oral presentation, manuscript, multimedia) appropriate to audience and purpose PO 3. Use graphics (e.g., drawings, charts, graphs), when applicable, to enhance the final product. High School PO 1. Prepare writing that follows a format appropriate for the purpose (e.g., for display, sharing with others, or submitting to a publication). Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams, and Creative Storytelling.
Strand 2: Writing Concepts Concept 1 Ideas and Content Writing is clear and focused, holding the reader’s attention throughout. Main ideas stand out and are developed by strong support and rich details. Purpose is accomplished. Grade 5 PO 1. Express ideas that are clear and directly related to the topic. PO 2. Provide content and selected details that are well-suited to audience and purpose. PO 3. Use relevant details to provide adequate support for the ideas. Grade 6 PO 1. Use clear, focused ideas and details to support the topic.
PO 2. Provide content and selected details that are well suited to audience and purpose. PO 3. Develop a sufficient explanation or exploration of the topic. PO 4. Include ideas and details that show original perspective. Grade 7 PO 1. Use clear, focused ideas and details to support the topic. PO 2. Provide content and selected details that are well-suited to audience and purpose. PO 3. Develop a sufficient explanation or exploration of the topic. PO 4. Include ideas and details that show original perspective. Grade 8 PO 1. Use clear, focused ideas and details to support the topic. PO 2. Provide content and selected details that are well-suited to audience and purpose. PO 3. Develop a sufficient explanation or exploration of the topic. PO 4. Include ideas and details that show original perspective. High School PO 1. Maintain a clear, narrow focus to support the topic. PO 3. Provide sufficient, relevant and carefully selected details for support. PO 5. Include ideas and details that show original perspective and insights.
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Blindfold Drawing and Creative Storytelling.
Writing Standards cont. Strand 2: Writing Concepts cont. Concept 2 Organization Organization addresses the structure of the writing and integrates the central meaning and patterns that hold the piece together Grade 6 PO 3. Place details appropriately to support the main idea. Grade 7 PO 3. Place details appropriately to support the main idea. Grade 8 PO 3. Place details appropriately to support the main idea High School PO 3. Place details appropriately to support the main idea Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Blindfold Drawing, and Creative Storytelling.
Concept 3 Voice Voice will vary according to the type of writing, but should be appropriately formal or casual, distant or personal, depending on the audience and purpose. Grade 5 PO1. Show awareness of the audience through word choice and style. PO 2. Convey a sense of originality, sincerity, liveliness, or humor appropriate to topic and mode. PO 3. Use language appropriate for topic and purpose. Grade 6 PO 1. Show awareness of the audience through word choice and style. PO 2. Convey a sense of identity through originality, sincerity, liveliness, or humor appropriate to the topic and type of writing. PO 3. Use language appropriate for the topic and purpose. PO 4. Choose appropriate voice (e.g., formal, informal) for the audience and purpose. Grade 7 PO 1. Show awareness of the audience through word choice, style, and an appropriate connection with, or distance from, the audience. PO 2. Convey a sense of identity through originality, sincerity, liveliness, or humor appropriate to the topic and type of writing. PO 3. Use language appropriate for the topic and purpose. PO 4. Choose appropriate voice (e.g., formal, informal, academic discourse) for the audience and purpose.
Writing Standards cont. Strand 2: Writing Concepts cont. Concept 3 Voice cont. Grade 8 PO 1. Show awareness of the audience through word choice, style, and an appropriate connection with, or distance from, the audience. PO 2. Convey a sense of identity through originality, sincerity, liveliness, or humor appropriate to the topic and type of writing. PO 3. Use language appropriate for the topic and purpose PO 4. Choose appropriate voice (e.g., formal, informal, academic discourse) for the audience and purpose. High School PO 1. Show awareness of the audience through word choice, style, and an appropriate connection with, or distance from, the audience. PO 2. Convey a sense of identity through originality, sincerity, liveliness, or humor appropriate to topic and type of writing. PO 3. Choose appropriate voice (e.g., formal, informal, academic discourse) for the application. PO 4. Use engaging and expressive language that shows a commitment to the topic. PO 5. Use language appropriate to purpose, topic, and audience. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Blindfold Drawing,Yes/No, and Creative Storytelling.
Concept 4 Word Choice Word choice reflects the writer’s use of specific words and phrases to convey the intended message and employs a variety of words that are functional and appropriate to the audience and purpose. Grade 5 PO 1. Use a variety of specific and accurate words that effectively convey the intended message. PO 2. Use descriptive words and phrases that energize the writing. PO 3. Apply vocabulary and/or terminology appropriate to the type of writing. PO 4. Use literal and figurative language where appropriate to purpose. (See R05-S1C4-03, -04) Grade 6 PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural. PO 4. Use literal and figurative language where appropriate to purpose. (See R06-S1C4-04) Grade 7 PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural. PO 4. Use literal and figurative language where appropriate to purpose. (See R07-S1C4-04)
Writing Standards cont. Strand 2: Writing Concepts cont. Concept 4 Word Choice cont. Grade 8 PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words that effectively convey the intended message. PO 3. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural. PO 4. Use literal and figurative language when appropriate to purpose. (See R08-S1C4-04) High School PO 1. Use accurate, specific, powerful words and phrases that effectively convey the intended message PO 2. Use vocabulary that is original, varied, and natural. PO 3. Use words that evoke clear images. PO 4. Use literal and figurative language intentionally when appropriate. (See R09-S2C1-02, R10-S2C1-02, R11-S2C1-02, R12-S2C1-02)
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams, and Creative Storytelling.
Strand 3: Writing Applications Concept 1: Expressive Expressive writing includes personal narratives, stories, poetry, songs, and dramatic pieces. Writing may be based on real or imagined events. Grade 5 PO 1. Write a narrative based on imagined or real events, observations, or memories that includes: a. characters b. setting c. plot d. sensory details e. clear language f. logical sequence of events Grade 6 PO 1. Write a narrative that includes: a. an engaging plot based on imagined or real ideas, observations, or memories of an event or experience b. effectively developed characters c. a clearly described setting d. dialogue, as appropriate e. figurative language, or descriptive words and phrases to enhance style and tone
Writing Standards cont. Strand 3: Writing Applications cont. Concept 1: Expressive cont. Grade 7 PO 1. Write a narrative that includes: a. an engaging plot based on imagined or real ideas, observations, or memories of an event or experience b. effectively developed characters c. a clearly described setting d. dialogue, as appropriate e. figurative language, or descriptive words and phrases to enhance style and tone Grade 8 PO 1. Write a narrative that includes: a. an engaging plot based on imagined or real ideas, observations, or memories of an event or experience b. effectively developed characters c. a clearly described setting d. dialogue, as appropriate e. figurative language, or descriptive words and phrases to enhance style and tone Grade 9 PO 1. Write a personal narrative that: a. describes a sequence of events, focusing on one incident experienced by the author b. sets scenes and incidents in specific times and places c. describes with specific details the sights, sounds, and smells of the scenes d. uses figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification) Example: Write an autobiographical account of a time when you had to make an important decision. Grade 10 PO 1. Write a reflective personal narrative that: a. describes a sequence of events, communicating the significance of the events to the audience b. sets scenes and incidents in specific times and places c. describes with specific details the sights, sounds, and smells of the scenes d. describes with specific details the actions, movements, gestures, and feelings of the characters e. uses interior monologue f. uses figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification) Example: Select a quotation that is particularly meaningful to you. Explain the significance of the quotation to your life. Grade 11 PO 1. Write in a variety of expressive forms (e.g. poetry, short story, drama) that: a. use voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose b. organize ideas in writing to ensure coherence, logical progression, and support c. employ literary devices (e.g., irony, conceit, foreshadowing, symbolism) to enhance style and voice
Writing Standards cont. Strand 3: Writing Applications cont. Concept 1: Expressive cont. Grade 12 PO 1. Write in a variety of expressive forms (e.g. poetry, fiction, autobiography, narrative, drama) that: a. use voice and style appropriate to audience and purpose b. organize ideas in writing to ensure coherence, logical progression, and support c. employ literary devices (e.g., irony, conceit, flashback, foreshadowing, symbolism, allusion) to enhance style and voice Example: After reading from Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, write your own version of a traveler’s tale. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams, Blindfold Drawing, Color Activity, Collective Painting.
Concept 2 Expository Expository writing includes non-fiction writing that describes, explains, informs, or summarizes ideas and content. The writing supports a thesis based on research, observation, and/or experience. Grade 5 PO 1. Record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, map labels and legends) related to the topic. Grade 6 PO 1. Record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, map labels and legends) related to the topic. Grade 7 PO 1. Record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, map labels and legends) related to the topic. Grade 8 PO 1. Record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, map labels and legends) related to the topic. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignment, Pre and Post Surveys, and Who AM I?.
Reading Standards Strand 1: Reading Process Reading Process consists of the five critical components of reading, which are Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension of connected text. These elements support each other and are woven together to build a solid foundation of linguistic understanding for the reader. Concept 4 Vocabulary Acquire and use new vocabulary in relevant contexts. Grade 5 PO 1. Use knowledge of root words and affixes to determine the meaning of unknown words. PO 2. Use context to determine the relevant meaning of a word or the intended meaning of a word with multiple meanings (e.g., hatch, arm, boot). PO 3. Determine the difference between figurative language and literal language. PO 4. Determine the meaning of figurative language, including similes, personification, and idioms. Grade 6 PO 2. Use context to identify the meaning of unfamiliar words (e.g., definition, example, restatement, synonym, contrast). PO 3. Use context to identify the intended meaning of words with multiple meanings (e.g., definition, example, restatement, or contrast). PO 4. Determine the meaning of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, and idioms in prose and poetry. Grade 7 PO 2. Use context to identify the intended meaning of unfamiliar words (e.g., definition, example, restatement, synonym, contrast). PO 3. Use context to identify the meaning of words with multiple meanings (e.g., definition, example, restatement, or contrast). PO 4. Determine the meaning of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, and idioms in prose and poetry. Grade 8 PO 2. Use context to identify the intended meaning of unfamiliar words (e.g., definition, example, restatement, synonym, contrast). PO 3. Use context to identify the meaning of words with multiple meanings (e.g., definition, example, restatement, or contrast). PO 4. Determine the meaning of figurative language, including similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, hyperbole, and technical language. High School PO 2. Infer word meanings from context (e.g., definition, example, restatement, comparison/contrast, cause/effect). PO 3. Determine how the meaning of the text is affected by the writer’s word choice (e.g., literal vs. figurative language, idioms, adages). PO 4. Identify the meaning of metaphors based on common literary allusions. PO 5. Determine the meanings, pronunciations, contextually appropriate synonyms and antonyms, replacement words and phrases, etymologies, and correct spellings of words by using resources such as general and specialized dictionaries, thesauri, glossaries, and CD-ROM and the Internet when available. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Third Eye, Seeing Beyond, Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams, and Collective Painting.
Reading Standards cont. Strand 1: Reading Process cont. Concept 6 Comprehension Strategies Employ strategies to comprehend text. Grade 5 PO 1. Predict text content using prior knowledge and text features (e.g., illustrations, titles, topic sentences, key words). PO 2. Confirm predictions about text for accuracy. PO 3. Generate clarifying questions in order to comprehend text. PO 4. Use graphic organizers in order to clarify the meaning of the text. PO 5. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources. Grade 6 PO 1. Predict text content using prior knowledge and text features (e.g., illustrations, titles, topic sentences, key words). PO 2. Confirm predictions about text for accuracy. PO 3. Generate clarifying questions in order to comprehend text. PO 4. Use graphic organizers in order to clarify the meaning of the text. PO 5. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources. Grade 7 PO 1. Predict text content using prior knowledge and text features (e.g., illustrations, titles, topic sentences, key words). PO 2. Confirm predictions about text for accuracy. PO 3. Generate clarifying questions in order to comprehend text. PO 4. Use graphic organizers in order to clarify the meaning of the text. PO 5. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources. Grade 8 PO 1. Predict text content using prior knowledge and text features (e.g., illustrations, titles, topic sentences, key words). PO 2. Confirm predictions about text for accuracy. PO 3. Generate clarifying questions in order to comprehend text. PO 4. Use graphic organizers in order to clarify the meaning of the text. PO 5. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources. High School PO 1. Predict text content using prior knowledge and text features (e.g., illustrations, titles, topic sentences, key words). PO 2. Generate clarifying questions in order to comprehend text. PO 3. Use graphic organizers in order to clarify the meaning of the text. PO 4. Connect information and events in text to experience and to related text and sources.
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, and Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams.
Reading Standards cont. Strand 2: Comprehending Literary Text Comprehending Literary Text identifies the comprehension strategies that are specific in the study of a variety of literature Grade 7 PO 3. Describe a character, based upon the thoughts, words, and actions of the character, the narrator’s description, and other characters. Grade 8 PO 3. Describe a character, based upon the thoughts, words, and actions of the character, the narrator’s description, and other characters. High School PO 1. Analyze the author’s use of literary elements: theme (moral, lesson, meaning, message, view or comment on life), point of view (e.g., first vs. third, limited vs. omniscient), characterization (qualities, motives, actions, thoughts, dialogue, development, interactions), setting (time of day or year, historical period, place, situation), and plot (exposition, major and minor conflicts, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). PO 2. Analyze the author’s use of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, symbolism, allusion, and imagery in a literary selection. PO 4. Identify how an author's choice of words and imagery sets the tone and advances the work's theme. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, Seeing Beyond, Blindfold Drawing, Color, Scribble, and Collective Painting.
Strand 3: Comprehending Informational Text Comprehending Informational Text delineates specific and unique skills that are required to understand the wide array of informational text that is a part of our day to day experiences. Concept 1 Expository Text Identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the purpose, structures, and elements of expository text.
Grade 6 PO 1. Restate the main idea (explicit or implicit) and supporting details in expository text. PO 2. Summarize the main idea and critical details of expository text, maintaining chronological or logical order.
Grade 7 PO 1. Restate the main idea (explicit or implicit) and supporting details in expository text. PO 2. Summarize the main idea (stated or implied) and critical details of expository text, maintaining chronological, sequential, or logical order.
Reading Standards cont. Strand 3: Comprehending Informational Text cont. Grade 8 PO 1. Restate the main idea (explicit or implicit) and supporting details in expository text. PO 2. Summarize the main idea (stated or implied) and critical details of expository text, maintaining chronological, sequential, or logical order.
High School PO 7. Make relevant inferences by synthesizing concepts and ideas from a single reading selection. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, and Third Eye.
Concept 2 Functional Text Identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of the purpose, structures, clarity, and relevancy of functional text. Grade 6 PO 1. Use information from text and text features to determine the sequence of activities needed to carry out a procedure. PO 2. Identify the text features (e.g., directions, legend, illustrations, diagram, sequence, bold face print, headings) of functional text. PO 3. Interpret details from functional text for a specific purpose (e.g., to follow directions, to solve a problem, to perform a procedure, to answer questions). Grade 7 PO 1. Use information from text and text features to determine the sequence of activities needed to carry out a procedure. PO 2. Determine what information (e.g., steps in directions, legend, supplies needed, illustrations, diagram, sequence) is missing in functional text. PO 3. Interpret details from a variety of functional text (e.g., warranties, product information, technical manuals, instructional manuals, consumer safety publications) for a specific purpose (e.g., to follow directions, to solve problems, to perform procedures, to answer questions) Grade 8 PO 1. Use information from text and text features to determine the sequence of activities needed to carry out a procedure. PO 2. Determine what information (e.g., steps in directions, legend, supplies needed, illustrations, diagram, sequence) is extraneous in functional text. PO 3. Interpret details from a variety of functional text (e.g., warranties, product information, technical manuals, instructional manuals, consumer safety publications) for a specific purpose (e.g., to follow directions, to solve problems, to perform procedures, to answer questions. PO 4. Evaluate the adequacy of details and facts from functional text to achieve a specific purpose. High School PO 1. Synthesize information from multiple sources (e.g., texts, maps, illustrations, workplace documents, schematic diagrams) to solve a problem. PO 2. Synthesize information from multiple sources (e.g., texts, maps, illustrations, workplace documents, schematic diagrams) to draw conclusions. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, and Creative Storytelling.
Reading Standards cont.
Strand 3: Comprehending Informational Text cont. Concept 3 Persuasive Text Explain basic elements of argument in text and their relationship to the author’s purpose and use of persuasive strategies. Grade 6 PO 2. Identify the facts and details that support the author’s argument regarding a particular idea, subject, concept, or object. Grade 7 PO 2. Identify the facts and details that support the author’s argument regarding a particular idea, subject, concept, or object. High School PO 1. Identify the central argument and its elements (e.g., argument by cause and effect, analogy, authority, emotion, logic) in persuasive text. PO 2. Evaluate the appropriateness of an author’s word choice for an intended audience. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Seeing Beyond, and Yes/No.
Social Studies Standards Strand 3: Civics/Government Concept 4: Rights, Responsibilities, and Roles of Citizenship The rights, responsibilities and practices of United States citizenship are founded in the Constitution and the nation’s history. Grade 5 PO 1. Describe ways an individual can contribute to a school or community. Grade 6 PO 1. Describe ways an individual can contribute to a school or community. Grade 7 PO 1. Describe the benefits of community service. Grade 8 PO 1. Describe the benefits of community service. High School PO 4. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge (e.g., group problem solving, public speaking, petitioning and protesting) needed to accomplish public purposes. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, Through the Hoops, Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams, andCollective Painting.
Strand 4: Geography Concept 4 Human Systems Human culture, their nature, and distribution affect societies and the earth. Grade 5 PO 5. Identify cultural norms that influence different social, political, and economic activities of men and women.
Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Ball Activity, and Who AM I?
Science Standards Strand 1: Inquiry Process Concept 3: Analysis and Conclusions Analyze and interpret data to explain correlations and results; formulate questions Grade 6 PO 6. Formulate new questions based on the results of a completed investigation. Grade 7 PO 7. Formulate new questions based on the results of a previous investigation. Grade 8 PO 8. Formulate new questions based on the results of a previous investigation. High School PO 4. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge (e.g., group problem solving, public speaking, petitioning and protesting) needed to accomplish public purposes. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, and Seeing Beyond.
Strand 4: Geography Concept 4 Human Systems Human culture, their nature, and distribution affect societies and the earth. Grade 5 PO 5. Identify cultural norms that influence different social, political, and economic activities of men and women. Workshop Activities: Group Reflection Activities, Individual Reflective Take Away Assignments, Who AM I?, and Ball Activity.
Strand 5: Physical Science Concept 1: Structure and Properties of Matter Understand physical, chemical, and atomic properties of matter. High School PO 1. Describe substances based on their physical properties. PO 2. Describe substances based on their chemical properties.
Workshop Activities: Seeing Beyond.
Science Standards cont. Strand 6: Earth and Space Science Concept 1: Structure of the Earth Describe the composition and interactions between the structure of the Earth and its atmosphere. Grade 7 PO 1. Classify rocks and minerals by the following observable properties: grain color texture hardness
Concept 3: Earth in the Solar System Understand the relationships of the Earth and other objects in the solar system. Grade 5 PO 2. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of the known planets in the solar system.
Workshop Activities: Seeing Beyond, Blindfold Drawing, and Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, & Dreams.
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