R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Comes to Crete Middle School
by Josh Miller
September 29, 2008
Crete Middle School students participated in a program last week involving a drama group from Omaha focusing on many topics which affect the lives of Middle Schoolers. RESPECT2 performs shows for school students across the state to help them learn about many topics. Our 6th and 7th grade students participated in a show about bullying called “Scraps”, while the 8th grade viewed various scenes about dating violence, body image, and depression/suicide in a show called “Choices.”
After viewing the programs, students were engaged in a question/answer session with the cast of the show. This gave students a chance to ask questions about the topics and to hear from the cast about these important issues.
In the “Scraps” production, the students viewed several interactions between three students—a bully, a bystander, and a victim. The characters and the story line followed the ups and downs of these 7th grade students as the bullying escalated to the point of hospitalization of the victim due to stress. The scenes also demonstrate how the bystander who doesn’t want to hurt anyone often ends up going along with the bully. In the production, the bystander finds his strength and voice to stand up to the bully on behalf of the victim. In the talk-back session following the show, the students learned about the roles of those involved with bullying and the power that they have to stand up to bullying.
In “Choices” the students viewed three different scenes regarding dating violence, body image, and depression/suicide. The gripping drama displayed how seemingly innocent actions can be indicators of a more serious underlying issue. Students learned ways to recognize warning signs and were given information about finding help for themselves, their friends, or their family members who are experiencing these types of challenges.
The RESPECT2 production was organized by the guidance department and the student council and aligns with the Middle School guidance and health curriculum. RESPECT2 stands for Relationship Empowerment for Students, Parents, Educators and Community Through Theatre.
