Students vow to strive to make all feel welcome

Summertime offers more to some teens than respite from homework assignments and early-morning alarm clocks. For those who view school as their own urban battleground — complete with bullying and exclusion — "summer break" is just that: a break from the daily battle to fit in.

Yet for a group of students concerned about fostering an inclusive and caring school environment, the past week has provided time away from the formal classroom to explore ways they can unite their classmates and involve those who find themselves on the fringe. The lessons included the secrets of whispering to a horse — and how kindness and integrity trump deceit and cruelty in working with both animals and fellow students.

Such action leads not only to mutual respect but increasing self-esteem stemming from ethical behavior that fosters healthy schools and contributes to the good of society, according to organizers.

Dozens of students from Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Canada gathered at the University of Utah for a national Ethics in Action workshop, designed to help them think outside the box when it comes to improving the social climate for fellow students. The 2006 Youth Leadership Summit was sponsored by the National Center for Community of Caring, which has been based at the U. since 2004.

As one of the nation's foremost values-based education programs, Community of Caring works with youths nationwide in a push to engender five core values into every aspect of school life: caring, respect, responsibility, trust and family.

Students from Salt Lake City's Butler Middle School, City Academy, East High School and Snow Canyon High School in St. George were among those who spent Wednesday morning learning skills for conflict resolution within their schools before teaming up to create an honor code for their schools. Discussing the challenges that students face within their schools, they incorporated the values they hope to develop by gathering support and input from within various school groups.

City Academy students said they will "strive to be respectful, trustworthy, caring and responsible. By accomplishing these attributes, we'll make our school a better place!"

Butler Middle students will "strive to be respectful, care about others, include everyone and be trustworthy and responsible. In this way, we won't leave our school in ruins. We will be the best, Butler Bruins," they wrote.

Snow Canyon Warriors will "include everyone, everyone will feel confident and welcome at our school. We pledge to make our school the best it can possibly be by being kind to everyone. Our words and deeds will help each person make new friends and have the desire to go to school. We will be responsible in all we do to make everyone feel included and important."