What Kids are Saying About Stand By Me

“We felt so much better when we said sorry to each other.  Next time if I make another mistake I will say sorry right away and mean it with my heart.  I learned that every person has something to offer the world. Thank you Teresa for coming.  We’re really grateful.”  T. (Grade 6 boy), Surrey BC

“You helped us learn about our classmate’s feelings and what was really going on in our school.  You helped us learn to talk about our feelings and say “sorry” and work with them without fighting. I will use my words carefully now.  Now I also know that I have something to give the world and no one is exactly like me. ”  P. (Grade 7 girl) Surrey BC

“ I learned how to safely stand up to someone who is bullying me.”  S. (Grade 4 boy) North Vancouver, BC

“I learned to share, treat others with respect, stand strong and speak strong and how to solve a problem.  I learned a great many things and loved the skits.”  P. (Grade 4 girl) Burnaby BC

“You helped me heal my heart.”  L. (Grade 3 girl) Cloverdale, BC

“ I really like your job.  It really means a lot to kids – since I’m a kid I should know.  I know what it feels like to be in your class – GREAT!  THANKS!!!!!  N.  (Grade 5 girl) Vancouver, BC

“Today is important because we earned a fresh start with each other.”  M. (Grade 7 boy) White Rock, BC

“Yesterday was great.  I let out my anger and apologized.  It made me feel better inside to take responsibility and see all the pain I caused healed.  I was glad not to do any work too.  But seriously, I will remember it all.  Thanks!”  G. (Grade 7 boy) Vancouver, BC

“Teresa and Annette ROCK!!!!!!!!!”  A. (Grade 5 girl) Delta, BC

“After the Stand By Me session, my life got much more easier and better.  I now feel safe for once. It really helped.  I am extremely thankful to you Teresa.  I truly think that the program is the best program for preventing bullying.  When everyone said sorry, that part really meant a lot to me.  It made me feel like I actually do mean something to them. It also felt like I was important after all.  Thank you.”  A. (Grade 7 girl) Surrey, BC

“Teresa taught us not to hit.  Teresa taught us not to hurt people’s feelings.  Teresa taught me not to step on people’s feet.  This is going to help me!!!” W. (Grade 2 boy) North Vancouver, BC

“You helped us apologize without even feeling embarrassed in front of the whole class.  Next time I will try not to let my anger out in a way that hurts anyone.  I will be careful to tell someone if I need help instead.  Thank you for coming and making me braver.  You really helped us.”  S. (Grade 7 girl) Surrey, BC

What School Staff are Saying About Stand By Me 

“I want to thank you again for what you brought to my class with the Stand By Me workshop.  My class is still talking about it.  I hear assertive requests for respect and people standing up for each other where they might not have before.  Nearly every student in my class says that the experience changed them.  That is so amazing to me. Thank you so much.” Sarah Chalmers, Grade 7 Teacher, A.J. McLellan Elementary, Surrey

“I want to thank you Teresa so very much for the workshop with the grade 6 students at Crofton House School. This has made such a difference to the overall well being of the girls. Parents have called to comment on the insight their daughter has into her actions and relationships. Many of the girls are more confident to express their feelings. I also observe the "in group" of students branching out and being much more inclusive. I believe that their fears and insecurities have been relaxed.  I attribute this to your work and I appreciate you so much. I believe in a world where people treat each other fairly and with respect and friendship. Your work with young people is so necessary.”  Susan Hutchison, Director of the Junior School, Crofton House School, Vancouver

“Learning to apologize, make amends, stay calm, articulate needs, be self-aware, stand up for yourself and find peaceful ways to solve problems are such important life skills.  Thanks for the acronyms, which will help our community have that common language…it was a great pleasure having you here and watching you work with our students!!! You two are amazing educators!” Margaret Horvath, Principal, English Bluff Elementary School, Delta

"I highly recommend the Stand By Me presentation.  Every participating teacher felt that a powerful message was sent to students that they will not forget. Your program is excellent!"  Marlene Day, Principal, Dogwood Elementary, Surrey

 "Through the year, our students were encouraged to try to solve their problems using the steps of "Stand By Me" or "RAP".  The result was an overwhelming success with adult intervention needed in at least 60% fewer cases over the year.  I highly recommend involvement in this program."  Karen Danderfer, Retired Principal – Burnaby

“A few months after the "Stand By Me" program, four of my girls asked if they could go in the hallway to work out a problem they had during recess.  A few minutes later, I went into the hall expecting to have to sort out an argument, but it wasn't necessary.  The girls worked it out themselves; thanks to the language they learned during "Stand By Me".  Vicky Cloutier, Grade 2 teacher - Aubrey Elementary School, Burnaby

 "Students came to understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the importance of making amends.  The enthusiasm with which the children responded and the positive feedback we received was overwhelming.  It was truly a learning experience at a very personal level for all our students.  I would highly recommend this program to any school with a focus on social responsibility."  Barbara Hague, Principal - Brooke Elementary, Delta

Copyright 2006