CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: Building Social Accord and Self-Esteem
Diversity is one of our nation's greatest strengths. However, differences among people bring challenges. Today's schools face such challenges, as differences are on the rise, not only in race, culture, and religion, but also in learning styles, as well as mental & physical abilities. With ever more differences, educators are continually challenged to both support and harmonize the differences among students, providing them a positive, effective learning environment.
CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: Building Social Accord and Self-Esteem, was born in response to this upsurge in diversity challenges in today's schools and to the wake-up call eminent in the Columbine Effect. This diversity assembly program is grounded in the understanding that the safer, more accepted and more confident a child feels, the better s/he will learn.
TO SEE A BREIF DEMO VIDEO of Peggy's Celebrating Differences Progrom, click here
In this diversity assembly program students come to understand:
• the importance of kindness
• the impact of cruelty
• to honor differences in others
• to value their own uniqueness
The earlier children learn to honor differences in others, the more naturally they'll get along with others. As children gain strength in celebrating their own uniqueness, the more confidence they'll have in sharing their unique gifts and talents. As children learn to celebrate differences—in others and in themselves—they build behavioral and attitudinal habits of respect, kindness, and confidence—which can last a life time and impact them both personally and professionally.
The success of our nation depends greatly on how well our children get along and their ability to express their talents. Today's young students must build social accord and self-esteem if anyone is to succeed.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
In this fun and interactive assembly program, Peggy O'Neill teaches and inspires students to delight in diversity. Using stories from her own life, slides, humor, props and student interaction Peggy delivers a HUGE message:
• Honor the differences in others
• Celebrate your own uniqueness
• Be kind to others and include them
• Every human is as precious as a huge diamond
BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
• Building self-acceptance
• Developing sensitivity towards differences
• Cherishing their own uniqueness
• Honoring the uniqueness in others
WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING ABOUT PEGGY'S PROGRAMS
See what Students have to say below
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore the issue of human kindness and diversity." Linda Buright, Coal Creek Elem.
"We as teachers give this message all the time—but from you it was more meaningful." Sue Collard, Coal Creek Elem.
"I liked Peggy's sincerity, strong message, clear presentation, essential topics and solid slide show." Matt Irman, Ojai Valley School
"Given the tragedy at Columbine High School, it was an important event to inspire young women to make positive choices for a healthy future." Nicky Wolman, Director, Adams County Girl Power Conference
"Your message is much needed in our community." Larry Hartmann, Principal, Mira Monte School
"You connected well with our students from Kindergartners through Eighth Graders. I'd be delighted to recommend your program to other schools and organizations." Sister Linda Martin, Principal, Gesu School
"Peggy's program was very age appropriate and made the children aware of how their actions affect others." C. Wilderman, Graland Country Day
"You were very effective. I wish you could share this with all schools. We all need it. You're truly an inspiration." Julie Pulliam, Birch Elem.
"Peggy's strongest ability was to relate to her audience in a way they can understand." Patty Komperda, Gesu School
"This program will help make children more aware of the feelings of others and how important our words are." Alice Elliott, Coal Creek Elem.
"Thought provoking and relevant to the kids' lives. A worth-while assembly!" Jeanie Woodman, Flatirons Elem.
"By Peggy demonstrating her condition and the obstacles she has overcome, the students will see that they can do it too." Merle Miller, Birch Elem.
"Very inspirational! Timely, because there's been some excluding going on." Lisa Dudiak, Sacred Heart of Jesus School
"Hopefully, by seeing Peggy, the children will gain a greater understanding of their uniqueness." Meggan Reddy, Graland Country Day
"Thank you for helping us see beyond ourselves and to feel more comfortable with differences." Judy Passmore, San Chez Elem.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT PEGGY'S PROGRAMS
"I learned that everyone has their own personality and I like being me." Sarah Rockford, gr. 1, Garland Country Day
"I learned a lot and had a lot of fun listening. It was one of the best assemblies in a long time." Patrick Murray, gr. 3, Garland Country Day
"You made me understand about differences. Now I can feel good about myself." Vital, gr. 4, Sacred Heart of Jesus School
"Peggy's program made me remember how it feels to be made fun of and reminds me to be kind to others." Jennifer Morairty, gr. 4, St. John's
"It really made me open my eyes! I'll be nicer to people from now on, I promise! What you said really made a change in my life!" Christi Phillips, gr. 4, Mira Monte Elem.
"Even though Peggy has a 'rare' problem, she applied all her ideas to other people's problems. It was very helpful and gave me a lot to think about." Craig Bradhead, gr. 5, Gilmour Academy
"I learned that people are special for who they are, not what they do. We are all special in different ways." Denise Cavalli, gr. 5, Birch Elem.
"Peggy, your coming to talk to us has changed my life." Tom Redkin, gr. 6, St John's Catholic School
"I liked her message of determination and self value. Also her spirit, frankness, and sincerity about her vertical challenge." Zachary Jone, gr. 7, Oak Grove
"It opened my eyes to new thoughts about people with disabilities, and I thought it was a good topic for kids our age to learn and talk about." Ashley Richard, Gr. 7, Gesu School
"I am very challenged with my strong emotions and now I feel I am better able to deal with them. Congratulations on overcoming your own challenge and helping me with mine." Meredith MacKenzie, gr. 7, Sacred Heart of Jesus School
"I had to wear an eye patch for two months and was subject to stares and comments… Your talk was wonderful and made my short period of 'suffering' much more valuable to me." Jessica Cornwell gr. 8, Oak Grove
"I learned that every single person is precious in his or her own way. It was the best presentation I've seen all year." Jamie Small, gr. 8, Ojai Valley School
CLIENT LIST, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Center for Early Learning
The Jenna Druck Foundation/ Young Women's Leadership Program
San Marcos High School/ Girls Empowerment Day
Wildwood High School
O'Neill Elementary School
Acacia Elementary School
Casillas Elementary School
Liberty Elementary School
Ojai Valley School
Oak Grove School
The Crane School
Topa Topa Elementary School
Pierpont Elementary School
Loma Vista Elementary School
Sunkist Elementary School
Elmhurst Elementary School
Mounds Elementary School
Pointesetta Elementary School
Lang Ranch Elementary School
Las Colinas Elementary School
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
Montalvo Elementary School
St Patrick's Day School
St. Jude School
Elmhurst Elementary School
Park Oaks Elementary School
Manzanita Elementary School
Los Polmos Elementary School
University Elementary School
Brekk Elementary School
Will Rogers Elementary School
Meiners Oaks Elementary School
Walnut Canyon Elementary School
San Antonio Elementary School
El Desconaso Elementary School
COLORADO
Flatirons Elementary School
Passages High School
Douglas Elementary School
Alex Dawson High School
Crestview Elementary School
San Chez Elementary School
Coal Creek Elementary School
Emily Griffith Vocational School
Denver Girl Power
Pioneer Elementary School
NE OHIO
Laurel School
Lawrence School
Hathoway Brown Lower School
Gesu Catholic School
Beaumont High School for Girls
Gilmour Academy
Norte Dame Elementary & Middle School St Gregory Elementary School
Welsh Jesuit High School
Kirtand Elementary School
Notre Dame College
Orchard Middle School
Northfield Elementary
Wexford Elementary School
Price Elementary School
Dewitt Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Preston Elementary School
