Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Schools Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sonocent students and staff present 'Words Matter' initiative to Robbinsdale board
Summary
Sonnitzen (Sonocent) elementary school staff described a year‑long, schoolwide 'Words Matter' program that links social‑emotional learning, restorative practices and family engagement; the board received student performances and materials for families.
Principal Adams and her team told the Robbinsdale Area Schools board on Oct. 6 about a year‑long, schoolwide Words Matter initiative at Sonocent (presented to the board as "Sonocent"). The program teaches students, staff and families habits around language with monthly themes, classroom agreements, community circles and a student leadership team.
Principal Adams said the effort began after staff noticed a pattern of students using “unkind words” and concluded that teaching language skills — not simply punishing mistakes — would better build a culture of kindness, respect and inclusion. She described monthly themes: September focused on the power of words, October on kindness and action, and November on gratitude and compliments.
Daily morning announcements now include Words Matter content; teachers develop classroom language agreements, and restorative practices are used to process incidents. Adams said staff have emphasized small social routines — for example, prompting students to respond “Good morning — you too” to peers — and reported that the practice has “been a game changer” in how students enter the building.
Kelly Betzold, the school social worker, described a new student kindness leadership team. Staff interviewed 60 fourth‑ and fifth‑grade students (about 73% of those grades) for leadership roles; the interviews revealed students’ personal definitions of kindness and, in some cases, vulnerable reflections about times they were not kind and how they want to improve.
School assistant principal Shalinda Sherrod emphasized research showing students thrive where they feel safe, respected and included and said restorative, non‑punitive approaches teach responsibility and empathy. The presentation ended with a student recording of a Words Matter song created by music teacher Mrs. Lutz; board members received family pledge materials, bookmarks and stickers.
Board members praised the program and asked questions; Director Bassett noted the student logo work was designed by an educational assistant, Sam St. Clair, with a graphic‑design background. Chair Evans Becker thanked the presenters for launching the district’s "Bridging Proud" kickoff and asked the district to provide certificates and a photo so the board could recognize participating students.
Why it matters: the initiative integrates social‑emotional learning and restorative practice district priorities and involves families and student leadership in building school climate. The program may affect how staff address language and behavior across the school year.
What’s next: Sonocent staff will continue monthly themes, family engagement through newsletters and events (including a bingo night), and the board received tangible materials (family pledge, bookmarks and stickers) to share; administrators said they will follow up with photos and student recognitions.
