December’s Monthly Virtue: Tolerance

At Springville Junior High, the administrators have established something that students can strive for--a monthly virtue. Lucas Delgreco, a seventh-grade boy, said, “To me, tolerance means that you should always accept someone for who they are, no matter what they look like, how they talk, how they dress, or where they are from.”  The administrators have chosen tolerance as December’s virtue at SJHS. The dictionary definition of tolerance is: “a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.” Mr. Mikesell, the Dean of Students, said, “Tolerance is being kind to others NO MATTER WHAT.  It means loving and respecting others, even if their actions or beliefs are different from how you behave or believe.  It doesn't mean that you have to agree with other people, but it does mean that you should treat others with love and kindness.” 

There are many ways that tolerance can be demonstrated at SJHS. According to Sena Warren, an eighth-grade student, if students applied tolerance they could help to minimize bullying at SJHS.  Another eighth grader, Ben Lieshman, said, “You can help people with their problems.” Ben’s idea could be very applicable to students at SJHS. Students at SJHS can help each other out, and show that they care for each other. 

Being tolerant can also help students in being successful learners, responsible citizens, and effective communicators. These attributes are the Desired Results for Student Learning (also known as DRSLs) at SJHS also given from the administrators at the school.  SJHS will be working the entire month of December to be more tolerant and be great students.