Taking “Be Nice” to the Next Level

Students and leaders from all Williamson County Schools

You’ve probably heard the slogan “Be Nice” if you have a Williamson County student. And, even if you don’t the tee shirts worn by students and faculty from the schools can be seen on any given day around town.

What you may not know is how this valuable program came into fruition and where the “Be Nice” campaign is headed in its second year.

Julie Oyer, created Be Nice Campaign
Julie Oyer, created Be Nice Campaign

It all began with Dr. Juli Oyer, Fairview High School Principal, having a not so nice encounter with an airlines employee while traveling through Charlotte. Her frustrations came to a head after a verbal exchange with Oyer saying, “Please just be kind to me.”

An idea was born and Oyer became committed to “Bring kindness back in our schools.” And that is exactly what Oyer and other committed teachers, counselors and STARS leaders have implemented.

At a “Be Nice” seminar held June 3rd at Ravenwood High School, Carol Birdsong, Communications Director for Williamson County Schools, explained that the first year was great with the tee shirts and buy in from the schools. However, going into the programs second year, everyone involved talked about what to do next.

“The decision to move forward with a learner/leader type program enlisted STARS to work with the middle and high school students while counselors created the curriculum for elementary age students. Don’t reinvent, simply weave the message into what you do,” Birdsong said.

The summit at Ravenwood High School brought two student representatives from every school in the district, and one staff member.

From 8:30-11:30 a.m. groups with age relatable names like “Ironman, Captain America, Spiderman and the Hulk” moved through activities, trainings and valuable sharing time to learn strategies that can in turn be applied back to their respective schools.

Eric Swanson, STARS Youth Development, spoke to a group of middle and high school students. He encouraged the students to always, “Call people by their name. Speaking someone’s name is important because it gives them value.”

Comments by the different age groups was at times jaw dropping and heart wrenching. These students got exactly why they were diving into the topic of kindness and being nice.

In talking with Dr. Oyer about the future of “Be Nice,” she explained the goals and the impact the program can have in the future.

“Teaching from the heart and the brain is the goal. Kids innately get that kindness is good. However, if we don’t spend time on the brain, getting the tools and strategies to change then it won’t work. Leading with the heart, growing leadership empowering our students with the skills to change the world is the key,” shared Oyer.

In the fall of 2015, every school will have the opportunity to take their campaign to the next level. In addition, Franklin Special School District and several local businesses have added their support of the program.

More School News