Beyond Discipline: Michigan School Builds Kindness, Character to Combat Bullying

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In an era often dominated by zero-tolerance policies and reactive disciplinary measures, one Michigan school is taking a different approach to combating bullying. Keystone Academy, a public charter school in Belleville, is proactively fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and character development, yielding promising results both in student behavior and academic performance.

Keystone’s initiative, deeply rooted in the Moral Focus™ curriculum of its parent organization, National Heritage Academies (NHA), goes beyond simply addressing bullying incidents after they occur. Instead, the school focuses on building a positive school climate where empathy and compassion are valued, and students are equipped with the social-emotional tools to navigate difficult situations.

“We’ve moved past the idea that punishment alone will solve the problem,” says a teacher at Keystone Academy. “We believe that building character and fostering a culture of kindness is the most effective way to prevent bullying and create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”

The Game of Kindness: Putting Principles into Practice

At the heart of Keystone’s anti-bullying campaign is “The Game of Kindness,” a unique board game designed by teachers Jessica Walczak and Aimee Lowe. The game presents students with various scenarios involving potential bullying situations, challenging them to collaboratively discuss how to respond with empathy, respect, and courage.

“The goal isn’t to provide the ‘right’ answer, but to encourage students to think critically about the impact of their actions and to develop a deeper understanding of the perspectives of others,” explains a school administrator. “It’s about empowering them to be upstanders, not bystanders.”

The game’s interactive nature encourages active participation and fosters a sense of community among students. It also provides teachers with valuable insights into the students’ understanding of bullying and their ability to apply character-based principles in real-world situations.

Beyond the Game: A Holistic Approach

While “The Game of Kindness” serves as a central component of Keystone’s anti-bullying efforts, it’s just one piece of a larger, more holistic approach. The Moral Focus™ curriculum is integrated into all aspects of the school’s culture, from daily lessons to extracurricular activities. Teachers consistently reinforce the importance of respect, responsibility, perseverance, and other core values.

“It’s not enough to simply talk about character,” says a parent involved in the school’s initiatives. “It has to be modeled by teachers and staff, and consistently reinforced in every interaction. At Keystone, they really walk the walk.”

The school also emphasizes the importance of parent and community involvement. Regular workshops and events are held to educate parents about bullying prevention and to provide them with strategies for supporting their children.

Measurable Results: A Positive Impact

Keystone Academy’s commitment to character-based learning and bullying prevention appears to be paying off. Data from the Michigan Department of Education shows that the school has consistently outperformed its local district in standardized test scores since 2007, a strong indicator of its effective educational strategies.

Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests a significant improvement in school climate and student behavior. Teachers report fewer disciplinary incidents and a more positive and supportive learning environment. Students themselves describe a greater sense of safety and belonging.

“We’ve seen a noticeable shift in student interactions,” says a school counselor. “There’s more empathy, more kindness, and more willingness to stand up for each other.”

A Model for the Future?

Keystone Academy’s success story offers a valuable lesson for schools across the country. In an era where bullying remains a persistent problem, a proactive, character-based approach may be the most effective way to create a safe, supportive, and thriving learning environment for all students.

While the school's approach isn’t a panacea, it demonstrates the power of shifting the focus from punishment to prevention, and from discipline to character development. By cultivating a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, Keystone Academy is not only combating bullying but also preparing students to become responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens.

“We believe that character education is not just about preventing bullying,” says a school leader. “It’s about building a better future for our students, our community, and our world.”

As schools continue to grapple with the challenges of bullying and social-emotional learning, the lessons learned at Keystone Academy may provide a valuable roadmap for creating a more positive and hopeful future for all students.