Club Flare

Club FLARE (Friends Learning And Respecting Everyone) was developed in an effort to proactively meet the needs of Elmwood School's female fourth and fifth grade population in the fall of 2007. The club teaches girls about relational aggression, a phrase coined by leading relational expert, Dr. Nicki Crick of the University of Minnesota. Relational aggression has been around a long time, but didn't develop a label until the year 1995. 

Relational aggression defines what takes place when relationships are used to harm others. Girls most often use RA against each other in covert or indirect forms. The other forms of aggression are verbal and physical. Relational aggression is the most hurtful form with devastating long term effects for the target. Covert examples of RA include: eye rolling, facial expressions, hand motions, whispering, etc. 

Part of FLARE's purpose is to assist girls in recognizing the roles within relational aggression and problem solving how to deal with a relationally aggressive situation. Girls role play scenarios, discuss problem solving skills, and journal about their own experiences with friends and relational aggression.

Elmwood and Beebe Schools requested consultations within the framework of several Institute Days during the 2007-2008 school year. Jennifer Stewart and Janelle Kreiling, creators of the Club FLARE program, also spoke to the Diversity Committee last spring. Thanks to a grant funded by the Naperville Education Foundation, a Club FLARE program is starting at Lincoln Junior High School to meet the needs of former Elmwood FLARE students.

District 203 also sent Janelle Kreiling, Jennifer Stewart, Mary Cassano-Kukla ( LJHS), Heather Kocisko (JJHS), Sue Bogdon, Melissa Rehberg, and Donna Stevens (all from Beebe Elementary) to the National Conference for Relational Aggression & Mean Girls in Orlando, Florida in June of 2008. The experience assisted in achieving a stronger understanding of relational aggression and its effects among each of the attendees. These experiences will help to develop the intended programs at LJHS, JJHS, and Beebe.

Club FLARE meets Tuesday mornings in the room across the hall from Mrs. Kreiling's room at 7:25.

Contact Mrs. Stewart or Mrs. Kreiling for more information.