The culture of Chrysalis is one of respect and kindness and we strive for this on all levels. We believe that students have the right to come to school and trust that they will not be bullied or teased for being themselves. No child should be called a geek or a nerd for being smart. No child should be called stupid just because they don't understand something. No child should be singled out and mocked for being an individual.

Because of this, we take bullying and teasing very seriously. We teach our students to value themselves, each other, their teachers and the larger global community around them. We teach the value of positive encouragement and good teamwork. We support our students in effective conflict management and communication to overcome problems.

A small example of this is that we do not let students say "Oh, that is easy" when one of their classmates is struggling with something. We encourage them to help each other instead, realizing that what is easy for them may not be so easy for someone else.

This commitment to respect, kindness and support does not only apply to the students. Chrysalis is a community of staff members, students and families. There is mutual respect and support for all members of our community. Chrysalis is a very family-friendly place. You will often see parents volunteering in their child's class, sometimes with a preschool brother or sister in tow.

  Read about our student and parent expectations in the Parent-Student Handbook.

We have many activities throughout the year that foster this sense of community, such as field trips, school events and performances, Family Game Nights, and all-school camping trips. On a more global level, we encourage our students to be well informed, compassionate members of society.

Chrysalis students participate in volunteer work all over Shasta County, from habitat restoration with the Department of Fish & Game, to working with the Haven Humane Society, to working with City of Redding to raise awareness of local pollution.

I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was by your graduation ceremony. As you may, or may not know, I am one of the partners in the Health Improvement Partnership that promotes the framework of the 40 Developmental Assets and asset building in our youth. The graduation was without doubt the most asset building event I have attended in Redding ... the inclusion of the entire community in dinner... the eighth graders introducing the graduating kindergartners... the teachers speaking about each graduating eighth grader with feeling and knowledge about them... , the shaking of hands at the end of the ceremony... I could go on.

Every time I have anything to do with Chrysalis I am more impressed. You and your staff are truly wonderful asset builders. Thank you for making education a dance!

-  Susan Wilson, member of the Shasta County Board of Education, in response to our 2010 graduation