Throughout my life as a person, a sister, a daughter, a friend, etc., my philosophy has always come down to the simple, yet difficult, task of honesty. The philosophy of thorough honesty is difficult because it generally requires a large amount of self awareness, accountability and humility but also skills in assertiveness and patience. By modelling this behaviour in the classroom, school and with my students, I may also helping them develop these skills, many of which are necessary for their social emotional growth and building good relationships.
Honesty means being open and honest with your thoughts, feelings and struggles. Have a problem with me, my project or my 
rubric? Tell me about it. You’re struggling and sad? Admit it out loud. Even if it is unreasonable to be mad, be mad and be honest about why you’re mad. I’ve always believed that everyone’s thoughts and feelings are justified by their very existence. There is always a reason to be mad if you are mad, but it very likely is not the reason you believe it to be, or even the one you are reacting to. Accepting your feelings and being honest with yourself and others about them is the first step to true self-awareness and acceptance. In essence I believe that every student (person) is beautiful and smart and capable and their experiences contribute to the person they are and how they deal with their conflicts in and outside the classroom.
Part of honesty is being able to speak your mind without fear of judgement. Another important part that needs to be considered is the issue of doing so respectfully. In order to assist in establishing a sense of community and respect among the students, I will likely 
start with a conversation around class rules and the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you). Taking feedback from students on what they would like to see in the classroom and adding to them my expectations, I will put together a classroom constitution, or a classroom statement that students, parents and myself sign as a commitment to the community we have outlined therein.