Character Education
Character education is a big part of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) program, which strives to maintain a school culture that supports a positive learning environment for all students. As part of a more formalized approach to character education, this year we will continue our focus on one trait that can have a wide-ranging impact: kindness. The program will feature a different aspect of kindness each month, with an assembly at the end of the month to celebrate the theme and introduce the next month’s topic. After two years of focusing on kindness, we are making some updates to refresh things for students. The topics this year will be:
October: Compassion
This character traits example feels deep sympathy and empathy for the suffering and misfortune of others, and you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering, to help.
November: Generosity
This good quality is willing to offer time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, or assets without the expectation of something in return. This character trait offers these freely and often joyously.
December: Respect
With this character trait, you treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity, and civility. You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all people and your ability to accept the inherent flaws we all possess.
January: Responsibility
This exceptional quality accepts personal, relational, career, community, and societal obligations even when they are difficult or uncomfortable. This character trait follows through on commitments and proactively create or accept accountability for your behavior and choices.
February: Optimism
Optimism is a character trait example of having a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. It involves a positive mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people, and situations in a promising light.
March: Courage
In spite of the fear of danger, discomfort, or pain, this good human quality has the mental fortitude to carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action.
April: Humility
You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own self-importance. You don’t see yourself as “too good” for other people or situations.
With this character trait, you have a learning and growth mindset and the desire to express and experience gratitude for what you have, rather than expecting you deserve more.
May: Perseverance
Perseverance is a character trait steadfast persistence and determination to continue on with a course of action, belief, or purpose, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach a higher goal or outcome.
June: Self-Control
With this good character trait, you are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles. You have a strong sense of self-control in order to reach the desired goal.
Possible General Kindness Resources
“Getting to the Heart of Complementing” by Anne Paluszny