Weston’s Character Education Program                        

Character Matters                                                    

      2008-2009

Re:  Character Education Program: Character Matters!

This year the climate committee has decided to take a break from the committee to focus more of their energy on the new reading program that is being implemented.  Because of this, we have had a late start in getting information out to you in regards to what we would like to do to teach character education at Weston School.  Although we are all extremely busy, we don’t want to see character fall by the wayside!  It is still one of the most important things we teach our students- especially since many of them do not learn it from any other source!!!  Since we know that these traits are taught throughout the year, this year, we would like to do a simplified version of the character program, and ask that teachers touch on each of the traits within their classrooms.  We all know that students learn by hands-on experiences, so we are hoping that you might be willing to incorporate projects into your every day learning that help to exhibit each trait.  Some ideas might include pairing with a community agency or activity (Nursing Homes, Giving Tree, Earth Day, Diversity Month, Teacher- Taught Phy-Ed, Workout Wednesdays etc.) that will help to demonstrate each trait.  What we encourage you to do is to discuss how everyday activities tie into good character and the importance in striving to do the right thing in all that we do!

How the Program Works

This year we will once again have a bi-monthly announcement, asking students to reflect on the character trait listed below.  It will encourage students to practice using these character traits in their every day lives and will serve as a reminder that hopefully promotes some self-reflection on how they are doing.  Students should challenge themselves to work on demonstrating these traits in all that they do.

In addition, we have also asked the PTO to donate some money that may be used by each grade level to help them practice one or more of the character traits listed.  Each grade level could receive up to $200, the use to be decided upon by grade level teachers.  Some ideas may be to use it for bussing for an activity, to volunteer at a soup kitchen, to organize an Earth Day project, or to support and volunteer for another community organization.  Maybe your class would like to pair up with one of the area nursing homes and do an art project, or have pen pals that you exchange mail with…  The sky is the limit with what you choose to do, as long as it involves a hands-on way of exhibiting the following character traits.  (Ideas should be turned in to Melissa M. or Lynn B. from now until January 31st- so that if there is extra money left, we can allocate it to the grade levels that need it.  You do not need to complete your project by then, just have an idea what you will do and how you will spend the money.) 

The Schedule

The following traits will be worked on throughout the school year…

RESPONSIBILITY

COMPASSION

RESPECT

SPORTSMANSHIP

What is expected of the teacher?

Teachers will be asked to again have a discussion with students on what character is and why it’s important.  You will be asked to briefly discuss the character words and to talk with students about the behaviors that may include.  You will also be asked to encourage appropriate behaviors and to do a little bit of follow-up with students as they self-reflect on the various character traits.  In addition, teachers at their grade level are asked to come up with at least one big hands-on activity that will put character into action.  Once again, there is money available to every grade level (from the PTO) to help us put our plans into action. 

The Kickoff!

Since we are so late in getting this started, there will be no official kick off- just some announcements to get students thinking and hopefully practicing good character!