CHARACTER COUNTS!
Central C.U.S.D. #4 implements character education!
by Becky Ledoux
August 01, 2008
Last year the Clifton Central District implemented a program called CHARACTER COUNTS! into its curriculum. An array of great character was displayed by many students throughout the district, therefore the district will continue to include CHARACTER COUNTS! in our classrooms. Each month one of the Six Pillars of Character will be emphasized throughout all the buildings in the district. We believe the incorporation of character education will aid in the growth of academic and personal success.
About CHARACTER COUNTS!
CHARACTER COUNTS!, created by Josephson Institute,
is the most widely implemented approach to character
- A framework based on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
- Embraced by thousands of schools, communities, public agencies and nonprofit organizations for a simple reason – it works.
- Nonprofit, not religious or political (though used by both secular and faith-based groups, and supported by public officials of both major parties).
- Not a curriculum or add-on, but a powerful means to advance curricular and behavioral goals.
CHARACTER COUNTS Calendar 2009-10
Each month, staff members will be looking for examples of good character in the classrooms, hallways, and athletic and non-athletic events. Students who show the pillar of the month (see calendar) will be nominated for Student of the Month.
National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week....October 18-24.
| September RESPONSIBILITY: A person of character meets the demands of duty, is accountable, pursues excellence, and exercises self-control. |
October TRUSTWORTHINESS: A person of character is trustworthy, lives with integrity, and is honest, reliable, and loyal. National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week Oct. 18-24. e Month |
November CITIZENSHIP: A person of character is a good citizen, does his or her share, helps the community, plays by the rules, and respects authority and law. |
| December CARING: A person of character is caring, compassionate, kind, loving, considerate, and charitable. |
January FAIRNESS: A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints. |
February RESPECT: A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences. |
| March RESPECT: A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences. |
April TRUSTWORTHINESS: A person of character is trustworthy, lives with integrity, and is honest, reliable, and loyal. |
May CARING: A person of character is caring, compassionate, kind, loving, considerate, and charitable. |
The Six Pillars of Character
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
COLOR SCHEME
Trustworthiness :
blue
Think "true blue"
Respect :
yellow/gold
Think The Golden Rule
Responsibility :
green
Think being responsible for a garden or finances; or as in
being solid and reliable like an oak
Fairness :
orange
Think of dividing an orange into equal sections to share
fairly with friends
Caring :
red
Think of a heart
Citizenship :
purple
Think regal purple as representing the state
