Character Education at Douglas
What Is Character Education?
Character Education is a national movement creating schools that foster ethical, responsible, and caring young people by modeling and teaching good character through an emphasis on universal values that we all share. At its best, character education integrates positive values into every aspect of the school day. Douglas Elementary teachers promote all character traits throughout the day and school year, although each month one trait is the focus trait.
Essential Character Traits
Courage - Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't; the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd. Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.
Good Judgment - Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities. Thinking through the consequences of your actions. Basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.
Integrity - Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things. Acting justly and honorably.
Kindness - Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others. Showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity. Treating others as you would like to be treated.
Perseverance - Being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. Exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.
Respect - Showing high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property, and for country. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.
Responsibility - Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties. Showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct. Being accountable for your own actions. Being committed to active involvement in your community.
Self-Discipline - Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose. Regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors. Being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires. Choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances and behaviors. Doing your best in all situations.
One way that students can be recognized for having "good character" is through our Character Tree. Students names will be displayed on a character leaf on the character tree in the main hall of Douglas. The tree also displays which character trait is the trait of focus for the month.
September: Responsibility
October: Respect
November: Courage
December: Kindness
January: Self-Discipline
February: Integrity
March: Perseverance
April: Good Judgment
May: Review of all traits