September - Positive Attitude

Maintaining positive attitudes even in difficult situations is an important character skill that will help students find success. Students need to learn to recognize the causes and results of negative attitudes and see how those attitudes affect others around them. They can then work toward changing negative attitudes into healthy ones. Having positive attitudes equips students with the ability to learn and grow through their fears and frustrations and interact appropriately with others.

October - Respect

Respect is a critical element in all healthy relationships. When students respect others, they treat people with consideration and courtesy and do not violate them physically or verbally. Respect for others should be woven in to the fabric of each student's life and characterize all of their relationships. It is a fundamental character quality that prepares students to live productive lives as they relate to and work with others.

November - Responsibility

An important aspect of schooling is helping students become responsible adults. It is essential for students to learn the importance of being dependable and thorough in their responsibilities at home and in school. In addition, being a positive example to others is an important part of living responsibly. Students need to understand that responsible behavior is the cornerstone of successful living.

December - Relationships

Building healthy relationships is an important part of being successful. Students need to recognize the qualities of good friendships so they can develop positive relationships with peers and avoid relationships based on negative attitudes and behavior. Learning how to be a good friend increases self-esteem and helps students see the importance of maintaining healthy relationships.

January - Personal Goals

It is important for students to recognize their own talents and strengths and learn to have goals for themselves. Having students develop their abilities strengthens their self-esteem and gives them confidence for the future. Being able to set and reach personal goals strengthens students to challenge themselves and become lifelong learners, as setting and reaching goals is an important part of becoming successful adults.

February - Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to be in control of your actions so you can make positive choices that benefit you and others. To be successful, students need to learn from their experiences and develop self-discipline, which will help them keep their impulses and feelings from controlling them. Self-discipline is a practical skill that gives students tangible benefits in their lives and in their relationships with others.

March - Conflict Resolution

Students need to learn how to resolve their conflicts and disagreements non-violently. Effective conflict resolution involves applying a variety of character skills to listen, communicate, and compromise to come up with peaceful solutions. As students learn to resolve their conflicts peacefully, they feel better about themselves and gain confidence in their ability to discuss their differences and not rely on physical force.

April - Good Citizenship

It is important that students learn the importance of contributing to their school and community. Building citizenship skills helps students feel that they can be contributors to others and do work that benefits their community. This shows them that their lives are important now and sets a foundation for becoming active citizens in adulthood.