Know what you want to change in your building; set specific, measurable goals; spend at least a year in professional development with the staff, ensuring that they “get” character education deeply; and enjoy a slow but wonderful journey that will last the rest of your career. – Amy E. Johnston, Principal

St. Charles, Missouri, a bustling city just northwest of St. Louis, has played a prominent role in the history of our nation. Lewis and Clark used this post on the Missouri River as the starting point for their famed expedition of the Northwest. Now, over 200 years later, the spirit of exploration still thrives at Francis Howell. One of five middle schools in the Francis Howell School District, the school is both a trailblazer and explorer when it comes to developing character. Amy Johnston, the school’s vibrant principal, insists that “character building is a process, not a program.” Since the process is constantly evolving, the school is always looking for the next piece of the puzzle that will enhance its journey.

Professional development sessions; annual surveys of parents, staff, and students; and faculty analyses of the previous year’s data—all serve as guides to taking the next steps. Nothing is piecemeal here.

Read more about Babylon in the 2008 NSOC book: “Exploring New Frontiers to Enhance Character”

SIGNATURE PRACTICES

Featured Lesson Plan: Columbus: Hero or Villain?
In this lesson, students analyze a variety of sources in order to determine for themselves whether or not Columbus should be considered a hero or a villain.

Sample Practice: The First Day of School
Students define core values throughout the first day of school.

Promising Practice: Character Connection Class
The two essential goals of the CCC are to build character and to make connections with one another. In each CCC, equal numbers of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders meet daily for 20 minutes before their first-period classes.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Amy E. Johnston, Principal
Francis Howell Middle School
825 O’Fallon Road
St. Charles, MO 63304
Telephone: (636) 851-4892
E-mail: amy.johnston@fhsdschools.org
Web site: fhm.fhsd.k12.mo.us