Dr. Tad Savage, the personable principal of Valley Park Middle School, located about
20 miles southwest of St. Louis, is not a man who is easily flustered. Just a week before the CEP site visitors were slated to arrive, the raging Meramec threatened to flood his school. All sorts of laborious precautions were taken, but the Meramec never did wreak havoc. Still, Savage had to face the onerous task of putting his school back in order in just two days. The good doctor was not worried, however, for he had a very formidable force on his side––the Valley Park Middle School family. “We have had amazing community support that simply blows me away. Not only did we have teachers, guest teachers, students, and nearby residents helping sandbag the building, but they all showed up again to help ‘unwrap’ the building,” says Savage. The media made much of this amazing display of solidarity, but Savage and his staff knew that this unified effort was the result of five years of deliberate and consistent effort, the upshot of carefully planned and implemented character initiatives that changed Valley Park Middle School from “just another school” into a compassionate family whose members care deeply for one another.
Read more about Valley Park in the 2008 NSOC book: “Just Flooded with Character”
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Growing In Character
Once a week for thirteen weeks students are handed a copy of ‘Seedfolks’ at the beginning of advisory, homeroom, or another class. Students and teacher read a new chapter about another character who enters the garden and in their own very special way makes it a better place.
Sample Practice:
Trained peer mediators help resolve conflicts between students
Promising Practice: Character Fitness
Students at Valley Park Middle School have come to recognize the importance of fitness and good health in their everyday lives through participation in numerous Character Fitness and health related activities throughout the school year. Students learn about fitness and health in all curricular areas.
Promising Practice: Truancy and Academic Assist Group (TAAG)
The Truancy and Academic Assist Group (TAAG) is a reinforcement program designed to emphasize the importance of attending school while promoting academic success and positive character traits.
Promising Practice: "Hawk Time" Advisory
Each student and teacher has a copy of a book which is purchased by the principal. Students then discuss the book as it relates to character education and how they might incorporate those lessons into their everyday lives while the school counselor helps to illustrate specific character points during the morning announcements.
Contact Information
Tad SavagePrincipal
One Main Street Valley Park, Missouri
Phone: 636-923-3624
Email: tsavage@vp.k12.mo.us
Website: www.vp.k12.mo.us/ms/index.html