Marcia Stone, retired principal of one of the 2006 NSOC, remarks about Oakhurst, “Professionally, I have watched [Oakhurst] . . . effectively and efficiently integrate character development into each day, each classroom, and each student without losing sight of the curriculum.” The traits of respect, responsibility, and honesty comprise The Mustang Way at Oakhurst, illustrated by a large mural depicting the mustang mascot. The growth in the Character Education Committee membership reveals the strong faculty buy-in, as does the willingness of teachers to spend personal time preparing for the Morning Meeting program. Students have leadership opportunities through the Model Mustang program, leading service learning projects, and the school’s “kid-friendly” version of the 11 Principles. Former PTA president Theresa Favell reports that there is “not one person on the [PTA] board who doesn’t support the school’s work in character education.”
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Celebration of Character Family Picnic
The students will host a thank-you lunch for their parents to show appreciation for all of their support during the school year. Students will choose what to serve, learn to make it, and serve it in accordance with proper dining etiquette. They will also sing a song.
Promising Practice: Character Book of the Month
The principal delivers a character-related book to every classroom each month to encourage reading and discussion.
Contact Information
Ms. Kelly KennedyPrincipal
10535 137th Street North Largo, FL 33774
Phone: 727-588-6801
Email: kennedyke@pcsb.org
Website: www.oakhurst-es.pinellas.k12.fl.us/