Hallways at Union Elementary are covered with evidence of the students’ character-related work: from anti-bullying pledges, to Rachel’s Challenge pledges, to individual student goals, to fundraising efforts to support the family of a student with cancer. Over 3,000 paper chain links—each representing an act of kindness—hang in the hallways; students have a goal of making the chain extend around the entire school. Union has a dedicated staff that does whatever it takes to meet the needs of all students, a number of whom live in severe poverty. Students, parents, and community members contribute to the cleanliness and maintenance of the school and school grounds. Teachers not only model core beliefs and caring for others, they are overwhelmingly positive and welcoming, and they work together to solve problems. As both teachers and parents emphasize repeatedly, the belief that “there are no bad students” pervades the Union community.

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