Research has shown that an environment that fosters a student’s need to belong, participate, and respect each other’s differences serves to meet their intellectual and social needs. Therefore, California Avenue School’s Character Education program began with a desire to create a school community that fosters ethical, responsible, and caring young people by modeling and teaching good character through an emphasis on universal values that we all share. A survey conducted with all stakeholders identified core, ethical, and civic values such as respect, friendship, kindness, honesty, and responsibility that are focused on throughout the school year.

Through class meetings, “Morning Meeting,” class jobs, student council and membership on our Character Education committee, students are given opportunities to have a voice in their classroom community, they feel ownership of their accomplishments, in control of their education, and responsible for their academic successes. Students also put ideas of democracy into practice when they share their opinions and participate in making the decisions that affect them.

Through professional development in Second Step, Responsive Classroom, and strategies from education gurus such as Paula Denton and Michael Schmoker, teachers learn to improve and develop core values within the classroom and school community. Our Character Education committee composed of all members of the school community (parents, staff, and students) assists in brainstorming, developing and implementing activities and events that promote our core values. We are currently working to complete our school touchstone that utilizes the acronym “P.R.I.D.E.” to embody our commitment to core values and educational excellence.

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