McDivitt students are welcomed at the front door everyday by the principal, counselor, and teachers. Our suburban title one school is home to 523 socioeconomically and ethnically diverse students. Our staff and parents are dedicated to creating a positive learning environment supporting the education and well-being of all our children. Our program arose with the staff’s awareness of student attitudes toward school rules. A school-based committee was established, comprised of all stakeholders. Five years ago the committee decided to use Josephson’s six pillars of character from his book Making Ethical Decisions. We began our character program by addressing monthly activities based on each pillar; students were acknowledged with certificates and a letter to their parents for demonstrating good character. Over the years we have added disability awareness, service learning, conflict resolution, peer mediation, morning meetings, student leadership opportunities, empathy training, and two parent groups beyond PTA:  Parent Advisory and School Safety Team. To expand beyond the school community, we established a K-Kids Club. This club includes students in grades 1-5, and is based on the principles of character building, inclusiveness, and leadership. Events require parent involvement and provide opportunities to perform service in the community. McDivitt School hopes to foster an environment that supports core values and academic integrity for the entire school community.

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