Hugs From Home
The Samsel Upper Elementary School infuses character education on a daily basis across the curriculum and in each classroom through to the implementation of a Code of Conduct which the school community lives by. By reinforcing the school’s code, or life lessons, which encompass the pillars of Respect, Responsibility and Citizenship, conflicts are resolved peacefully. Students, parents, staff and community stakeholders recognize and help the school maintain this code effectively throughout each school year and beyond as students transition to higher learning opportunities and the world of work. By offering students meaningful lessons, activities and community initiatives, the school and community are working together for the common goal of educating our children and helping to shape positive character in the process of their being educated. The pillars of responsibility and respect were highlighted in the fall and culminated in the winter holiday season with a secret initiative, the creation of hand-made quilts by staff and students for the soldiers in an administrator's son's battalion. Hugs from Home was developed by five caring teachers and branched out school-wide and into the community at large to pay homage to the school's Vice-Principal, Mrs. Bonnie Brady. In bringing former and present military from our community to the school to pay respect to them, Mrs. Brady was frequently a catalyst to start these worthwhile endeavors. With that fact in mind, the community felt this secret initiative in Mrs. Brady’s honor was long overdue.