Home Character Connection
The objective of this practice is to involve family members in incorporating positive character traits at home and school. This provides another means for students and families to have a sense of belonging in our school and community. The Character Education Team works together to plan activities for the students and their families to complete. Once the activity is determined, the Character Education Team will first present this activity to staff during a Professional Learning Community work session. These activities are then discussed in homeroom classes and sent home with the students. The students have three weeks to complete the activity at home and return it to school. The Character Connection projects are unique in that they are not “ordinary, expected homework”.  They are special activities that tie into character education initiatives that are already in place and reinforce the actions and language of good character. Zitzman Elementary’s families have participate in approximately four Home Character Connections per year. After students turn in their completed projects, staff and students work together to decide where and how they should be displayed. The students, staff and family members that come into the building are able to enjoy the Home Character Connection display and give positive feedback. Children are inspired by the daily observation of their family projects as well as the projects of other families. Since the implementation of Home Character Connection, there has been a positive impact on school climate and students are noticibly proud of their family projects. Teachers have also responded well to the Home Character Connection. If you look at the display, you will notice that teachers have completed some of the activities with their families.   Our goal next year is to increase the frequency of the Home Character activities.