Flying with Character
Lindbergh Flyers’ Club is the before/after program employed in all five of the district’s elementary schools. The school-age staff implemented a new program within Flyers’ Club called the Pilot Program.  Student leaders are called Pilots because they are “flying with character.” Pilots are paired with younger buddies for transitions and group time. They provide “gentle” support throughout the afternoon. For example, during group time a younger child might have difficulty sitting and listening. Their buddy will sit next to them and hold their hand, or just give a reminder of what is expected in a caring way. The younger child is excited and proud to have the chance to “hang out” with an older friend and the Pilot gets to be a role model for good character gaining both leadership skills and confidence. Providing children with this opportunity for moral action helps them advance from "knowing the good and wanting the good” to “doing the good.” Students develop intrinsic motivation to display positive character as leaders. "Pilot Teams” were trained in how to lead the younger passengers to reach a destination as responsible leaders and peer mediators.