Character

Character Education

Effective character education is based on core ethical values rooted in democratic society, in particular, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, justice and fairness, caring, and civic virtue and citizenship.
(The Josephson Institute of Ethics Aspen Declaration)

2007 and 2008 National Schools of Character Finalist

2005 National Schools of Character Promising Practices Award

Arlington Traditional School is one of 12 schools profiled in a new book, "On Purpose: How Great School Cultures Form Strong Character" by Samuel Casey Carter. The book details selected American schools that focus on exceptional character development, school culture and academic achievement. ATS is chapter 8! Carter, a senior fellow with the Center for Educational Reform, studied the cultures of more than 3,500 schools across the country. Visit Samuel Casey Carter's website for more information about the book and to order copies. In addition, click here to view Samuel Casey Carter discuss his book on C-SPAN.

Schools of Character talk about Character every day!

"There is a common saying that character education is about helping young people know the good, desire the good, and do the good. By helping young people reflect on the laws of life that mean the most, we know they are more likely to live by those principles and ideals throughout their lives."
(Sanford N. McDonnell, Chairman Emeritus, McDonnell Douglas Corporation)

The Wall of Character salutes students who exhibit and model good character!

Click here to view a list of picture books to support character education.

Six Pillars of Character

http://josephsoninstitute.org/sixpillars.html

Respect

A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.

Follow the Golden Rule; treat others with respect
Be tolerant of differences
Use good manners, not bad language
Be considerate of the feelings of others
Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone
Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

A person of character meets the demands of duty, is accountable, pursues excellence, and exercises self-control.

Do what you are supposed to do
Persevere: keep on trying!
Always do your best
Use self-control
Be self-disciplined
Think before you act – consider the consequences
Be accountable for your choices

Caring

A person of character is caring, compassionate, kind, loving, considerate, and charitable.

Be kind
Be compassionate and show you care
Express gratitude
Forgive others
Help people in need

Fairness

A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints.

Play by the rules
Take turns and share
Be open-minded; listen to others
Don’t take advantage of others
Don’t blame others

Trustworthiness

A person of character is trustworthy, lives with integrity, is honest, reliable, and loyal.

Be honest
Don’t deceive, cheat or steal
Be reliable – do what you say you will do
Have the courage to do the right thing
Build a good reputation
Be loyal – stand by your family, friends and country

Citizenship

A person of character is a good citizen, does his or her share, helps the community, plays by the rules, and respects authority and law.

Do your share to make your school and community better
Cooperate
Stay informed; vote
Be a good neighbor
Obey laws and rules
Respect authority
Protect the environment

...A person's true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching.

...choose to do what you know is the right thing to do.

...“Do the right thing” even when it’s hard, care for those less fortunate, and take responsibility for your behavior.

Character

Character Education

Effective character education is based on core ethical values rooted in democratic society, in particular, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, justice and fairness, caring, and civic virtue and citizenship. (The Josephson Institute of Ethics Aspen Declaration)

Effective character education is based on core ethical values rooted in democratic society, in particular, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, justice and fairness, caring, and civic virtue and citizenship.
(The Josephson Institute of Ethics Aspen Declaration)