Character Education

In 1998, Character Counts (publisher: Josephson) was adopted by Alexandria City Public Schools. Our school counselor, social worker, and teachers use this program to outline character education by introducing the Pillars of Character. These include the following: respect, responsibility, citizenship, trustworthiness, caring, and fairness. It incorporates the terminology that is important to introduce to the students along with several educational classroom activities. There are monthly classroom guidance lessons at each grade level along with a train ticket program that began in the 2001-2002 school year. The train ticket program reinforces positive character traits in each student and tickets are distributed throughout the school year. The train tickets are symbolic of our caboose that is located in the front of our school.

Other programs are used in conjunction with Character Counts and include "Kelso Choices" and "I Care Cat." Closed circuit televised morning newscasts are another medium by which character education is disseminated. Character education quotes are introduced on the morning announcements and a particular pillar is emphasized. A character thought for the day (i.e., Remember the Golden Rule!) is often provided. Many teachers are also trained in using the "nurtured heart" approach for managing and working with our students.