|
The CPCE Approach
Outreach and Connections
Parents and community members should be involved in the planning
and implementation of the character education program at the school
and district level. It is especially critical that the school provide
clear communication about character education and provide parents,
school district personnel and other community members with information
on character education program successes and areas where the school
would like to make improvements.
Parent
Flyer
SAMPLES FROM FREE TO LEARN SCHOOLS
Sample
Principal's Newsletter
Sample Parents Newsletter
Tips from the Pilot Phase (1995-2000)
Adults modeling the behavior they wish to cultivate in students
are a powerful tool. 'Do as I do' sends a strong message to children
about respect, caring, responsibility and fairness. Schools have
found that it is important to emphasize courtesy and caring in both
adult-to-adult and adult-to-student interactions.
The modeling can be as simple as adults saying "please"
and "thank you" to each other. Adults can be strong examples
to children when they treat each other with respect, such as not
interrupting when someone else is talking, or not ridiculing someone
else's ideas. Schools have elected different ways for adults to
recognize other adults' good character, such as a "Kudos"
box where one staff member can write a note about the positive character
of another adult on campus.
• Arbuckle included community in the program through several
means. Businesses received signs asking them to "Ask for a
Please and Expect a Thank-You from Arbuckle Students." The
school sends copies of the "Cool School News" with information
on the word of the week and other character education material to
all community churches. (Arbuckle Elementary)
• Character Education is featured in the Principal's weekly
newsletter that goes home to parents. (Nicholas Elementary)
• Each grade participates in a community service project,
which puts character traits into action to benefit others. (Skycrest
Elementary)
• The school provides parent workshops to help parents strengthen
relationships with their children. (Skycrest Elementary)
|
