It is always surprising and inspiring when your students exceed your expectations. This has been the case when it comes to matters of politics in the Kindergarten & 1st grade classroom. This past quarter my students have not only exhibited a key interest in what was first the campaign and eventual election of Barack Obama but have passionately debated their preferences. It has been nothing short of Obamamania in our classroom! I watched proudly as they lined up soberly to cast their vote during the AISF mock election and realized that a profound thing was happening to them. They were learning early on that they are to be full participants in the political development of their society. Many students also shared that they watched now President Obama being sworn in on Tuesday January 20, 2009 and had many questions about his job.

A continual exposure to the life stories of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama and many more can do nothing but instill a sense of responsibility to remain engaged. Too often cynicism about politics sets in and causes many to draw back and become passive. However, a belief early on that their voices can and should be heard will help our students not only to remain engaged but to forget new paths.
 
This inquisitiveness and awareness at such a tender age is a true testament to you the parents who have kept your children included in discussions revolving around politics. I have no doubt that all of my students are destined for great things and a few for inspirational and dynamic political careers. I hope to join you in inspiring them not only to look to great leaders but to be such themselves.

Ms. Spencer, Kindergarten/1st grade

 Our students need to recognize those qualities of good friendships so they can develop positive relationships with peers and avoid relationships based on negative attitudes and behavior. Learning how to be a good friend increases self-esteem.

This includes: cooperation, where students see the importance of cooperation and working well together with others which is true even in the adult world, honesty, friendship, and courage.

Edward Gembeh, Health Teacher, 4th - 8th Grades

The new Character Education Program at our school is designed to teach important skills that help our students succeed in and out of school. The program is titled WISESKILLS and may include lessons in our health classroom as well as other activities that will involve the whole school.

Throughout the first and second quarter we have been using our character education in Health to practically teach positive character through words and lives of real people in history, this provides an effective way for students to learn and recall important life skills. Our first character theme was Positive Attitude. Maintaining Positive Attitudes even in difficult situations is an important character skill that helps students* finds success by equipping themselves with the ability to learn and grow through their fears and frustrations and interact appropriately with others.

Respect is a critical element in all healthy relationships. When students respect others, they treat people with consideration and courtesy and do not violate them physically or verbally.

Each week, the 4th to 7th Grades learn a different WISE QUOTES, which are sayings from important persons in history that teaches a life skill that helps students be successful and responsible.

We are now looking for GUEST CAREER SPEAKERS. These speakers will expose students to a variety of professions and occupations throughout the school year. In addition, these positive role models will also share about how they have applied the character skills of positive attitude, respect, self discipline, patience, friendship, citizenship, honesty, perseverance, initiative, responsibility and citizenship to find success in their lives.

In order to find a variety of speakers, we would like to ask your help in finding people who would be willing to speak to our students. Speakers share for only 20-30 minutes about their jobs and what has helped them succeed. If you or others you know would be willing to come to your son/daughter*s classroom, please let us know.

Together, we can help prepare our students to be successful.

Next month*s character theme will be relationships. Building healthy relationships is an important part of being successful.