For our character education, we have chosen to use Project Wisdom.  The program is a collection of thought-provoking messages, which can be read over our PA system.  We have chosen to make it more personal.  Every day staff members read a message to the students.  All staff members participate.  These messages inspire and teach. They take less than one minute a day to read. We read a different message each day of the school year.

The messages are observations on everything from social values to civic responsibility to the role of personal choice.  They touch on history and biography, and they often cover topics related to philosophy and science.  The have a special applicability to multicultural and social studies curricula. 

If our principal were reading a message to students, it might be this one:

“Good morning, Vienna.  This is Ms.. Wilson with a few words of wisdom.

The word courteous means polite and respectful.  When we are courteous, we behave in a way that shows good manners and respect.  We try not to be hurtful to others.  There’s an old saying: 

‘The greater the person, the greater the courtesy.’

So, what does being courteous have to do with being a great human being?  Great people understand that when you hurt others, you hurt yourself.  They know that when you are respectful to others, they are more likely to be respectful to you, and that’s a great thing.

I believe that every one of you has the potential to be great.  Today, show off your greatness.  Be courteous to others.

With something to think about, this is Ms. Wilson.  Make it a great day….or not.  The choice is yours.”

We believe that moments like this one reach students with words that stimulate and motivate, with thoughts that clarify and illuminate, and with ideas the encourage and uplift. 

Our goals are:

• to build character by encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions.   

• to build self-esteem by motivating students

• to do their personal best to build community by inspiring students to contribute to the world around them while honoring the diversity that makes our country great.

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Graphics courtesy of Project Wisdom - www.projectwisdom.com