Character Education

What Character Education Means at Key School

One of Key School's goals is to develop civic-minded students of high character. We want all students to acquire the beliefs, emotional intelligence, and behaviors necessary to do what is right simply because it is right. To that end, we involve students, staff, and parents in an active Character Education program that includes Character Rocks (a student run activity), Parent Institutes (speakers and materials on character education topics), and several in-school activities.

We Promote Four Character Traits

Respect
Responsibility
Trustworthiness
Kindness

Character Education Activities Throughout the Year - At School and At Home

What's Happening Now

On Friday, May 3rd, we will being focusing on Kindness. Students are asked to wear yellow to school that day. In the coming weeks, students will explore kindness in more depth inside and outside the classroom. Learn more about what actions demonstrate kindness.

Look for materials and announcements in backpack mail that highlight the program and the four Key character traits. We hope you will use these activities and materials to have discussions in your home about these traits, because character education begins at home.

Year-Long Activities

Children often pay more attention to what they see than what adults say. Show your children that "Character is Key" in your family.

Set a Good Example.

Emphasize the importance of good character within your family and circle of friends.
Admit mistakes and seek to correct them.
Encourage your children to do the same.
Establish clear rules and impose fair consequences.
Praise your children when they do the right thing.
Volunteer in your community.
Show that you care.

Check back throughout the year. For more character resources, explore the Character Education portion of the Key Web site and stop by the Character Education bulletin board, located in the hallway on the way to Key's Multipurpose Room. Parents may also benefit from Arlington Public School Parent Academy Workshops. For more information, click here.

Character Education at Key Brochure

Download Character is Key - in English

Download Character is Key - in Spanish

Last Modified on April 30, 2013