Character Counts at Cedar Heights
Cedar Heights is proud to be a Character Counts school. We try hard to incorporate the six pillars of character in all areas of our day. Each month we have an assembly that focuses on one of the six pillars and we recognize students that have been kids of character over the past month. Our kindergarten and sixth grade students and our first grade and fifth grade classes are "pillar pals" and do activities based on Character Counts together at least once a month. Our 2nd-4th grade students are in Character Clubs that meet twice a month where students are put into mixed grade groups and work on activities that focus on our Character Pillar of the month.
The Six Pillars of Character are listed below, with the descriptions taken from The Character Counts Website:
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Think “true blue“ • Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
RESPECT
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
RESPONSIBILITY
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Be diligent • Persevere • Do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act • Be accountable for your words, actions and attitudes • Set a good example for others
FAIRNESS
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
CARING
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need • Be charitable and altruistic
CITIZENSHIP
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
On January 31, we had a special Character Counts Day at Cedar Heights, to help celebrate the six pillars of character, as well as remind ourselves what it means to be Kids of Character. The students traveled to different classrooms and participated in different Character Counts activities. We created paper snowflakes, painted Kindness Rocks that we are going to put out and about around the Cedar Valley (and beyond!), we made posters for our classrooms, and had our fairness tested as students had to decide how to distribute treats in a fair way. Students also watched a video about why good character is important and made a Character Commitment of their own. They also played a fun online quiz game to test their knowledge about the six pillars of Character. We ended the day with an assembly in the gym with some dancing, the Six Pillar Shuffle, and a video of the pictures that were taken throughout the day. Make sure to ask your kids what being a Kid of Character means!
Pictures from our Character Counts day can be found here, on our Cedar Heights Facebook Page.
