Character education is a national movement to help create schools that foster ethical, responsible and caring young people. By taking a proactive effort, it is Southwestern Middle School's goal to teach our students important core values such as; responsibility, tolerance, honesty, respect, cooperation and acceptance. We as educators feel it is essential to teach, model and practice these core values. In today's society, it is vital to develop positive character traits among its youth.
The middle school kicked off the 2010-11 school year with a day of character building activities. One of the highlights of the day was nationally known motivational speaker Cary Travanovich. He delivered his message through pantomime and his own life experiences. The students also had several break-out groups, headed by the faculty and staff. They learned about the core values by participating in roleplaying, discussions and creative activities, including making a time capsule.
Throughout the year we will be returning to our character groups to revisit and strengthen the positive character values. In addition, teachers will reinforce these core values during their classes by emphasizing the importance of positive values every day.
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Southwestern Middle School students conducted a can drive for the Joint Neighborhood Project as a character-building activity.