One Character Trait Will Be Emphasized Each Month November/December Caring January Fairness February Trustworthiness March Responsibility April Respect May Citizenship

CARING Looks Like: I make room for others on the rug. I pay attention to how people look like they are feeling I show appreciation for other people’s help or needs. Sounds Like: How are you feeling? Can I help you? Congratulations – Good Job! Are you hurt? Can I walk you to the nurse? Feels Like: I feel happy to know I am showing others I notice and care about them! Good to think of others! Proud of how I am taking care of others.

Talk the Talk CARING BEHAVIORS: When child expresses interest or concern about another’s feelings, problems, and accomplishments; when child gives encouragement to others; when child participates in community support collection drives. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: I notice how you are showing how much you care about _____ . I’m proud of you for being so caring. How does it make you feel when you do this? Example…..I noticed that you asked Jimmy if he was okay when he fell down at the playground. I’m proud of you for showing how much you care about your friends. How did it make you feel when you helped him?

How Can I Help? The names of all students identified as showing caring behaviors were recognized at our December all-school meeting. If your child demonstrates caring behaviors during another time of the year, please complete the form below and submit it to the office. Pre-printed forms are also available in the office. CARING NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught…….. _____ Being kind _____ Expressing gratitude _____ Forgiving others _____ Helping people in need _____ Other ______________________ _________________________________

Fairness Looks Like: I play by the rules I take turns and share. I treat others fairly and know they have a right to their opinions. Sounds Like: “Now it’s your turn to go first.” “ I’ll divide this exactly in half for us to share.” “ The rules say to play this way.” Feels Like: Great to have friends who are happy to play with me and have me on their team. I feel happy just being part of what we are all doing even if I don’t win or am not first.

Talk the Talk Fairness BEHAVIORS: When children follow rules of a game, even if it means they may lose, lose a turn, or fall behind in scoring; When children share with others; When children listen to the opinions of others with an open-mind. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: It must have been hard to lose a turn (or that round of play). It shows you are agreeing to play fairly. I bet others like to play with you when you act with such fairness. Example….. I notice how you followed the rules for the game when we were playing Candyland, even though you lost a turn. I’m proud of you for playing fairly. How does it make you feel when you do this?

How Can I Help? Complete the following and submit this information to your child’s teacher. The names of all students identified as demonstrating fairness, will be recognized at our January all-school meeting. Pre-printed forms are available in the office. A copy is also available on the Penn Valley Website at www.pennsburysd.org. FAIRNESS NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught…….. _____ Playing by the rules _____ Taking turns _____ Sharing _____ Listening to others; being open-minded _____ Other ______________________ _________________________________

TRUSTWORTHINESS Looks Like: You are honest – Your words match your actions People are happy that they can come to you for help if they need it Sounds Like: “Yes, I am the one who did that.” “ Thanks for sticking up for me and for always being there when I need you.” Feels Like: Great to know people come to me for help when they need it. Proud that I finished what I said I would do.

Talk the Talk Trustworthiness BEHAVIORS: When children own up to forgetting/breaking rules. When children can be trusted to assist in completing a task. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: It must have been hard to admit that you broke the rules. I am proud that you are able to do that job for me. It makes me proud to be able to trust you to be honest and do a good job. Example….. I notice how you admitted that you forgot to bring home your homework and didn’t blame other people. I see that you fed the dog just like you said you would. I appreciate that you gave the money you found on the ground back to the little boy that lost it.

How Can I Help? Complete the following and submit this information to your child’s teacher. The names of all students identified as demonstrating fairness, will be recognized at our January all-school meeting. Pre-printed forms are available in the office. A copy is also available on the Penn Valley Website. TRUSTWORTHINESS NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught….. _____ Being honest _____ Being reliable _____ Doing the right thing _____ Building a good reputation _____ Other ______________________ _________________________________

RESPONSIBILITY Looks Like: I am doing what I should and what I said I would do. I show up when and where I should I do my expected job without reminders even if it is not my favorite activity. Sounds Like: “I came to school on time.” “I finished all my homework.” “I take responsibility for what I did or said.” Feels Like: I feel proud that I did my job well. I feel happy to be part of a community that I can help. I feel happy that I did what I was supposed to do.

Talk the Talk Responsibility BEHAVIORS: When students show up on time. When students remember school materials, homework, routines, and class jobs and assignments. When students take ownership for their actions. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: It’s good to see such responsible behavior. I am proud of you for doing what you are supposed to do. I am proud of you when you take responsibility for what you have done. Example….. I notice how you completed all of your homework and are ready for school tomorrow. You are showing me you are very responsible.

How Can I Help? Complete the following and submit this information to your child’s teacher. The names of all students identified as demonstrating responsibility, will be recognized at our April all-school meeting. Pre-printed forms are available in the office. A copy is also available on the Penn Valley Website. Responsibility NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught….. _____ Doing all assigned homework _____ Having all materials for class _____ Taking ownership for their behavior _____ Being on time and ready to learn _____ Being a leader and taking charge of a job _____ Other ____________________________

RESPECT Looks Like: Polite manners to all people Smiles when greeting others Arms and legs in own space Eyes on speaker when listening Looking where you are walking/moving Sounds Like: Quiet Kind words (Thank you, please, how are you?) May I help you? I disagree with you but I respect your opinion. Feels Like: Happy! – When I am respected, I feel safe and happy to know that people can disagree but listen to my ideas. Proud! – I am proud that I showed my best behavior.

TALK THE TALK Respect BEHAVIORS: When students say please, thank you, when they politely listen/consider others differing opinions. Any time students follow rules of taking care of themselves and others. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: Remember to use you manners when we go out today. It is important to show others respectful behavior so they will treat you with respect. Example….. I notice how you used your manners when we were at the store. I am proud of you for holding the door for the next person. Your coach was really proud of you today for following his directions and waiting your turn during practice.

How Can I Help? Complete the following and submit this information to your child’s teacher. The names of all students identified as demonstrating respect, will be recognized at our end of April all-school meeting. Pre-printed forms are available in the office. A copy is also available on the Penn Valley Website. Respect NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught….. _____ Practicing good manners. _____ Being a good listener. _____ Listening to the opinions of others. _____ Following the school/classroom rules. _____ Taking care of our school environment. _____ Other ____________________________

Home and School Connection Discuss why having good character traits is so important. Notice when your child is demonstrating good character traits. Be a Role Model – They are always watching what we do and say. Provide opportunities for children to develop good character traits – Volunteering, Scouts, Church and Community Groups

CITIZENSHIP Looks Like: Knowing and following classroom and school rules Listens respectfully to teachers and adults Help our to make your class and school be the best it can be Remember to do classroom jobs. Sounds Like: “The rules say to…..” “I will do my job now.” “I can help with that job or project. I pledge allegiance….. Feels Like: Important to do my part for my school and community. Good to see my class and school get better every day. Nice to know we share what we think is important.

TALK THE TALK Citizenship BEHAVIORS: When students honor saying the Pledge of Allegiance. When students obey community rules, ex. bike safety, pedestrian safety, etc. When students demonstrate awareness of the community, neighborhood, town, state, or country in which they live. PARENT LANGUAGE MIGHT BE: When you say the Pledge with care, that shows great citizenship. When you follow the rules of our community, you are showing what a great citizen you are. Example….. You showed what a great citizen you are when you picked up trash at the park and threw it away.

How Can I Help? Complete the following and submit this information to your child’s teacher. The names of all students identified as demonstrating respect, will be recognized at our end of April all-school meeting. Pre-printed forms are available in the office. A copy is also available on the Penn Valley Website. Citizenship NAME___________________________ Homeroom_______________________ Was caught…….. _____ Obeying community/school rules _____ Showing pride in our country _____ Participating in community organizations _____ Taking good care of the school environment _____ Being a leader and taking charge of a job _____ Other ____________________________

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you. H. Jackson Brown, Jr.