Lights, Camera, Put Your Character into Action!

History of Character Education in Warren. Beginning our of 16 th year for our formal Character Education Program in the district. Pilot Team visited and shared lessons with our elementary students. Team members provided training for teachers and our middle and high school students.

Earl Pilot Years Students were chosen to be coaches based on teacher referrals. Students in groups of 3 went into each of the elementary classrooms and presented lessons teaching character traits. Lessons consisted of stories presented and art activities shared.

Pre Current Presentations Character Coaches present a Character Word-of-the- Month through song, skits, and plays to the students of our elementary schools during a whole group assembly. Coaches are divided into teams and assigned months to present. Not all coaches present each month.

Planning Sponsors from each school in our district meet to determine the Character words for the year. Definitions are written that are student friendly. Stories are chosen for monthly character presentations.

Coach Selection Applications are made available for students in grades 7-12 during the first weeks of school. Completed applications must be returned by deadline. Applications are reviewed by sponsors. Discipline records are reviewed. Applicants meeting criteria of meeting deadlines with completed applications and not having severe discipline referrals are then invited to interview to become a coach for the year.

Scoring Rubric Date is set for interview. Students are invited to interview before the sponsors during the school day through a written invitation. Interview consists of introducing themselves as they would on stage, reading from a chosen selection of a story, showing how different emotions could be portrayed to students and sharing personal examples of how they have shown good character.

Coach Training Training day agenda consists of: Team building activities Review Character Coach Code of Conduct Mentoring Student engagement techniques Poster preparation Stage presence techniques Assign parts for first presentations – Allow students to prepare for presentations.

Presentation Day Calendar of dates for each group are given to Character coaches, teachers, and administration. Presentation day consists of: Review of story and parts assigned during training day for first presentations, later presentations are developed during morning of training. Songs and skits are practiced. Props needed are created. Music/sound effects are planned.

Presentation Day Coaches travel to elementary school and eat lunch and visit with students. Present for K-3 students during Rise ’N Shine assembly and travel to upper elementary school to present for them. At conclusion of program, coaches help clean up and put away props and items used during the presentation.

Character coaches visit with students during lunch.

Coaches greet students as they are entering the cafeteria.

It’s Your Character, It’s Who You Are!

ASCA Competencies Elementary Level Personal Social Academic Career Secondary Level Personal Social Academic Career

Thank you! For further questions, contact: Terri Callaway Eastside Elementary , ext. 226 Donna Raines Brunson Elementary , ext. 229