Guilford County students will Graduate as responsible Citizens prepared to suCCeed in hiGher eduCation, or in the Career of their ChoiCe.

in compliance with federal laws, Guilford County schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. refer to the board of education’s discrimination free environment policy aC for a complete statement. inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Guilford County schools Compliance officer, 120 franklin boulevard, Greensboro, nC 27401; 336.370.2323.

developmentGuilford County sChoolsa lesson on living.

At Guilford County Schools, we recognize that teachers of the highest caliber, an engaging curriculum and even the most advanced technology are not enough to prepare our students for life outside the classroom. It also takes something else. We refer to this missing piece as character development. And while the details of this essential lesson are not outlined in any textbook, it will be reinforced by every teacher, at every grade level, in every school.

The benefit of strong character can’t be measured by any test. Rather, it’s demonstrated during those common instances when our students are given the opportunity to think for themselves. Simply put, character is about making the right choices. And if we can emphasize it from the moment a child begins school, character development can equip students with the tools and motivation necessary to be the change they wish to see in the world.

Character

(note: not all courses are available at all schools. please contact your school for additional course listings.)

You don’t need to be a teacher to promote character development.The lessons can be passed along anywhere, by anyone. But in order to be effective, character development demands that we all do our part—that goes for students, staff and parents alike. Follow these steps to ensure you’re helping the cause.

At school. Acknowledge acts of good character wherever they occur—on the bus, in the hallways, on the playing field.

Recognize that there’s a place for character development during every class and in every person.

Understand that while character development begins at school, it continues long after the last bell rings.

Provide opportunities for students to connect their school work to improving the community.

At home.Learn the seven traits of character development and share them with your family.

Understand the importance of being a role model. A strong character is reinforced when the lessons at home are consistent with the lessons being taught at school.

Believe in the power of character development. More important than acting in good character is living in good character.

Create opportunities for your family to improve the community.

At work.Make your support for character development known in the form of posters, signs and, of course, action.

Nominate a coworker who demonstrates exemplary character for employee of the month.

Join the character development speaker’s bureau, and incorporate character education principles in discussions at job fairs and career days.

Create opportunities for you and your coworkers to serve in the community.

In the communIty.Announce and celebrate good character in your neighborhood and community.

Plan service events—a clean-up day or tree-planting—that encourage students, neighbors and members of the community to work together toward a common goal.

Be a good neighbor. Set an example for your community by demonstrating what it means to have a strong character.

it begins with a plan.

Alone, character development is a brick in an unfinished building. To be effective, it must function in concert with the tenets of a good education and be reinforced at home and in the community. Together, the following fundamentals define what it takes to succeed outside the classroom. They empower our students to march forward proud-ly; to lead the change.

character education. It’s the deliberate effort to help people under-stand, care about, and act upon core ethical values. An intentional and comprehensive character education initiative provides a lens through which every aspect of school becomes an opportunity for character development.

civic education. This tenet consists of both a core curriculum and the teaching strategies that give students knowledge, skills, virtues and the confidence to actively participate in democratic life.

service learning. This pedagogy connects meaningful community service experiences with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. Service-learning goes beyond extracurricular community service because it involves participants in reading, re-flection and analysis; provides students an opportunity to develop a personal connection to what they are learning; and creates a context for the application of concepts introduced in the classroom.

Charting the course.

Over the course of a lifetime, we’re presented with countless opportunities to demonstrate strong character. Fortunately, being prepared for each of these scenarios is as simple as knowing seven traits.

courage. To have the determination to do the right thing, even when others don’t; to follow your conscience rather than the crowd

Integrity. To have the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy and honest in all things; acting justly and honorably

kindness. To be considerate, courteous, helpful and understanding of others; to show care, compassion, friendship and generosity

Perseverance. To be persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition or discouragement

respect. To show high regard for other people, self, property and country; to understand all people have value as human beings

responsibility. To be dependable in carrying out obligations and duties; reliable and consistent in words and conduct; accountable for your own actions

self-discipline. To demonstrate hard work and commitment to purpose; to be in control of your words, actions, impulses and desires; give your best in every situation