Counselor  corner

Dear Parents,

Today more than ever students need to learn more than academics to become productive citizens of the future.  They also need to develop a set of core values that they can build on and call on throughout their lives to guide their behavior and attitudes.  To meet this need, we hope you will join us in our efforts to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through character education.

Six “building blocks” of character---Citizenship, Responsibility, Caring, Respect, Trustworthiness, and Fairness---form the foundation of character education. Although we will be focusing on one of the Character Education Pillars each six weeks of school, they are all inseparable parts of a complete attitude that will help children reduce behaviors, improve achievement, and develop personal integrity.  These goals cannot be accomplished through the efforts of one educator or parent.  Only through shared commitment can we hope to raise the level of character consciousness.

By instilling in children a strong sense of values, we are better preparing them for success as adults. As parents, you are your children’s most important teacher.  We encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities you have at home to reinforce character education.

Following are some ideas to consider:

· Children learn by what they see and hear.  Be aware of what you are modeling.

· Talk about trust. Be realistic, but avoid creating fearfulness of others.

· Make your expectations clear.  Expect honesty and truthfulness, and demonstrate those qualities yourself.  Then let your children know that you trust them.

· Play “What Would You Do?” games.  Use real or made-up situations to present your child with conflicts to work out.  These “pretend” games give children safe opportunities to practice making critical choices before they must make real choices that may have serious consequences.

· Keep in mind that respect is more than obedience to authority.  True respect is a willful concern for the rights of others and a desire to protect and preserve the value of all things---living and nonliving.

· Share stories and literature that teach lessons.  For example, many delightful versions of Aesop’s fables are readily available in stores or libraries. 

· Do not expect a child to take a responsibility that he or she has not been given.  But, once you have made your expectations clear, do not accept excuses or do the job yourself.

· Make it a family habit to compliment one another.

· Talk with your child about your “house rules.” Explain why each rule is needed---for example, to protect the rights of the family members and to keep them from harm.

· When you must correct a child, be sure to make it clear that it is the behavior you disapprove of, not the child. 

J We look forward to another PHENOMENAL school year here at Y.E.S.!!!!!!!

Thank You For Your Continued Support,

Dina Menn, Y.E.S. Counselor