IMPACT Character Education Program
“Improving
My Personal Attitude and Character Traits”
Program Outline
I.M.P.A.C.T.
Poster Contest Winner
The purpose of the
IMPACT program is:
1)
to be
intentional about character education and development in students.
2)
to
provide a mentoring opportunity and personal connection for every student with
a caring adult in the school building.
During the spring of
2006, character training for students was identified as a priority by the
faculty leadership team, and the need for a formal character education program
was expressed. During the spring and
summer of 2006, the IMPACT Character Education Program was developed in order
to fulfill the need for formal character education, as well as advisor/advisee
connections. IMPACT combines intentional
character education periods with a weekly advisory period during which all
students connect with an adult mentor.
IMPACT also includes
a school-wide emphasis on a different character trait each month. In 2007, the nine character traits were
decided on through a school-wide vote by the students and faculty as the most
important traits a person should possess as they leave middle school and
continue on to high school and beyond.
The character trait of the month is announced over the intercom during
announcements and on RFB-TV, as well as posted around the school and on a sign in
the car pool pick-up lane. In addition,
students are exposed to the WOW
word -- “Word Of the Week”. These
vocabulary words are posted around the school, and correlate to the character
trait for that month.
Students meet weekly
with their advisory group (about 20 total students) and their advisor. During this time, teachers shift into a
“mentor” role, discussing and working with topics such as organization,
integrity, goal-setting, tolerance, compassion, motivation, dependability,
hard-work, having a positive self image, and commitment. The mentors also emphasize the importance of
team work and togetherness with their advisory group. A large portion of the mentor’s time is spent
walking the students through the IMPACT Character Education curriculum, a
school-developed grade level specific curriculum that includes stories,
opportunities for self-reflection, quotes, and situational-style questions. In the advisory groups, mentors supplement
this curriculum with appropriate activities, vocabulary development, and
discussion.
It is our collective
goal that students, through the IMPACT Character Education Program, are better equipped
to lead successful lives. Through
intentional character education and mentoring, we hope to influence students to
make appropriate and meaningful choices with each opportunity they have.