Robbins Hebrew Academy

At the Character Education Initiative assembly, it was all about r-e-s-p-e-c-t when grade 3 performed their rap to the tune of the Aretha Franklin original – with lyrics all their own. I show respect when I include everyone I show respect when I share and am kind I show respect when I hold the door for someone I show respect when I shake someone's hand and show good sportsmanship r-e-s-p-e-c-t – you give it out and it is for free... Then the awards: "Please rise when you hear your name," called Student Council presidents Claire and Dylan, "and accept this award because this month you are the students who best exemplifi ed respect." RHA has embedded character education right into its curriculum because research has shown that academic excellence is only one predictor of lifelong success. Equally important are qualities like perseverance, empathy and confi dence. Never before have we lived in such complex times. Creating well-rounded, multi-dimensional thinkers and courageous leaders is no longer optional when it comes to preparing our children for the future. This year we have added a second layer to the program with a social justice component. The purpose is to help our kids understand the relationship between character traits and social justice. So we explore the connections between kindness and caring, true worth and perseverance, and local/global citizenship and responsibility. Leading up to each assembly is a month full of activity. Character traits and social justice are explored through TRIBES (a classroom program where students sit in a circle and discuss social topics in a safe and inclusive environment), storytelling, buddy days and student postings on a community bulletin board. Before the assembly ended, next month's character trait was announced by the Student Council. Drumroll please… "The focus for November is honesty and integrity," announced Claire and Dylan, "and how those qualities might lead to building a peaceful life and a compassionate world." To introduce the month's plan, Student Council members recited a poem they composed themselves. And with that, the assembly was dismissed and the work began. C H A R A C T E R T R A I T S A N D S O C I A L J U S T I C E B Y T H E M O N T H MONTH CHARACTER TRAIT SOCIAL JUSTICE September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confi dence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Activism October. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Respect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Conversations and Connections November . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honesty & Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Peaceful Peoples December. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Empathy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Supportive Communities January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rights of a Child February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kindness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Caring Relationships March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elimination of Prejudice April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Local and Global Citizenship May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perseverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Moral Choices June. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strength of Diversity BEYOND THE BOOKS Building Character at RHA "The focus for November is honesty and integrity,"

• Cover