REACH

CHARACTER EDUCATION AT

MIDLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

R.E.A.C.H.

Dr. Angela Grille, Principal

Mrs. Anat Mor, School Psychologist

Respect
Showing high regard for an authority, other people, self and country. Treating
others as you would want to be treated. Understanding that all people have value as
human beings.

Empathy
Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Imagine what they are feeling, what challenges they face and how to deal with them. Showing understanding of others by treating them with kindness, compassion, generosity and a forgiving spirit.

Acceptance
Accept others for who they are. Appreciate how special and unique we all are.

Cooperation
Work together with others. Teamwork can achieve so much more.

Honesty
Telling the truth, admitting wrongdoing. Being trustworthy and acting with integrity.

Midland R.E.A.C.H. Activities

Respect
The classes conducted discussions on what respect meant to the students. Their thoughts were recorded in writing. The older grades typed them up as an exercise in the computer lab. Each student in the entire school then made a handprint in art class. Their idea about respect was glued on to each one. The handprints were displayed throughout the school to instruct and inspire. Every morning students from different classes read their thoughts on respect aloud on the PA system for the school to enjoy.
Empathy
Midland's Kindness Footsteps-The students are writing about an act of kindness that they are proud of. These are being recorded on footsteps that line the hallways of school. Our goal is to have 1,000 acts of kindness recorded. We can't wait to fufill and hopefully surpasss our goal!

RAK (Random Acts of Kindness)-Each class or grade level was given a notebook to record Random Acts of Kindness that the students performed. They also receive Midland Kindness Stickers to wear when they are spotted performing a RAK! These acts are then able to be acknowledged and serve as an inspiration to us all!

Kindness Quilt-The fifth grade classes are in the process of constructing a gorgeous kindness quilt which they will kindly donate to school to share their beautiful thoughts and artistic expression.

Acceptance

We are planning to do a penny drive for the Leukemia/Lymphoma society.

1. DON'T pre-judge people. Get to know them as individuals before you decide whether or not you like them.

2. TREAT people the way you want them to treat you.

3. STAND UP for people who are being treated with prejudice. Don't go along with the crowd when people are being unfair to someone.

4. LEARN about other cultures, countries, and peoples.*

Cooperation

HOW TO BE A COOPERATIVE PERSON

LISTEN carefully to others and be sure you understand what they are saying. SHARE when you have something that others would like to have.
TAKE TURNS when there is something that nobody wants to do, or when more than one person wants to do the same thing.
COMPROMISE when you have a serious conflict.
DO YOUR PART the very best that you possibly can. This will inspire others to do the same.
SHOW APPRECIATION to people for what they contribute.
ENCOURAGE PEOPLE to do their best.
MAKE PEOPLE FEEL NEEDED. Working together is a lot more fun that way.
DON'T ISOLATE OR EXCLUDE ANYONE. Everybody has something valuable to offer, and nobody likes being left out. *

Honesty

Are You an Honest Person? (Take this self-evaluation and find out.)

I am truthful, sincere, and straightforward.
I do not lie, cheat, or steal.
I do not purposely mislead others.
I think I am/am not an honest person because: ___________________________
Being honest frees us to be real!
"To make your children capable of honesty is the beginning of education." ~ John Ruskin ~ *