Overview of Monthly Character Traits Program at Roy Cloud
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Building Character at Roy Cloud School
Roy Cloud staff feels that character development is paramount in developing healthy values. It is our goal to encourage positive qualities, so that Roy Cloud students will develop good character, make appropriate choices, and be effective leaders. The character building program includes the specific focus traits for each month, and they are embedded in a school wide climate.
The student council president writes and delivers a speech to the student body at spirit assemblies throughout the year. The student council incorporates the Second Harvest Food Drive with the November trait of “generosity.” In December, our trait is “initiative” and student council members contact the Fire Department and arrange for them to be at our December spirit assembly to pick up the donations for the Toys For Tots Program. Students write essays based on character trait topics in class. Monthly character traits are listed it the weekly Roy Cloud Newsletter and are integrated in the curriculum. On the first day of each month, staff members are given laminated posters of the character trait to post in their classrooms and work areas. Teachers use the character traits as a focus for classroom meetings and discussions, as a prompt for writing activities and as models for success in life. The character traits provide a common language through out the school for character development. We want our students to have the tools to make responsible choices and be good citizens.
Bully behavior does exist, and Roy Cloud has zero tolerance for bully behavior. There is a bully box in the office for students to report incidents. As a result, there are few if any disciplinary incidents sent to the office on any given day.
Acceptance is one of the school's monthly character traits, and we have high expectations for all students regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. Included in the character trait program are quotes and suggested books to read aligned with the character trait. Monthly displays of different cultures are seen in the glass case in the school library and the library houses a wide variety of books about different cultures, multi-cultural celebrations, and acceptance. The kindergarten class has a festive Chinese New Year's Parade enjoyed by all students, family, and staff. December is full of holiday celebrations, including Kwanza, Swedish Light Festivities, Hanukah, Ramadan, and Christmas. Parents are encouraged to participate in the discussions and learning experiences, and students are encouraged to respect and appreciate the unique qualities in others.
It is apparent to visitors that the Roy Cloud community is devoted to high standards in academic achievement and in citizenship.
The Roy Cloud School Values:
- Learning is our job
- Respect yourself, others, and all property
- Promote a safe environment
The Roy Cloud School Values are visible in each classroom and reinforced in a variety of ways. At the start of school, every child is given the behavioral standards to be read with parents and signed together. School-wide assemblies and/or forums are provided to explain behavioral expectations to each student.
Staff respect is shown by teacher modeling of appropriate behaviors in the classroom and on the playground. Classroom rules are established and displayed in each classroom and are explained by the teachers at the beginning of the year and upheld throughout the year. Grades 3-5 give citations for infractions that include consequences. Our grade sixth through eighth grade has a progressive discipline plan with Level I and Level II detention forms to be signed by parents. We are proud of the fact that all teachers, regardless of grade level take responsibility for helping to monitor the behavior of all students.
Roy Cloud staff feels that our students are our future, and we do everything we can to bring out the best qualities in our students. Students in grades three through eight participate in Student Council. Student Council meets twice a month so students are able to participate in the decision making process at Roy Cloud School. The student council president attends the School Site Council meetings and gives the SSC an update on what the student council members are working on. Student council members gather input from fellow students in their homeroom classes and share the information at the student council meeting. Student council members have planned many spirit days such as pajama day, twin day, and sports day. Primary teachers celebrate each of their students with Star of the Week where students have the opportunity to share aspects of their lives that are important to them. There are three honor roll assemblies for students in grades 6-8 to recognize students for academic achievement, improvement, citizenship, and sportsmanship.
We strive to improve the character development program each year.
Overview of Each Month's Character Trait
Click the left hand column for a more detailed description and quote representing the trait.
September-Responsibility – Able to be trusted or relied upon or dependable
October-Self-control – Controlling one's actions and responses
November-Thankfulness – Feeling and expressing gratitude
December-Generosity – Willing to share with others
January-Punctuality – On time, prompt
February-Kindness – Caring; wanting to help others
March-Honesty – Truthful; not lying, cheating or stealing
April-Tolerance – Willing to accept people and opinions that are different
May-Politeness – Being Polite
June-Perseverance – Sticking to a purpose or aim
