Character Counts Week: What Kind of Person Do I Want To Be? — Students will explore the notion that when we make a conscious choice to live a principled life, our principles guide our choices.
Key Ideas: Character - Choices - Reflection
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty

Columbus Day: Exploring Our Character — Exploration is one of the oldest of all human activities. Since the beginning of time mankind has explored for land, water, food, and treasure. Today people explore outer space and the deep sea. The wisest and most successful human beings continually explore their character through inner reflection. Students will consider the notion that reflection builds character and fosters successful living.
Key Ideas: Self-Examination - Reflection - Exploring Our Own Character
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility

Columbus Day: Traits of Explorers — Ever wondered about something mysterious and unknown? While the way we travel has changed a great deal since the days of Columbus, people still want to discover new places. It's our innate curiosity, coupled with perseverance and commitment that makes us explorers. These traits are at the core of learning.
Character Traits: Perseverance - Commitment

Fire Prevention Week: Watch What You Heat — "Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind." Being mindful of one's safety and the safety of others is a mark of a responsible person.
Key Ideas: Fire Safety - Citizenship
Character Traits: Responsibility

International Older Persons Day (October 1): Honoring Elders — Often we place too much importance on the young and beautiful, and forget the beauty that comes with age. The elderly have much to offer. As Plato wrote, "They have been over the road that all of us must travel and know where it is rough and where it is level and easy."
Key Ideas: Wisdom comes with age - Young people can benefit from listening to their elders
Character Traits: Respect - Caring

Red Ribbon Week: The Courage to Say No — Just saying "no" isn't always easy, even when we know it's what we should say. It can take courage to say "no" to drugs, and the best place to get a little courage is from a "wise encourager." Students explore the concept of courage and how encouragement literally means "to give courage to."
Key Ideas: Having the courage to say no to illegal drug - Finding encouragement to say no
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Courage

Red Ribbon Week: Keeping It Real — For people who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, the expression "keeping it real" means getting real about their substance abuse and the impact it is having on themselves and others. Students consider the importance of being honest with themselves about the implications and dangers of illegal drug use.
Key Ideas: Drug and Alcohol Use - Getting Honest about the Seriousness of Substance Abuse
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty

World Food Day (October 16): Each One Matters — Most students are blessed to have food to eat each day. World Food Day is a time to think about what it's like never to have enough food and to remember those who are hungry every day. Mother Teresa's words remind students that they may not be able to feed a hundred people, but they can help feed one.
Key Idea: Helping the hungry
Character Traits: Responsibility - Compassion