Constitution Day: America: Extraordinary Possibilities * — On this day when the nation pauses to consider the significance of the U.S. Constitution, students have the opportunity to consider two important notions: 1) they live in one of the freest and most prosperous nations in the world, and 2) it is a nation full of extraordinary possibilities created by ordinary people.
Key Ideas: Democratic Process - Power of Each Individual Voter - Civic Duty
Character Traits: Responsibility - Citizenship

Courage - Brave Hearts — Moral courage requires that we act upon the principles in which we believe, while being conscious of the risks involved. Moral courage can be encouraged and taught by example and by practice. Learning to have the courage of one's convictions is an important part of creating a life that is both successful and meaningful.
Key Idea: Acting upon core ethical values often requires moral courage
Character Traits: Courage - Kindness - Honesty

Each One Matters * — Most students are blessed to have food to eat each day. Students have the opportunity 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
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for World Food Day: October 16.

Everyone Has a Gift — Each of us has a gift to give the world, a special talent, ability, or skill. It's important that young people consider what their gift is and how they can use that gift to make the world a better place. Students explore the idea that they each have unique qualities and talents and the external support systems to develop them.
Key Ideas: Each of us is gifted for something - Discovering one's special qualities and gifts
Character Traits: Perseverance - Confidence - Self-Respect - Self-Responsibility

Fate, Freedom, and Coming to School * — Democracies are made strong by educated, responsible, and caring citizens. Some would say that a democracy cannot survive without citizens who are capable of making informed and wise choices. This is an opportunity for students to consider the benefits of a free and public education and how their education can impact our common future.
Key Ideas: Citizenship - The Importance of Educated Citizens in a Democratic Society
Character Trait: Responsibility

Global and National Youth Services Day - Not from Without * — What would the world look like if people were concerned only with themselves? Volunteer work gets us out of ourselves and into the needs of others. Students consider the cost of self-absorption and of expecting the outside world to make them happy, and then explore the benefits of serving others
Key Ideas: Volunteering - Service Projects - Self-Absorption
Character Traits: Charity - Generosity - Responsibility - Caring

Good Sport — Fall sports events provide great opportunities to enjoy the spirit of competition while practicing the Golden Rule. Students consider that whether their team is winning or losing the game, they can be winners by simply being fair and courteous human beings. When they practice good sportsmanship, they always win.
Key Ideas: Good Sportsmanship - Sports Events
Character Traits: Respect - Courtesy - Civility

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
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for International Older Persons Day: October 1.

I'll Volunteer! — Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Serving others can build self-respect, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Students will consider the notion that through serving others they can learn more about themselves, their personal power, and their unique gifts and talents.
Key Ideas: Volunteerism - Citizenship - Increased Self-Awareness
Character Traits: Responsibility - Respect - Confidence - Caring

Inconvenience Yourself Day: Going to the Trouble (4th Wed. in February) * — Being a person with strong character means being a person who goes to the trouble of doing what's right instead of doing what's easy, and that's not always convenient. In honor of Inconvenience Yourself Day, students are encouraged to take time to step outside of themselves and commit a random act of kindness by doing something special for someone else.
Key Ideas: Going to the Trouble of Being a Person with Character - Thinking of Others
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Random Acts of Kindness

Playing by the Rules — Rules help us maintain order, fairness, and safety. Most rules are established for an excellent reason and are intended to benefit the whole community. Students explore the rationale for rules, responsible ways to challenge rules, and the need to follow rules as responsible members of society.
Key Ideas: Rationale for rules - Following rules for the benefit of self and others - Golden Rule
Character Traits: Responsibility - Citizenship

The Power of Ideas * — The founding of America has been called a grand adventure in ideas. Ideas come with consequences, both good and bad.
Key Ideas: U.S. Constitution - Founding Fathers - Citizenship - Ideas
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Cooperation
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for Constitution Day.

Remembering the Holocaust * — This lesson was inspired by the now famous Paper Clips Project. Students will explore the consequences of injustice, prejudices and apathy, and consider how they as individuals can make a difference.
Key Ideas: Human Rights - Making a Difference
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Tolerance - Dignity
Note: This message and lesson plan is appropriate for any event that memorializes the Holocaust.