Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday: Doing What's Right (third Monday of January) — Dr. King faced many difficult decisions in his life. With these materials, students have an opportunity to reflect on the fact that each of us faces many decisions each day. Some may be very difficult, but whatever the situation, we can learn from Dr. King's example by using these opportunities to do the right thing.
Character Traits: Moral Courage - Integrity - Honesty

International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Note: This plan is appropriate for any event that memorializes 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

Mozart's Birthday: The Importance of Love — Mozart was a musical genius whose compositions have entertained, inspired, and moved generations of listeners. He believed that love, not just genius, was at the heart of his compositions. Students stop to consider how giving love and attention to the small things of life can help them succeed.
Character Traits: Caring - Respect - Enthusiasm - Dedication - Commitment

National Be On Purpose Month: Did You Do That On Purpose? — Life can be so random at times. It can be confusing and challenging. For life to make sense, it has to have meaning. It has to have purpose, and having purpose in our lives is something we choose because when we do anything on purpose, we do it deliberately. Students explore the importance of choosing a worthy purpose in their lives.
Key Ideas: Making Good Choices - Goal Setting
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility

National Family Fitness Month: Healthy and Happy — Many of our students are not eating right or getting enough exercise. Childhood obesity is on the rise and according to the Mayo Clinic, treating it requires the entire family. January is National Family Fitness Month which is a great time for students to stop to consider ways they and their families can help each other get fit.
Key Ideas: New Year's Resolution to Get Fit - Family Fitness
Character Traits: Self-Discipline- Respect - Responsibility

National Reaching Your Potential Month —Every single one of us has the potential for greatness, no matter what circumstances we were born into, no matter what types of challenges we face. Students have the opportunity to consider that greatness can manifest in many ways.
Key Ideas: Personal Potential - Striving to Be One's Best - Overcoming Obstacles
Character Traits: Determination - Hard Work - Encouragement

New Year: Keeping Resolutions — The new year is traditionally a time to make promises for a better year. Students explore the notion that it's important to put our whole heart into whatever promises we make to ourselves. They explore the idea of being a more active participant in all aspects of their lives.
Character Traits: Determination - Commitment - Caring

New Year's Resolutions: Serving Others — New Year's normally means making resolutions, but for most of us those resolutions have to do with ourselves, not with others. This special message and lesson plan recommends a different sort of resolution, a resolution to do more volunteering or to be more helpful to others during 2006. When we serve others, we help ourselves become better people.
Character Traits: Citizenship - Volunteerism - Caring