Archives: Calendar Events

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (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.
Key Ideas: Awareness of our daily choices - Doing the right thing
Character Traits: Moral courage - Integrity - Honesty
*Note: This broadcast message and lesson plan work well for Black History Month.

Holocaust Remembrance — 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.

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.
Key Ideas: The life and birthday of Mozart (January 27th) - The genius of love - Accomplishments driven by love
Character Traits: Caring - Respect - Enthusiasm - Dedication - Commitment

National Be On Purpose Month — 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: Deliberately choosing positive actions - Goal setting - Self-absorption
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility

National Family Fitness Month — 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: Family fitness - Keeping resolutions
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 — 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.
Key Idea: Making resolutions as a way to reach goals and dreams
Character Traits: Determination - Commitment - Caring

New Year's Resolutions — When we volunteer our time to help others, even in small ways, we can make a big difference in the world. Students take a look at the ways that they can use their personal power to bring joy to others in need. They also learn that in giving back to their community, they build a better life for themselves.
Key Idea: Volunteers ease the suffering in our world
Character Traits: Citizenship - Volunteerism - Caring

Olympics — No Olympic athlete has worked harder to get to the Olympics than those who compete in the Paralympics for disabled athletes. One such athlete is Ralph Green. Ralph has a story that will inspire both you and your students.
Key Ideas: Turning obstacles into opportunities
Character Traits: : Respect - Responsibility - Perseverance - Dedication - Strong work ethic