Archives: Calendar Events

Character Counts Week — It's important for all of us, adults and young people alike, to take time to reflect on the principles that will guide our lives, to make a conscious choice as to what kind of person we are going to be. Life can be difficult to navigate. Choosing our principles first can help make the journey easier and more rewarding.
Key Ideas: The importance of choosing in advance the principles that will guide us
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility

Columbus Day — 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 character - Successful living
Character Traits: Self-respect - Moral courage

Columbus Day — It takes vision, curiosity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic to be a successful explorer. This message and corresponding lesson plan allow students the opportunity to examine these traits which are common among explorers from Christopher Columbus to Neil Armstrong. Students are encouraged to put their wonder into action!
Key Ideas: Exploring new ideas - Persevering until one finds the answer
Character Traits: Curiosity - Perseverance - Strong work ethic

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 Trait: Responsibility

International Older Persons Day - 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 - Secondary-Level Students

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 - addiction
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty

Mind if I Don't Smoke? * — Mind if I don't smoke? Students consider that not smoking is the truly respectful thing to do for themselves and those around them.
Key Idea: The costs of smoking to individuals and society
Character Traits: Respect - Courtesy
Note: This broadcast message and lesson plan also work well for the annual Great American Smokeout.

The Power of One — One person can touch thousands of lives. Red Ribbon Week was founded in honor of one man who made a difference in reducing drug trafficking. These materials will help your students explore the notion that their individual thoughts and actions affect others, and that one person can impact the lives of many, for better or for worse.
Key Ideas: Ending drug and alcohol abuse - One person can make a difference
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Caring - Courage

Additional Broadcast Messages
Ecstasy – The Drug
Not Too Smart
What’s Really Cool

World Food Day — 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