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"School District Launches Program Stressing Values"
A new character-education program designed to teach students about
integrity, respect and honesty will begin at Cambria Heights School
District starting on the first day of school.
"Project Wisdom" unanimously was adopted by school board
members in June.
The program sets a positive tone with its message each day for everyone
in grades K-12. According to Superintendent Joseph Macharola, who
ran the same program at Altoona Area School District's alternative
school, Project Wisdom is rich in history, culture and literature
- and inspires, teaches and encourages students to reflect upon
larger issues in life.
"Kids come to school with plenty of luggage in this day and
age," Macharola said. "This might be that one moment or
strategy that can help turn their day around."
Quotes from world leaders and philosophers such as John F. Kennedy
or Confucius will start each child's day, and the pupil will be
asked what the quote of the day means to them.
Every day, students will hear a 60-second message containing a quotation
from a historic figure, celebrity, modern hero or other notable
voice that reinforces the topic of the day. It is narrated by principals
and students, and can also be used by teachers as part of their
lesson plan.
"The daily message will be a very bright moment with every
child," Macharola said. "It's a meaningful program that
will help make our day a better day, and brighten the school environment.
"I'm all for creating a positive learning environment at Cambria
Heights."
According to its Web site, Project Wisdom was founded in 1992 in
Houston by a mother who wanted to bring character education into
her son's middle school.
Now, the program reaches more than four million students each school
day in all 50 states.
Macharola said he has seen the effect of the program on students
at Altoona, and he is certain he will see the same benefits at Cambria
Heights, where he has been superintendent since March.
"We found this program to be a very effective one to help enrich
the lives of students," Macharola said. "I found it to
be an invigorating part of their day, and with the issues facing
us in society, we need this. "It's not going to solve all of
our problems, but I see it as a program that will brighten the day
here," Macharola said.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Reproduced with the permission.
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