Character Education

S.O.A.R. with Spirit

It's not enough to simply fill students' brains with facts. A successful education demands that their character be developed as well. That's where character education - social and emotional learning comes in. Social and emotional learning is the process of helping students develop the skills to manage their emotions, resolve conflict nonviolently, and make responsible decisions regarding themselves and others.

Although family, community, and society are the most significant factors in fostering emotional intelligence and character development, educators must create a safe, supportive learning environment and integrate social and emotional learning into the curriculum.

Hillside has developed a character education program based on 4 simple and achievable principles called “S.O.A.R. with Spirit”. By incorporating our mascot, Spirit the Eagle, as a reminder of leadership, we remind our students to become active participants in further developing their leadership qualities. Through the use of the acronym S.O.A.R. we remind our students to:

Strive for excellence; Own your mistakes; Appreciate differences; Respect yourself and others

In learning to “S.O.A.R. with Spirit” students will have the opportunity to benefit by:

  • Demonstrating the qualities that make them outstanding citizens
  • Developing a stronger sense of empathy and an appreciation for diversity
  • Accepting responsibility for their actions and understanding how to make positive choices for the future
  • Developing a positive and moral climate by engaging the participation of students, teachers and staff, parents, and communities.

Lessons are delivered in a variety of ways:

- All 3rd graders will be scheduled for a character education aesthetic course during cycle 1. Ms. Scott, our School Counselor and Anti-Bullying Specialist teaches this class.

- All 4th and 5th graders will participate in monthly lessons taught by Ms. Scott, our School Counselor and Anti-Bullying Specialist.

- All students will participate in bi-monthly grade-level assemblies facilitated by administrators, school counselor, and/or an outside agency.

- School-wide participation in state and national initiatives (i.e. Week of Respect; No One Eat’s Alone; etc.)

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