Third and fourth grade students at St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains participate in outdoor activities to learn cooperation, the character trait for September. All year long, students are learning a new trait each month. (Contributed photo) |
CROSS PLAINS — St. Francis Xavier School students in all grades (K4 through eight) are taking part in a year-long, school-wide program focused on putting positive actions and behaviors into practice.
Each month teachers develop lesson plans and activities around a specific character trait and will create opportunities for students to be living models of Christ.
The program is being organized by second grade teacher Ms. Jennifer Eicher. Eicher explains that the goal behind the school-wide program is to create an environment where all students, faculty, staff, and parents are active participants in the growth and development of each child within school community.
Reinforcing positive behaviors, creating opportunities for recognition, and a shared focus on these critical character traits will help to develop successful, confident, and caring students.
Monthly program materials and communication with both students and parents provides a platform for students to explore how each character trait applies to them both in their lives today and the important role that trait will play in their future, helping them to reach their fullest potential.
The character trait for October is “honesty.” Recently, Pastor Fr. Thomas Kelley sat down with elementary students to talk about the importance of always being honest. He read Bible stories; incorporated everyday examples of how kids have chosen to do the right thing and be honest with their parents, teachers, and coaches; and even demonstrated how being honest keeps us closer to God through a neat, hands-on experiment.
This is just one example of how the entire St. Francis Xavier community is working together to develop students through this program.