Character Education

Posted on August 1st, 2010

The Hess School is an advocate for Character Education. We believe that it is essential to student’s future success and also to a healthy school community. Character development is an essential part of the informal Curriculum at the Hess School. A student’s character develops over time, and is formed in many ways. One way is through exposure to the actions and attitudes of others, particularly those whom we have come to care about and trust. Another is through engaging in moral action, such as service to others. A third way is through open dialogue about the complexities of life’s situations and actions to those situations. The essential challenge for Hess educators is to help students want to grow as moral and ethical beings, and to equip students with the internal resources to act effectively in difficult situations. It's not enough to ask students to become polite and caring. Educators also need to help them develop a deep regard for themselves and for others, a commitment to justice and caring, and the resolve to live by and speak up for what they believe to be the right choice. The essential challenge for Hess teachers, in conjunction with parent(s) is to help students want to grow as moral and ethical beings.

The Hess School’s "Character Education" program was designed at promoting good manners and compliance with rules, as well as at developing students of strong independent character. The Hess School’s Character Education committee in conjunction with Mrs. Lucy Michel, guidance counselor has spend countless hours preparing a character education program that is second to none. The program engages and inspires students' hearts as well as their minds while embracing their needs for safety, belonging, competence, and autonomy. It is our hope that Hess students will care about our school's goals and values while our school effectively cares for them. The goal is a total school culture, in which all people in the school, including teachers, administrators, and support staff as well as students, treat one another with kindness and respect.