The philosophy of our founder, D. Esther Swain, was to provide "...an atmosphere which not only emphasizes knowledge and the skills of learning, but also incul- cates ethical values." Today our mission reminds us that Swain is a place where students develop a strong sense of character.

For many years Swain had a small character education program in place. When Todd Stansbery became Head of School in 2006, he and school counselor
Ruth Ann Haussmann selected Creating Classrooms and Homes of Virtue, by Margaret Walding, as a resource. A program that many independent schools use, it is a comprehensive curriculum which celebrates "eighteen virtues common to many different cultures and all major faith traditions".

Swain's Virtue of the Month program incorporates 18 virtues which are taught - one virtue per month - over a two year period. Virtues such as Goodness, Compassion, and Courage are emphasized monthly with our entire student body. Classroom activities, assemblies, and 'teachable moments' establish a moral climate in which the habits of virtue are practiced. While the task of character building primarily resides with the family, it is important for the home and school to establish a close partnership in guiding each child's moral development.

The monthly virtues for the 2014-2015 school year are: Acceptance, Forgiveness, Thankfulness, Reverence, Justice, Loyalty, Perseverance, Stewardship, and Peacefulness.

Here are just a few ways in which these virtues are emphasized:

- For the month of November we have focused on "Thankfulness", and there are many examples around the building. Although the recent Harvest Feast was primarily an opportunity to connect our Swain community, we do take time to show gratitude - each attendee writes what he or she is thankful for, on individual table place cards. Twelve students - one from each Birthday Group - share their thoughts before the meal (right). See photos from this year's event.

- The Kindergarten students share the story of the first Thanksgiving at our annual Thanksgiving Assembly. This tradition began in 1967 when Kindergarten teacher Marion Remington wrote the story of John Alden and Priscilla Mullens' wedding, and her students acted it out. Several years ago it was modified so the Kindergarten students could create their own 'tableaux' (living pictures) to tell the Thanksgiving story. See photos from this year's Assembly.


- Another traditional school-wide example of practicing a virtue is our April celebration of Stewardship. As part of our annual Earth Day event, all students learn more about our earth and get an opportunity to care for a small piece of it, our beautiful 20-acre campus. See photos from last year's Earth Day events.

In addition to these school-wide activities, classroom teachers plan special projects and discussions around the virtues. For example, Prekindergarten teacher Glenda Akers presents the abstract concept of "patience" by having her students plant bulbs in the fall. Each month they check their plot, learning that patience is the only way to get the bulbs to emerge in the spring. (We think they also used 'perseverance' in digging those deep holes!) See more photos.

We think Mrs. Swain would be happy to know her philosophy lives on in the students' daily lives - guided by their teachers and reinforced at home.