See Breakout Sessions Online Now!
 
The 20th CHARACTERplus National Conference is June 17 and 18 at the St. Charles Convention Center, just 10 minutes from St. Louis International Airport. We have a great lineup of keynotes and breakouts scheduled if you're looking for just the right jolt of character this summer! Breakout sessions are now available on the conference main page.  Just a few of the highlights are listed below.  Register today!
 

Learn to Let the Students Take Control: Do you find yourself exhausted after trying to make major projects go off without a hitch? Staff and students from Antonia Middle School in the Fox School District, a 2014 National Schools of Character Finalist, will share amazing accomplishments that are possible when you let go and empower students.

  

Character Book study: Join us as we kick off an online book study of Paul Tough's best-selling book, "How Children Succeed:  Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character." Participants will explore Tough's hypothesis that non-cognitive skills like persistence, self-control, curiosity, conscientiousness, grit and self-confidence are more crucial than sheer brainpower to achieving success. 

 

Creative Conflict Resolution:  If handled poorly, conflict can destroy relationships among teachers, parents and students.  But if handled well, it can yield a healthy and productive outcome.  Come ready to participate in this Character First session and have fun as you learn to identify your personal conflict resolution style and practice working through conflict in a positive and creative way.

 

New Team Member at CHARACTERplus

 

Add a description
Angela Brooks

CHARACTERplus is pleased to welcome Angela Brooks to our team as a program coordinator. Angela is an experienced program manager, educator and consultant. She is an energetic facilitator, effective communicator and has a reputation for innovation and creative problem solving. Driven by a passion for serving, Angela believes in assisting others in reaching their potential and leveraging their gifts to improve the lives of others. Angela has experience working with school districts, colleges, universities, community organizations and social service programs.  Her focus has been on both youth and their families. She recognizes the importance of collaboration and works to build and strengthen partnerships.  


Angela holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Webster University and a master's degree in education from Fontbonne University.

 

Summer Certification Series this July

The certification series July 15-17 provides an in-depth introduction to the philosophy and pedagogy of character education. The series also dedicates time to a comprehensive framework for its implementation (The Ten Essentials) and a guided self-assessment based on the national standard (The Eleven Principles). Effective methods, including class meetings, integrated Common Core lessons, service learning, student empowerment, staff culture, school-home connections and cross-age collaborations are also reviewed.   
Day 1: Marvin Berkowitz 
Sanford N. McDonnell Endowed Professor of Character Education
Day 2: Diane Stirling 
Professional Development Specialist in Character Education
Day 3: Amy Johnston 
former principal of a National School of Character
Registration is currently open for the series, which has 80 available seats. CHARACTERplus members attend at no cost; non-members pay $600 for all three days.

Character in Action: Lyon Academy at Blow in St. Louis Public Schools

 

Student leaders at Lyon Academy at Blow in St. Louis Public Schools are stepping up to help make their school a positive learning environment through the school's Student Ambassadors program.

 

The program began a year ago and was established to give sixth through eighth grade students the opportunity to make a real difference among their peers and their school community. Students were interviewed for inclusion in the program and were chosen based on their strong leadership, integrity, character and the ability to serve as positive role models. 

 

The Student Ambassadors' goals are to build strong positive character among students, create a peer buddy system, problem-solve, create a hall monitoring program and serve as role models to younger students. The Student Ambassadors represent the outstanding things taking place in and around the school's classrooms each day. The group meets once week to discuss ways to make their school environment better.

 

The supportive school leadership and staff fosters this student autonomy by empowering students to address issues and come up with ideas to create a more positive climate and culture in their school. This program has contributed to the sense of belonging at Lyon Academy at Blow and built a caring community among students.

 

Second Annual Bullying Prevention Parade

CHARACTERplus member schools and their students have been invited to join a coalition of organizations committed to Bullying Prevention. Organized by Cyndi Willenbrock, author of Marshall the Miracle Dog, Bullying Prevention Day with the Cardinals on September 1 starts with a pep rally and a massive student parade around the stadium (click on the image to see the flyer in larger detail).

All students with a pavillion ticket are invited to join the parade. Schools committed to bullying prevention are encouraged to organize a group. Banners, pennants, signs and color-coordinated T-shirts that identify the school are welcomed.

CHARACTERplus and EducationPlus join the Marshall Movement, Chads Coalition, Girls in the Know, Megan Meier Foundation, Humane Society, NCADA and the Girl Scouts in sponsoring this event. Learn more at our website.


Student of Ethics Award from Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau invites current high school juniors who will graduate in 2015 to apply for its "Student of Ethics" award, a $2,500 college award that recognizes students who demonstrate high ethics through leadership, community service, personal integrity and academic achievement. CHARACTERplus has been a partner for the past five years. Three winners are chosen, one each from the St. Louis Region, southern Illinois and outstate Missouri. Applications are due May 30. Click here for complete information.


The CHARACTERplus Way is the only character education program included on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).  Because of this NREPP designation federal and state funds such as Title funds may be available.  Contact your district for more information. 
 

 

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter