www.characterplus.org

Cyberbullying Prevention: School Climate Goes Viral

Sameer Hinduja, Cyberbullying Research Center co-director, criminal justice professor and author, presents on October 20th. The primary mission of the Cyberbullying Research Center is to provide up-to-date information about the nature and extent of online aggression among adolescents. In St. Louis this fall, Dr. Hinduja will give educators the tools to marshal the powers of policy, school climate and student leadership to stop cyberbullying and sexting. His research with Dr. Justin W. Patchin has involved data from over 14,000 youth regarding their experiences with cyberbullying offending and victimization. Learn more about this one-day workshop and register online.

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trainings

With a core philosophy that provides for the care and safety of everyone involved in a crisis situation, CPI Nonviolent Intervention's proven strategies give educators skills to effectively respond to hostile or violent behavior. We are pleased to share that certified CPI trainer Bruce Hunter returns for the upcoming school year to offer several sessions. Join him and other area educators to learn how to cope with fear and anxiety, diffuse aggressive classroom situations, plus more.

Bully Prevention Day at Busch Stadium

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 starts with a pep rally and a student parade around the stadium. Please join us as we parade on the field! 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. Learn more >>>

National Leaders in Early Childhood Education Honored

Southwest Early Childhood Center in Jefferson City Public Schools became the first early childhood center in the nation to be named a "State School of Character" by the Character Education Partnership this year. Southwest Early Childhood is a CharacterPlus member school.

The staff and families at Southwest Early Childhood firmly believe that before a child can flourish academically, character must be established and a trusting relationship with the family must be built.

On the first school day of every month, the school celebrates a new character trait by holding a school wide assembly. Each assembly is action-packed and helps students understand the meaning of each character trait. Every assembly is planned and implemented by the principal, family school advocate, teachers, facilitators, cafeteria staff, custodian and parents.

The school starts every assembly off with their "Cubbie Chant" that incorporates the goals of kindness, safety and making good choices. Examples of assembly themes include a tea party, a unique take on Aretha Franklin's "Respect," skits, music to move to and wrapping and giving presents to students with special needs.

The Southwest Early Childhood Center is a model to not only other ECCs, but to every school that strives to create a caring school culture.

CharacterPlus National Conference Staff

Suzy Ward

Megan Moncure

Suzy Ward, who has coordinated the CharacterPlus National

Conference for the past four years, is taking on a new role to expand membership and training throughout Missouri and southern Illinois. Suzy will continue to coordinate the Missouri Schools of Character process. Replacing Suzy in the conference coordination is Megan Moncure, conference director for EducationPlus. Megan has been with EducationPlus for 13 years and is experienced in all aspects of running large scale educational conferences.

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.