Dear Godwin School Parents,
The Godwin School is excited to launch our Character Education program this year in many ways. We kicked off our school motto assembly, Godwin PRIDE on September 30. At the assembly, students were taught what PRIDE stands for and how they can contribute to our positive school culture. Godwin PRIDE was introduced in 2017 and the message is still motivating students to work hard and be a good friend. Throughout the year, students are recognized for fulfilling the characteristics of each trait. The R in PRIDE stands for Respect and Responsibility – which becomes our focus for the month of October. During this month, we will have an assembly program, guidance lessons, read alouds, art projects and more. Students will be surrounded by Respect activities in hopes of helping them understand it’s importance.
Teaching and modeling respect is a year-long endeavor that surfaces in all subject areas and school events. We preach to students about respecting ourselves and each other, along with their teachers, school, and belongings. The word respect is hard to define for primary students without giving them examples. We use teachable moments when we see disrespectful acts to help change the behavior in future situations. Read alouds have helped to deliver the message of respect: One by Kathryn Otoshi, Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoet, and Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller. The 7 Mindsets, our SEL-Social Emotional Learning program also helps to deliver our character education traits, respect lessons and the CASAL Standards.
The Week of Respect affords us the opportunity to kick-off our character education program, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. At the primary level, Social Emotional Learning is integrated into all subject areas and aspects of school life. Students learn key skills to help them socialize, problem solve and self-monitor their actions and behavior. Weekly guidance and SEL lessons are taught to ensure a deeper understanding of key concepts. As part of our school wide character education program, students will see The NED Show in October. NED stands for Never Give Up, Encourage Others, Do Your Best. This multi-sensory show encourages and inspires students to become champions at school and in life. NED’s message blends nicely with PRIDE and will give us more tools to help students be successful. Be on the look out for NED’s message and helpful talking points at home. Together we can show our students the wonderful community that is created when respect anchors us.
Helping to spread this message of respect is our School Safety Team comprised of: Kelly Scala and Anna Zayac, Guidance Counselors; Dana Dispoto, HIP Teacher in Charge; Stefanie Greenberg and Ashley-Rose Hook, teachers; and Mrs. McCombs and Mrs. Branda, parents.
Sincerely,
Danielle Bache