Middle School

Character Education

 
 
  WHAT IS IT?
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Initiative is an essential quality of citizens in a democratic society. As participating citizens in a government "by the people," we practice initiative to help our community (i.e. school, community, state, nation). When we see something that needs to be done, we must do it. We are better citizens of our world when we find ways to help better it.











 
  WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
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Initiative: to do something of one's own free will because it needs to be done.

Citizenship: the duties and responsibilities that come with being a member of a community


 
  KIDS IN ACTION:
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Emily and Jules taking on a new self-directed student project to improve the quality of student life on campus.

Kids in the Environmental Club who volunteer time on weekends to clean up the local marsh.

Kids who participate in the Safe Route to School Program because they believe in improving the quality of life by walking or biking to school and not using cars all the time.







 
  WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
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>initiate a project without prompting or nagging that will improve a situation

> raise hard questions to make people aware of social issues that need to be addressed

>stand up for students who are being put down or teased by others

>volunteer to do tasks that are important to be done, but not always interesting to do


 
Adapted from Tools for Citizenship & Life, by Sue Pearson