Character Education

Character Pledge

In order to soar for success at DPS,
I pledge to be a kid of character.
I will show respect for myself and others
and will have the courage to do the right thing.
I will be helpful to others
even when no one else is looking.
I will be responsible in what I say and do.
I will listen to others,
trying to understand their point of view.
I will always be honest by
doing what I say, and saying what I do.
I will be kind and polite, saying
“Please” and Thank You!”
I will be a good citizen in my
school and community and treat others fairly.
I came to school to learn,
and I will make today a great day.

Character Education plays a significant role at the Donald P. Sutherland School. Character education involves teaching children about human values. The goals are for children to understand, care about, and act upon a common set of core values of character that will assist them in becoming quality citizens. Problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution are important parts of developing good character. Through instruction, role playing and classroom discussions, students can see that their decisions affect other people and things.

At the Donald P. Sutherland School, we utilize the nine pillars of character as the foundation of our overall program. They include:

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Courage

Facing your fears with confidence – being brave • Doing the right thing in the face of difficulty and following your conscience instead of the crowd.

Compassion

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need.

Tolerance

Standing up for others who are being bullied for being different • Appreciating and enjoying people who are different • Treating everyone in the manner in which we want to be treated.

Integrity

Trying to do what is right even when it is difficult • Being your best self • Not compromising your values • Being honest and truthful.

Perseverance

Working hard and not giving up, even when it is challenging • Sticking with something until it is finished.

Fairness / Cooperation

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Teamwork • Work with others for a common goal• Polite treatment • Mutual respect • Compromise when you have a serious conflict • Make people feel needed • Don’t isolate or exclude anyone • Do your best

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

The students of the Donald P. Sutherland School are recognized on a daily basis for the positive acts of kindness they exhibit. Staff members document these on individual certificates and turn them into the main office. During morning announcements, we recognize the students and place their certificate on our Random Act of Kindness Tree that is located in our cafeteria. Our goal this year is 1,500 RAK.