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Hamilton County Department of Education
Character Education Initiative
In 1998, the Hamilton County Schools stepped forward in the vast field of education
reform by adopting nine Character Traits, and dedicating itself to the belief that
developing the moral character and civic virtue of our youth is an intrinsic activity
of the school.
Character Education recognizes that people of good will from all walks of life,
of all political stripes, are engaged in the work of developing character. We continue
to see there are many paths that lead to the goals of shaping more compassionate
and responsible youth and informed citizens, of teaching the whole child. Character
Education focuses on helping schools build successful character development initiatives
along a variety of paths: civic education, service learning, social and emotional
learning, after school enrichment, and safe and drug free programs.
Hamilton County Schools Character Education and Goodwill Industries present "The Hamilton Project" a system-wide community service fundraiser.
Learn more >>
10th Annual Character Education Conference
June 21-23, 2009 Chattanooga Convention Center Chattanooga, TN (.pdf) >>
Character Traits Print-friendly version (.pdf) >>
Character Traits Adopted by Hamilton County Department of Education
- SEPTEMBER: RESPECT Showing
high regard to authority, other people, self, and country. Treating others as you
would want to be treated. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.
- OCTOBER: RESPONSIBILITY Being
accountable in word and deed. Having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability,
dependability and commitment.
- NOVEMBER: PERSEVERANCE Pursuing
worthy objectives with determination and patience while exhibiting fortitude with
confronted with failure.
- DECEMBER: CARING Showing understanding
of others by treating them with kindness, compassion, generosity, and a forgiving
spirit.
- JANUARY: SELF-DISCIPLINE
Demonstrating hard work. Controlling your emotions, words, actions, impulses and
desires. Giving your best in all situations.
- FEBRUARY: CITIZENSHIP Being
law abiding and involved in service to school, community, and country.
- MARCH: HONESTY Telling
the truth, admitting wrongdoing. Being trustworthy and acting with integrity.
- APRIL: COURAGE Doing the right
thing in the face of difficulty and following your conscience instead of the crowd.
- MAY: FAIRNESS Practicing justice,
equity and equality. Cooperating with one another. Recognizing the uniqueness and
value of each individual within our diverse society.
