Character Education

Character Education is defined as fostering the development of human qualities that are good for the individual and are of benefit to society as a whole. Children are most likely to develop as persons of character when they grow up in communities of character. While the staff of Bartlesville Public Schools is committed to providing the best learning environment possible to encourage the development of high standards of personal conduct, the schools are only one piece of the total community. We believe that parents are, and should always be, the most important resource in teaching character to their children. The Bartlesville Regional United Way has partnered with the district to promote a Life Principle each month which is drawn from Great Expectations. Great Expectations Character Traits and Expectations Dates Character Trait Definition Quote Expectations August Respect Showing honor for yourself and others  "Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners." -Laurence Sterne We will value one another as unique and special individuals. September Responsibility  Being reliable and dependable "'I must do something' always solves more problems than 'Something must be done'." -Author Unknown We will help one another whenever possible. October Common Sense   Good sense and judgment "Common Sense is seeing things as they are; and doing things as they ought to be." -Harriet Beecher Stowe We will practice virtuous living using the Life Principles. November Gratitude Being thankful "No one who achieves success does do without the help of others." -Alfred North Whitehead We will cheer each other to success. December Generosity  Willingess to give or share "The manner of giving is worth more than the gift." -Pierre Corneille We will help one another whenever possible. January Patience The ability to wait calmly "Patience can't be acquired overnight. It is just like building up a muscle…every day you need to work on it." - Eknath Easwaran We will value one another as unique and special individuals. February Honesty Being truthful in your words or actions "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." -Theodore Roosevelt We will value one another as unique and special individuals March Courage Strength of mind to carry on in spite of fear or difficulty "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them" -Walt Disney We will practice virtuous living using the Life Principles. April Problem Solving Creating solutions and finding answers "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein We will help one another whenever possible. May Self Discipline The ability to choose and control one's own actions "It is not fair to ask others what you are not willing to do yourself." -Eleanor Roosevelt We will not laugh at or make fun of a person's mistakes nor use sarcasm or putdowns. June Friendship Being friendly with others "If it is going to be, it is up to me." -Robert H. Schuller We will cheer each other to success. July Patriotism Devotion to one's country "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." -John F Kennedy We will help one another whenever possible. A strong part of character education within the schools is the guidance of students in developing appropriate peer relationships through anger management, prevention of bullying behaviors and effective conflict resolution. Teachers strive to establish and maintain mutually respectful learning environments characterized by attentive listening, expression of appreciation, valuing diversity of culture, effective problem solving and celebrating the achievements of all.