Mendham Township School Nurtures the Whole Child

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (January 14, 2019) – Some achievements are measured in a quiz or an exam and other achievements are measured in living. The Mendham Township Elementary School believes social-emotional achievement is as important as academics for their students. The Character Education initiative provides a structured approach so that students, teachers, staff, and parents can engage on this topic throughout the entire school year. A specific character trait is introduced and explored in detail each month. An outline for discussing the target trait is distributed to each class prior to the beginning of the month. The outline includes suggestions on how a teacher may want to discuss the trait with students to ensure they have a clear and common understanding of the character attribute. The outline reviews how the attribute can be demonstrated at school, at home, in the community, and also includes fun activities that reflect support for the desired trait and references other supportive resources.

In October the trait was “Respect - to appreciate or show that you care about someone or something.” Throughout the month, teachers held class discussions and talked about how students can be respectful to themselves, each other, and members of the community. School assemblies included performances that demonstrated the meaning of bullying, the importance of never being a bully, and what to do if you see bullying taking place. Fun activities were woven throughout the days of this month to show support for different dimensions demonstrating respect. For example, one day was dedicated to wearing a crazy hat or a favorite cap, this was to foster discussion of “Hats off to Helping Others.”

In November the trait was “Gratitude - to show appreciation or give thanks.” Similar to the previous month there was a number of structured activities and discussions. Children at the elementary school were happy, excited, and grateful to receive new playground equipment. At the same time, children eagerly participated in the “Feathers for Food” drive. The school’s contribution was collected and distributed as part of the larger initiative managed by the West Morris Junior Woman's Club's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The students were happy and enthusiastic to share in helping a larger community celebrate Happy Thanksgiving.

Throughout the year, the school has a number of projects that emphasize the importance of giving and provides the students with opportunities to give and to explore different ways to be generous and helpful. However, in December the trait of “Generosity - to be happy to help and give to others” received special emphasis. Children learned that there is more than one way to give or help someone. It can be a kind word, a note of support, being a buddy to someone who is by themselves and playing with them at recess. There were several giving initiatives. One example involved students writing thoughtful notes to patients at St. Jude’s Hospital to be delivered during the winter break. Another example was the school helping students organize a “Giving Tree.” Several students participated in this initiative. Each student reached out to give a “wished for gift” to a child attending The Matheny School.

In January 2019, the trait will be “Tolerance: to appreciate, accept, and celebrate differences.” Students will be encouraged to think about how they are similar to one another, how they are different, and what our world would be like if we were all the same.

All students are encouraged to participate in demonstrating each of the character traits. A selection of activities is outlined for a particular trait each month and the students are prompted to pursue those activities that resonant with them personally. Families receive regular communication on the progression of the Character Education initiative. This allows the school and parents to provide cohesive support in helping children develop these character traits - for life.