One of our goals at
Beginning the first week of school, teachers will do an overview of the "Character Units" in the planners (Gr. K-5th) beginning after page 120. "Making Character Count"
September / October: Coping With Cliques
November / December: Handling Gossip & Rumors
January / February: Harassment: Strategies for Prevention
March / April: Solving Conflict
(Teachers will delve into a deeper discussion with these topics on the mornings
of Portfolio Day: 1st Thursday of each month
2. Harvest Day/Heritage Day
This is a day filled with life from times gone past. Students will enjoy activities such as candle-making, caramel apples, old fashioned games, quilting, making butter, hayrides, outdoor cooking and much more. This day is planned for early Fall.
3. Black History Month
Each classroom will choose an important/famous African-American and do research on this
person. Students will make a poster (which will be displayed in the hall) listing facts on
their chosen person and present this to the entire school during morning announcements.
4. Christmas Around the World
Each homeroom will choose a different country, research Christmas traditions, and present
this information during group rotations. Every child has an opportunity to present this
information. They will learn about foods, crafts, and Christmas music/traditions of each
country.
5. A Walk Through History
Students from 3rd grade attend “A Walk Through History” at the
This is a multicultural activity where students visit different stations. Some of the stations
consist of: Harriet Tubman, Pioneer Toys, Decoder, and Indian Bracelets
6. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Students in each classroom study the life of Martin Luther King Jr. or read a book about
him. They have discussions about their own dream. All dreams are displayed in the
hallway for all students to see.
7. MAGIC- This is our code of cooperation for our school. This pledge is recited each morning.
M-Model expected behavior: this means I will do the right thing.
A-Accept responsibility: this means I will always be prepared and complete all my
assignments.
G-Give respect; this means I will respect everyone and always use my best manners.
I- Improve through goals; this means I will set goals and review these goals regularly.
C-Cooperate; this means I will work with everyone in my school.
8. Counselor
Many character education lessons are implemented and presented by the counselor. The
lessons are implemented in every grade. The kindergarten curriculum teaches self worth,
empathy and forgiveness. First graders are encouraged to show respect, responsibility, and
forgiveness. The lessons also encompass no-bullying. Second graders are introduced to
multiculturalism and self-worth. The third graders discuss conflict resolution,
multiculturalism, respect, and bullying. Next, the fourth graders compare and contrast
decision making. Lastly, the fifth graders are introduced to schools to work, coping, and
peer relations. Fifth graders are also challenged to determine excellent decision-making
skills through an activity called "Plane Crash Survival".
9. Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the last week of October. It is a drug awareness activity. The students
are given red ribbons to wear. They wear the ribbons all week. The homeroom parents
determine a theme and have a door-decorating contest. Every homeroom class
participates. During the week, there are different activities for the students. Some of the
activities have been crazy hair day, hat day, backward clothes day, and wear red.
Appalread coaches keep track of the students that participated during the week and they are
awarded prizes on Friday. On Friday afternoon, students participate in drug free awareness
activities. A representative of the Boone County Sheriff’s department brings the drug dog
and talks to students about drugs. The school nurse discusses topics related to drugs with
the students. State police officers are also invited to discuss the harmful effects of tobacco
and alcohol use. All students sign a pledge to stay drug and alcohol-free.
10. Career Day
During the spring of each year, students participate in Career Day. Speakers from the
community are invited to discuss careers with our students. Over the years, lawyers,
doctors, medical workers, instructors at the
instructors, air plane pilots, state troopers, veterinarian assistant, mortician, personnel from
SWVCC, nurses from
11. SF reading/Social Studies/Health Stories
The Scott Foresman series that we utilize has various stories that discuss different cultural
activities. Biographies are found throughout the reading series. The health series has units
on responsibility, fairness, and sharing. Our Social Studies series has many autobiographies.
There are units that include bullying, fairness, sharing, respect, manners, and decision-
making activities. Teachers bring these topics to life for students by showing them how
they apply to real life.
12. Spruce Fork Advisory Council
Each year, the Spruce Fork Advisory Panel holds a community, anti-drug meeting at
Coal Company) teachers (Regina Miller, Buddy Hudson, Nancy Brown), and residents in
the Spruce Laurel area. A dinner is served and topics of discussion include crime watch
neighborhoods and crime/drug prevention.