In Lower School, Character Education is an integral component of our Social Responsibility curriculum. Each year we emphasize five character traits taken from the PD Passport: respect for self and others, confidence, courage, perseverance, and empathy. Each Lower School class will read a picture book that highlights one of these five character traits. After reading the book, teachers will guide their students in a discussion about the trait and students will further reflect on that trait with an entry on their Write Your Own Story Journal (a journal in which all Lower School students have the opportunity to reflect on each trait as well as other service opportunities and moments of gratitude or giving that they may experience throughout the year)

Social responsibility within the Middle School offers our students numerous opportunities to experience and act upon the emotion of Empathy. Whether supporting trout healthy habitats or ensuring that our CMS friends have backpacks filled with supplies to meet the needs of young learners, Middle School students will continue to support others during the World Wide Week of Service by making cards during advisory for PDS Cares.