CHARACTER COUNTS
Normal Heights Elementary Counseling Program actively implements CHARACTER COUNTS!
CHARACTER COUNTS! focuses on the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship as a foundational strategy, at the same time incorporating other nation’s best-practices and methodologies. Besides emphasizing and promoting a focus on a positive school climate, the Six Pillars of Character, Mrs. Alabanza-de la Cruz, our NHE School Counselor also teachers our Hawks students on: decision-making strategies, mindfulness, growth mindset and behavioral change theories. CHARACTER COUNTS! practical strategies produce exceptional results in the academic, social, emotional and character development domains. Mrs. Alabanza-de la Cruz has been trained in the curriculum and has been implementing the Character Counts Program in SDUSD since 2006 and each year she is building and strengthening our program.
The Six Pillars of Character, are the foundation for showing good character from the time our Hawks arrive on campus, log in to On-line learning, learning in the classroom, eating lunch, playing with their peers and interacting with others. The Six Pillars of Character have become part of the language among students and staff, and students are encouraged and recognized for showing good character. The CHARACTER COUNTS! framework is not only visible through displays, but more importantly, it is evident in how students and staff respect each other every day. Showing good character supports a positive, safe and caring learning community.
Trustworthiness:
Always tell the truth * Admit your mistakes * Do your own work * Be reliable – do what you say you’ll do * Have the courage to do the right thing * Build a good reputation * Be loyal – stand by your family, friends, and country
Respect:
Use only kind words and action * Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself * Obey all adults * Follow the Golden Rule * Be tolerant of difference * Be considerate of the feelings of others * Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone * Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
Responsibility:
Always do your best * Use self control; be self-disciplined * Think before you act – consider the consequences * Be accountable for your choices * Stay in assigned areas * Be prepared * Be on time
Fairness:
Play by the rules * Take turns and share * Be open-minded; listen to others * Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring:
Be kind * Be compassionate and show you care * Express gratitude * Forgive others * Help people in need
Citizenship:
Do your share to make your school and community better * Cooperate * Obey laws and rules * Respect authority * Protect the environment
nhe-character-p_48089565 (2).pdfNHE Character Pledge
Character Counts Focus of the Month
August-September - Trustworthy
October - Respect
November & December - Responsibility
January & February - Fairness
March - Respect
April & May - Caring
June - Citizenship
CHARACTER COUNTS FOCUS FOR THE MONTHS
of APRIL & MAY:
CARING
A person of character shows care and concern for others, by being: kind and considerate even when others are not, help find ways to help others, show concern for others’ well–being, act compassionately and with empathy and are willing to show mercy and forgiveness.
Be kind * Be compassionate and show you care * Express gratitude * Forgive others * Help people in need
Normal Heights Elementary (1).pdf
nhe-book-club-a_61281948.pdfNHE Book of the Month & Character Counts Book Club
book-of-the-mon_56109605.pdfNHE Book of the Month & Character Counts Book Club
nhe-book-club-n_60154531.pdfNo Place For Hate Book of the Month & Character Counts Book Club
book-of-the-mon_52022843.pdfnhe-book-club-m_57998399.pdfNo Place For Hate Book of the Month & Character Counts Book Club
No Place For Hate & Character Counts Student Ambassadors
2023-2024
NPFH/Character Ambassadors consist of 4th & 5th graders who applied for the leadership role. Their goal and mission is to help our school to be a NPFH School, promoting activities and awareness: to embracing our identity, perseverance, and ally ship. They are leading our school to be a No Place For Hate School and strengthening our focus of the 6 Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
6-ways-to-be-an-ally-online-version-english.pdf6-ways-to-be-an-ally-online-version-spanish_0.pdf
Student Support ~ Family Supports ~ Educator Supports ~ Policy
Helpful Tips for Parents:
Below are helpful tips for parents to help their children learn to be: trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and a good citizen from Parents, Kids and Character: 21 Strategies to Help Your Children Develop Character, by Dr. Helen R. LeGette
· Be clear about your values. Tell your children where you stand important issues. Good character is taught and caught. If we want children to internalize the virtues that we value, we need to teach them what we believe and why. In the daily living of our lives, there are countless opportunities to engage children in moral conversation.
· Refuse to cover for your children or make excuses for their inappropriate behavior. Shielding children and youth from the logical consequences of their actions fails to teach them personal responsibility. It also undermines social customs and laws by giving them the impression that they are somehow exempt from the regulations that govern others' behavior.
· Show respect for your spouse, your children, and other family members. Parents who honor each other, who share responsibilities, and resolve differences in peaceful ways communicate a powerful message of respect. Respect begets respect...and children notice.
· Don't provide your children access to alcohol or drugs. Model appropriate behavior. Nowhere is the parents' personal example more critical than in this area, and the family is the most powerful influence on whether or not a young person will become a substance abuser.