Avalon School, St. Paul, MN
Avalon Governance Model
Students in grades 7-12 learn self-determination, responsibility and respect for others byparticipating in the Avalon Circle, Congress and Peer Mediation programs outlined in their constitution. This framework helps students acquire positive skills, attitudes and behaviors.
Contact – Carrie Bakken, Program Coordinator: carrie@avalonschool.org
Chatfield Elementary, Belle Plaine, MN
All-School Morning Meeting
The first Friday of each month, this K-2 elementary school holds a school-wide morningmeeting. The meeting begins with a welcome from each classroom. Second grade students then model the character theme for the month and “Terrific Tiger” awards are presented to students that were nominated for practicing the previous month’s theme. This teacher-led initiative has been successful and parent attendance at the monthly morning meeting continues to increase.
Contact – Lisa Treml, School Counselor: ltreml@belleplaine.k12.mn.us
*Ellis Middle School, Austin, MN
Art Department Connection
In an effort to involve their students in a service-learning
project, the art instructors developedtwo opportunities to make connections to
the community – Valentines for donors at a local Red Cross Blood Drive and
bookmarks for the public library children’s department.
Contact: Cathy Cooper, Ellis CHARACTER COUNTS! team leader:
ccooper@austin.k12.mn.us
*Ellis Middle School, Austin, MN
Mind Mapping
In this practice, students personally associate themselves to
character traits and present their ideasand experiences in a spatial manner with
color and pictures to build visual connections and insight into their character.
Contact: Cathy Cooper, Ellis CHARACTER COUNTS! team leader:
ccooper@austin.k12.mn.us
Ellis Middle School, Austin, MN
Young Citizens of the Month
Those that receive this prestigious monthly award feel pride
and respect. At the end of the year, the most deserving of the monthly winners
are honored as Young Citizens of the Year. Ellis brings a community connection
to its character awards through a unique partnership with a local business
owner. Students may redeem an award certificate at the business and their name
is announced over the business loud speaker as a citizen of the month. The
businessperson also hosts a luncheon for winners where character in the
workplace is discussed. What a truly unique way to show the importance of
character!
Contact: Cathy Cooper, Ellis CHARACTER COUNTS! team leader:
ccooper@austin.k12.mn.us
*Orono Middle School, Orono, MN
Pledge for Change
The goal of the Orono character education initiative is to
“help each child develop core ethical values that lead to good character.” In
conjunction with this goal, the Orono Middle School was the first building in
the Orono district to incorporate the “Pledge for Change” reflective activity in
its advisory program. Advisors worked with students in the creation of their own
personal pledge for change. Pledges are proudly displayed and reminders of
honoring pledges are interspersed throughout the school community.
Contact: Contact: Ms. Kristine Flesher, Director of Special
Services: kflesher@orono.k12.mn.us
*Schumann Elementary, Orono, MN
Kids Helping Kids
This project is designed to highlight the importance of
giving to and/or serving others. Theprogram goal is to spark a lifelong
participation in community service projects. The entire school community makes
and donates items to a local children’s hospital each year. Students and the
community are both greatly impacted.
Contact – Dr. Connie Fladeland, Principal:
cfladeland@orono.k12.mn.us
*Blake School, Hopkins, MN
Six Billion Paths to Peace
This is an effort to inspire people to focus on
interconnectedness and to reflect upon the individualservice contributions that
each of us can make to a more harmonious world. There are six billion people in
the world. Anyact of service is an act of peace. The goal of the initiative is
to inspire the Blake community to more mindful acts of service.
Contact – Nan Peterson, Director of Service Learning:
npeterson@blakeschool.org
Waseca High School, Waseca, MN
Homecoming Service Day
This school had many activities promoting community
engagement and service. Bullying prevention programs, speakers supporting
character education and a “Homecoming Service Day” where students give back to
the community are a few examples of the great things happening at Waseca High
School.
Contact: Jeanne Swanson, Principal:
swaj@waseca.k12.mn.us
