Character Counts!
Poway High fully supports the Character Counts ‘Six Pillars of Character’ framework.
Character education advocates the widely shared core principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The principles are referred to more commonly as the "Six Pillars of Character". Students gain a better understanding of these traits by studying and discussing them, observing positive behavioral models, and resolving problems by developing appropriate social skills. As students grow in character, they develop an increasingly refined understanding of the "Six Pillars" in order to achieve academic excellence and become responsible citizens. Poway Unified's commitment to this effort is evident in both the Character Counts! Initiative and Project ECHO (Every Citizen Honoring Others), programs that strive to integrate character development into every aspect of school life.
View helpful tips for helping your teen 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.
1. Be clear about your values. Tell your children where you stand on 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Links to Character Counts Initiatives
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • 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
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of 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 • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
