“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
That sentiment is at the heart of Cornerstone’s Character Education Program, which is designed to not only instill core values, but also support students’ academic growth. Ten character traits – one for each month of the school year – are woven into plans and lessons to help students grow into both outstanding learners and individuals.
COACH, TEACHER, SPREADER OF JOY
Keri Tarrant is the enthusiastic Virtue Development Coordinator, joyfully exposing students, staff and families to good habits and positive qualities in order to develop character.
“Our program is unique in that it is based on virtues, which are good habits that help us achieve our potential,” she explained. “The virtue and character program has really become a light for our students. We connect with the students, affirming them and empowering them.”
Tarrant provides resources to building leaders and teachers, such as Cornerstone’s Character/Virtue Companion, with specific examples of habits to help students become successful. She also has a trove of videos, worksheets, inspirational quotes and activities available each month focusing on that month’s character trait.
Students like Gianna, a sixth grader at Jefferson-Douglass Academy, look forward to their time with Miss Kerri. “She is so fun and we get to do a lot of activities to work on our character,” she exclaimed with a big smile. And the efforts are helping with everyday situations. “When I feel like I don’t have patience, I’ll sit down and read a few pages from my book so I can handle it,” she added.
PUTTING LESSONS INTO ACTION
The school year kicks off each September focusing on the character trait of Self-Control. “Self-control is vital as our students learn to connect this trait to everything they do,” explained Jefferson-Douglass Academy Principal Monica Thompson. “For example, when students practice self-control during reading time, they learn to resist distractions, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the text. This ability to concentrate not only enhances their reading comprehension but also builds a foundation for lifelong learning.”
Tarrant shared other examples, such as February’s character trait Love. Students show their love throughout the month for staff, families, and fellow classmates with simple notes, poems, treats and other surprises. “Last year, parents and teachers had tears in their eyes when they received these small gestures,” she said. “It was just beautiful. Our point was conveyed, and love showed up from our students,”
PUTTING LESSONS INTO ACTION
The school year kicks off each September focusing on the character trait of Self-Control. “Self-control is vital as our students learn to connect this trait to everything they do,” explained Jefferson-Douglass Academy Principal Monica Thompson. “For example, when students practice self-control during reading time, they learn to resist distractions, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the text. This ability to concentrate not only enhances their reading comprehension but also builds a foundation for lifelong learning.”
Tarrant shared other examples, such as February’s character trait Love. Students show their love throughout the month for staff, families, and fellow classmates with simple notes, poems, treats and other surprises. “Last year, parents and teachers had tears in their eyes when they received these small gestures,” she said. “It was just beautiful. Our point was conveyed, and love showed up from our students,”
CHARACTER CLUB
Students who have demonstrated leadership or tremendous growth are identified by their teachers to participate in the Character Club, an afterschool program where they come together for service projects and to help plan and lead schooltime character program activities.
“We let our students take the initiative and become problem solvers by developing service opportunities they think would mean the most in our school and our community,” explained Tarrant.
Some of those projects have included the creation of “blessing bags” filled with personal hygiene items and snacks for those less fortunate, weeding the school flower beds, and creating inspirational banners to provide encouragement for their peers during testing. She’ll also challenge them with daily habits, like keeping an organized locker, welcoming guests to school, or inviting a new student to sit with them at lunch.
“The Character Program is an amazing way to cultivate Virtue in our students and to strengthen emotional awareness and develop coping skills,” said Madison-Carver Academy Principal Markisha Stovall. “Miss Keri is amazing with our students. Her positivity and joy are infectious… We are blessed to have her as a resource at Cornerstone for all things virtue!”
Students are able to proudly display their progress and the hard work they’ve done by earning virtue bands, representing what they’ve dubbed the “Core ”Four traits: Respect, Gratitude, Responsibility and Kindness.
Thompson summed it up by adding, “Through our character education program, we equip students with the tools they need to become not only better at tasks like reading, but also responsible and engaged members of their learning community. This holistic approach ultimately leads to academic success and personal growth, creating a positive ripple effect in all areas of their lives.”