IHAK

CHICHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Character and Citizenship Education Policy

 

      The Chichester School District provides a Character and Citizenship Development Program in accordance with the New Hampshire Minimum Standards for School Approval (1993).

 

A.     Characteristics

 

1)      The program is integrated into the district’s regular program of instruction in most instances, rather than pulling students out for many special programs.

 

2)      Basic values are also instilled, by example, in a caring educational environment, and will be incorporated into courses of study.

 

3)      These values will reflect the ethos of the community and programs shall be developed in consultation with all sectors of the school and community.

 

B.     Basic Principles and Techniques

 

1)      While values begin in the home, the school seeks to reinforce them during the school day.

 

2)      Students must be equipped with skills for coping and succeeding in a complex world.

 

3)      Character and Citizenship programs must teach students to make judgements based upon knowing and analyzing their options and the consequences of their actions.

 

4)   Programs – such as “QUEST,” “Here’s Looking at You 2000,” etc. – focus on building self-esteem, cooperation among peers, and alcohol and drug education.

 

5)   Techniques employed include Socratic (creative thinking) dialogue and peer teaching.

 

6)   Skills developed include critical thinking skills and writing and speaking skills.

 

C.     Basic Elements of Character and Citizenship Development

 

1)      Self-discipline, self-respect, and self-control.

 

2)      Truth and honesty with self and others.

 

3)      Fairness, integrity, and justice.

 

4)      Respect, courtesy, and human worth.

 

5)      Responsibility to oneself and others.

 

6)      Community service and responsible citizenship.

 

 

APPROVED:  February, 1993