Dear Parents,

   As parents and teachers, we try to teach our children basic manners and values in order to help them become respected and productive members of the family and community. These values emphasize the character traits we wish to impart to our children. A strong character based on ethical values can help children make the right choices when faced with difficult situations. With the events of the past years, it is even more important that we work together to prepare our children to take their places in an increasingly complex world. If we prepare them adequately, our children will be able to make decisions that benefit themselves, their community, and the world.

    During the year, your child will learn about the six core traits of character, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, respect, and citizenship. From time to time, I may send home activity pages. Some of these may have been completed in class, while others are to be completed at home. To reinforce the importance of character growth and development, please consider the following suggestions:

• Together, go over the completed work your child brings home.
• For assignments that are to be completed at home, provide your child a place to work, and then review the work when it is finished.
• Encourage your child to explain the basic qualities of the character trait being studies.
• Point out ways your child, family members, or community members exhibit the qualities.
• Offer praise when your child shows the character trait.
• Inquire about the progress of the group project. (You might even like to help!)

    Thank you for your help. Your child and I appreciate your assistance and reinforcement in this learning process.

                                                                                    Cordially,

                                                                                Mrs. Meyer