Character in Action Wautoma Area School District

WASD Character in Action: DETERMINED to Make a Difference

Wautoma Area School District has seven different character traits it focuses on throughout the school year in encouraging our students to become the best they can be while working on their Work and People Skills.

Each month, Parkside School focuses on a new character trait with the exception of focusing on all of the traits in the months of April and May. Throughout the month of September, the featured character trait is Responsibility. While responsibility is essential in day-to-day life, determination is what helps keep everyone moving forward even when showing responsibility can at times be difficult.

At Parkside, the teachers and staff are determined to make a lasting impression on the lives of their students, while teaching them to demonstrate determination even when difficult things in their lives happen, a learning concept seems really hard, or basic needs are not being met. School Counselor Brittaney Strobl added, “Life can be hard. We do not always have the right answers or know what is coming next, but tough situations do not last, while tough and determined people do.”

Parkside staff and students are gearing up for the four-year Character Day on October 12. The Character Education Committee has been busy planning and preparing for an event that will have a great impact on students and staff while making a positive difference in the community. Understanding the importance of creating connections to what is happening outside of school and in the community, it is committee’s goal to help students connect and learn in a different way.

Over the past several years, Wautoma Area School District staff members have collaborated with the guidance counselors to promote character education throughout all four schools. The WASD Character Education Committee believes it is important and necessary for staff, students, parents, and community members to help instill these values in the next generation

Planning is currently underway for the second district-wide Character Day on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and the committee is looking to get the community involved. Any volunteers or community organizations interested in working with the WASD Character Day Committee should contact Julie Petersen (petersenj@wautoma.k12.wi.us) or Courtney Vaughan (vaughanc@wautoma.k12.wi.us) for more information.