Each month, students at Riverview learn about a character trait that the Wautoma School District recognizes. One of those character traits is Determination. At the community meeting, Ms. Mucklin kicked off determination by sharing a goal that she is working towards. Then, each student and staff member were encouraged to come up with two determination goals; one goal for school and one goal for at home. To help track their progress, students wrote their goals down on a Determination Goal Sheet and displayed them in their classrooms. Throughout the remainder of the school year, students have been reporting back on their progress made towards these goals.
Kindergarten student Jude McEwan set a school goal to work on math. His teacher, Miss. Allen said, “Jude made a goal to work on his addition and subtraction facts at school. He practiced at school during indoor recess by creating problems and solving them. He completed his homework at home that had addition and subtraction problems on it. Because of that extra practice, he is now fluent in his addition and subtraction facts to 5.”
First grade student Aubree Meyer set her school goal to improve her reading skills. Mrs. Barker said, “Aubree has been working hard all year to reach her determination goal of learning to read. She does a great job looking at the pictures for clues and sounding out her words. When she gets frustrated, she takes a deep breath and then tries again. She is right on track to reach her goal!”
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, October 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.
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Riverview Elementary Kindergartener Jude McEwan and First Grader Aubree Meyer show off the Determination Goal Sheets they created. Earlier this year, students and staff members were encouraged to come up with school and home determination goals and track their progress.