Becoming Young People Full of Purpose

From Pre-K “PurposeFull People” to middle and high school leadership, Character Strong has something for everyone. Following the curriculum review process and a pilot program involving 150 teachers and 1,500 students, the school board approved the purchase of the social emotional learning curriculum for districtwide use.

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, executive director inclusion, engagement, and belonging, told the school board that teachers said that the curriculum should be all encompassing, not something only taught during the school day. “It should be part of everything we do,” she said.

The foundation of Character Strong is “Be kind. Be strong. Be Well.” The research-based curriculum and professional learning services cover coping, regulation, relationships, and self-management strategies, among others. Teachers will use it to support students in learning life skills, such as conflict-resolution, focusing, organizing, goal setting, emotional self-regulation, and wellness strategies. Schools look forward to sharing the resources and strategies with school families, caregivers, and community partners so all the caring adults in children’s lives can model and help to reinforce strong character development.