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Character
Growing Hearts and Habits That Last
At PACT, character is not an add‑on – it’s embedded in everything we do. Through intentional practice, recognition, and relationships, students learn to live our traits in the classroom, on the playground, and everywhere in between.
Our Approach
We build character through daily practice, clear expectations, and moments of celebration. The program is grounded in the CharacterStrong curriculum and brought to life by our teachers, staff, and students in every learning space.
- Celebrate Students Often and Well
We recognize students who do the right thing—through shout-outs, calls home, naming traits, describing behavior, and celebrating progress.
- Merit‑Based Character Awards
Awards are earned, not automatic. Recognition is tied to clear traits in action—aspirational, evidence-based, and focused on growth.
- Powered by CharacterStrong
We use CharacterStrong lessons, routines, and shared language so traits stay consistent and easy for students to recognize, practice, and reflect.
- Buddy Activities
Younger and older students join in guided buddy activities with shared tasks and reflections that connect their actions to specific traits.
- Monthly Trait Spotlights
Each month we spotlight one trait school-wide. Teachers weave it into lessons, and students practice modeling the trait throughout their day.
- Embedded in Every Subject
From ELA to math to science, traits are built into class norms, feedback, and rubrics—woven into learning, not limited to advisory time.
Traits in Action: All Day Long
Students have chances to practice and be acknowledged for their character from arrival to dismissal. We clearly link behaviors to the traits they show.
Arrival & Transitions
- Responsibility: arriving on time and prepared.
- Respect: greeting staff and peers appropriately.
- Self‑Control: following hallway expectations.
Recess & Lunch
- Compassion: inviting others to join.
- Self‑Control: solving conflicts with words.
- Gratitude: thanking cafeteria staff.
Classroom Learning
- Perseverance: sticking with a challenge.
- Integrity: doing your own work and being honest.
- Self-Control: asking thoughtful questions.
Specialists & Electives
- Perseverance: pushing forward even when tasks are difficult.
- Respect: care for tools and spaces.
- Responsibility: clean‑up and readiness.
Group Work & Play
- Cooperation: sharing roles and materials.
- Compassion: noticing and responding to others’ needs.
- Citizenship: trying new roles and ideas.
Dismissal
- Self-Control: following adult directions.
- Perseverance: waiting calmly for your name/number.
- Gratitude: ending the day with a positive goodbye.
Buddy Activities with Purpose
Buddy pairings with younger and older students foster a sense of belonging and leadership. Each session includes a shared activity (such as read-alouds, STEM challenges, art projects, or service) and a trait connection, where students recognize how their choices reflect the monthly trait.
- Plan: Teachers select activities that align with the spotlight trait.
- Do: Partners work together with defined roles and expectations.
- Reflect: Short prompts help students identify the trait in action.
Recognition & Awards
Our character recognition system is designed to be fair, consistent, and motivating. Awards are merit‑based and connected to authentic growth.
- Clear Criteria: Each award is tied to observable behaviors aligned to the monthly trait or school‑wide expectations.
- Specific Feedback: Students hear what they did, why it mattered, and how it reflects the trait.
- Multiple Pathways: Class shout‑outs, call‑homes, monthly certificates, and end‑of‑year recognitions.