Character Trait of the Month Program
2025–2026 School Year
Building Strong Character in Our Panthers 🐾
Dear Families,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news about a new schoolwide initiative we are launching for the 2025–2026 school year—our Character Trait of the Month Program! At The Elementary, we believe that learning goes far beyond academics. Building strong character helps our students grow into kind, responsible, and confident individuals, and this program is designed to celebrate exactly that.
Each month, our students will focus on a specific character trait. Teachers will intentionally teach, model, and talk about what that trait looks like in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout our school. Even better, students will be recognized when they put these traits into action!
When a teacher notices a student doing an outstanding job demonstrating the character trait of the month, the student will receive a “Panther Paw.” The student will proudly bring that Panther Paw to my office, where I’ll celebrate their hard work with a special note to take home to parents and a small treat. Their Panther Paw will then be displayed on our Character Trait Shout-Out Wall for everyone to see.
At the end of each month, we’ll draw three Panther Paws from the wall. Those students will be recognized as our Students of the Month and will receive a larger prize for their positive choices and strong character. Watching our students shine in this way is one of the highlights of my job!
Below is a look at the character traits we will focus on throughout the year:
September – Respect
Respect means treating others the way we want to be treated. Students will learn how to use kind words, listen when others are speaking, care for school materials, and appreciate different perspectives. Respect helps create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.
October – Responsibility
Students will explore what it means to be responsible at school and at home—completing tasks, being prepared, caring for belongings, and owning their choices. We’ll also discuss the “size of a problem” and how responsible decisions help us respond calmly and appropriately.
November – Gratitude
Gratitude is all about noticing and appreciating the good things in our lives, big and small. Students will learn how expressing thankfulness can strengthen relationships, improve mindset, and help them stay positive—even during challenging times.
December – Empathy
Empathy is understanding and caring about how others feel. Students will practice perspective-taking and learn how their words and actions affect those around them. Empathy helps children become supportive friends and build meaningful relationships.
January – Perseverance / Grit
A new year brings new goals! Students will discuss the importance of sticking with challenges, even when things feel hard. Many students will set academic goals, and families can support this by helping children set social or emotional goals at home, such as using coping strategies or including others.
February – Friendship / Kindness
Students will identify what makes a good friend—honesty, cooperation, and encouragement. They’ll practice actions that build friendships, such as sharing, including others, and solving conflicts respectfully. February is the perfect time to model kindness at home and at school.
March – Problem-Solving
Students will learn strategies to handle conflicts and tricky situations. Tools like I-Statements, cooling down, walking away, talking it out, apologizing, or asking for help will empower students to solve problems peacefully and confidently.
April – Integrity
Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. Students will practice honesty, keeping their word, and making choices that reflect strong character. Integrity builds trust and helps students develop a solid moral foundation.
May – Cooperation / Teamwork
As the school year comes to a close, students often work together on group activities and projects. They’ll learn that cooperation means listening, sharing ideas, and working toward a common goal. Teamwork skills prepare students for success in the next grade and beyond.
We invite you to partner with us by talking about these character traits at home and celebrating with your child when they bring home a note recognizing their outstanding character. Together, we can help our Panthers grow into respectful, responsible, and caring individuals.
Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to see our students’ character shine this year!
Jennifer Dyer
Elementary Principal