Character Education has been an important program in Friendswood schools for many years. In 1987, community representatives cooperatively identified a group of character traits, or values, which are held in common by all members of the Friendswood community. 

The Board of Education directed that those values be emphasized in FISD schools and integrated into the instructional program whenever appropriate.

Emphasizing these character traits should provide the following results for students: raise self-esteem, promote self-discipline and responsible behavior, improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, and instill positive attitudes and values. 

In the Fall of 2000, the FISD Board of Education revised our character education needs.

The Board of Education directed that those values be emphasized in FISD schools and integrated into the instructional program whenever appropriate.

 

Emphasizing these character traits should provide the following results for students: raise self-esteem, promote self-discipline and responsible behavior, improve decision-making and problem-solving skills, and instill positive attitudes and values. 

 

Listed below with descriptive attributes are those character traits which form the basis for the FISD Character Education Program.

 

Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Self-Reliance, Dignity

Believing in yourself, realizing that you are a worthy person, acting consistently with your values and beliefs, and keeping your mind and body sound.

 

Responsibility, Accountability, Dependability

Exhibiting self-discipline, recognizing that choices have natural consequences, being accountable for your personal actions, acting independently in a trusted, efficient manner and honoring commitments.

 

Tolerance

Respecting diversity, being willing to listen, recognizing and respecting the opinions and practices of others without necessarily agreeing with them, and refusing to discriminate against others because of their race, religion, sex or age.

 

Compassion, Empathy, Forgiveness

Being unselfish, sharing, participating in service projects, recognizing the needs of others and offering help, showing mercy, and refraining form ridicule and gossip.

 

Justice

Supporting what is right, defending the rights of yourself and others, obeying rules and laws, respecting authority, and being fair. 

 

Respect for Others

Respecting the rights and property of others, refraining from stealing and vandalizing, and using good manners and exhibiting courtesy.

 

Work Ethic, Doing One's Best, Ambition

Trying to live up to your full potential, setting goals and striving to achieve them, seeking knowledge, feeling satisfaction with a job well done, and being enthusiastic and optimistic. 

 

Patriotism

Loving freedom and your country, supporting your country and governmental bodies, knowing about laws, issues and due process and participating actively in the democratic process. 

 

Honesty, Integrity, Truthfulness

Being truthful to yourself and others, keeping your word, knowing your beliefs, standing up for your convictions, and refusing to cheat.

 

Loyalty

Being faithful to and offering support for your family and friends, supporting your school, your community and your country, and being faithful to a cause or idea.

In the Fall of 2000, the FISD Board of Education revisited our character education needs and sent a counselor to a Character Development Seminar presented by the Josephson Institute of Ethics. With a certified Character Counts!sm (CC!) trainer in the district, we were able to train all of the counselors on the 6 campuses to rejuvenate our character education efforts in Friendswood and sharpen our focus and start to infuse character into our daily routines. FISD then adopted the Six Pillars of Character framework which gives us a common vocabulary and can be integrated into everything we do. Those Six Pillars are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

One pillar at a time, we are laying the foundation for a lifetime of good character choices. It is our goal to build 'value-able' citizens who will eventually become tomorrow's leaders, guided by core character principles. The following list helps students learn the Pillars and what they encompass so that they become habitual in their lives.

 1. Trustworthiness. Trustworthy students. . . . .
_____ are honest; don't deceive, cheat, or steal.
_____ are reliable and do what they say they'll do.
_____ have the courage to do the right thing.
_____ have a good reputation.
_____ are loyal - stand by their family, friends and country.
2. Respect. Respectful students. . . . .
_____ treat others with respect, follow the Golden Rule.
_____ are tolerant of differences.
_____ use good manners, not bad language.
_____ are considerate of the feelings of others.
_____ don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone.
_____ deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements. 
3. Responsibility.. Responsible students. . . . .
_____ do what they're supposed to do.
_____ persevere and keep on trying!
_____ always do their best.
_____ use self-control and are self-disciplined.
_____ think before they act and consider the consequences.
_____ are accountable for their choices. 
4. Fairness. Fair students. . . . .
_____ play by the rules, take turns and share.
_____ are open minded and listen to others.
_____ don't take advantage of others.
_____ don't blame others carelessly. 
5. Caring. Caring students. . . . .
_____ are kind and compassionate and show they care.
_____ express gratitude.
_____ forgive others.
_____ help people in need. 
6. Citizenship. Good citizens. . . . .
_____ do their share to make their school and community better.
_____ cooperate.
_____ stay informed and vote.
_____ are good neighbors.
_____ obey laws and rules and respect authority.
_____ protect the environment.