Principal's+Message

Tri-Valley Elementary students are continuing to build a culture of respect in our school. Each month the staff and students will be focusing on one pillar of Character Counts. The Six Pillars are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Character building will be most effective if the school and home work together to seize opportunities for reinforcement. Character Counts helps parents work with their children by using the three C’s. Be Consistent, Be Concrete, and Be Creative.

Consistency means that children will judge your values not by what you say but by what you do and what you permit them to do. Be as firm and consistent as you can be about teaching, modeling and enforcing the “Six Pillars of Character.” Being concrete means that your messages about good character must be explicit, direct and specific. Talk about good character and choices in situations that your children have been in. Keep it relevant to your child’s life and experience.

Lastly, creativity requires looking for “teaching moments.” Involve your child in real decision-making that has real consequences. Using games and role-playing is also effective.

**Mrs. Johnson**

**Elementary Principal ** **Tri-Valley School District ** ** 46450 252nd St. ** ** Colton, SD 57018-5712 ** **446-3538 or 446-3207 ** ** 543-5500 or 543-5541 **