Kids at Cody Elementary are learning about character through videos, donated by a local bank, which they take home and watch with their parents.

On these "family popcorn nights," one student each week -- in each class from second- through fifth-grade -- takes home a character lesson video with a bag of microwave popcorn. Students eat the popcorn while viewing the video with their families, and later they discuss the message together.

"It helps promote families doing constructive things together at home," principal Bob Rowe told the North Platte Telegraph in March 2005. "The more families are doing worthwhile things together, the better."

Parents appreciate the program, he said, and give it good marks in surveys. One parent wrote, "It made for special time to spend together. That was nice." Another said, "Sitting down with the family is always good. It gave us a good reason to be together."

Nebraskaland National Bank, a sponsor of North Platte's school district-wide CC! program, provided the videos. It has also donated pencils and bookmarks to Lincoln and Cody elementary schools for CC!, and encouraged employees to volunteer to help students in schools.

Kim Schroll, a vice-president of Nebraskaland National Bank, observed that the firm is investing in the town's future. "These are the kids who will eventually lead North Platte," she said.