The Character Counts! Committee of New Hanover Township endured its own version of summer school this year. After attending a CC! Character Development Seminar, the group met formally and informally to solidify their Character Counts! implementation plan of action. They directed their efforts toward educating teachers, assembling a school board presentation and planning activities for the 2007-2008 school year. Their hard work paid off in the form of a killer kick-off event.
New Hanover Township School officially kicked-off Character Counts! on September 14, 2007, the first Friday after classes commenced. The celebration began with a parade. Members of the Junior VFW marched at the forefront, carrying the Character Counts! banner. They were followed by the Honor Guard, the Vice-Wing Commander of Fort Dix Army Base and local VFW members. The Mayors of New Hanover Township and Wrightstown lead parents, students and teachers as the parade traveled toward the school flagpole. Upon reaching their destination, parade-goers recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then teachers and students led everyone in The Star Spangled Banner.
After the parade, participants proceeded to the gym for a presentation on the Six Pillars of Character delivered by the Vice Wing Commander. Students were then split into smaller groups and directed to classrooms for further explanation of each pillar.
At lunchtime, local VFW Post 6950 hosted a barbeque lunch and ice cream social. The meal was accompanied by the sounds of the Bordentown High School Jazz Band.
In the afternoon, middle school students put on skits representing the Six Pillars of Character for all to enjoy. The day ended with an assembly and wrap-up speeches.
The New Hanover CC! Committee’s next challenge is to incorporate Character Education into all aspects of the school day. Committee members are busy decorating the hallways with the Six Pillars, delivering morning announcements that reiterate the value of being TRRFCC and planning for CC/Red Ribbon Week.
Congratulations New Hanover/Wrightstown!
