| USJ Middle School Guidance |
| Our guidance program at USJ places a great emphasis on Character Education. Through these Character Education classes students learn different character values that they will hopefully carry with them through adolescence and into adulthood. We have covered such topics as bullying, the value of hard work, and facts about the use of alcohol and drugs. I believe in teaching these values to our students in a relative and entertaining way. I use song lyrics, video clips, and personal stories that are both funny and serious in order to relate the material I teach to the students. A complete list of topics that we have covered is listed below: bullying decision making the value of hard work honesty relationships (peers, parents, teachers) alcohol and drug use study skills Like any subject, the classes only reach their potential when the values are enforced at home. I also believe that if these certain values are not taught, then any other success a student has in any other academic subject does not reach its full potential. Hopefully, we are preparing our students at USJ to be life long learners, but also to have a firm foundation for their character development. Modern society, over the past few years, has been consistent in producing intelligent, talented people who lack the substance of character (Enron, Adelphia, baseball steriod issue). At USJ it is not enough just to have an excellent academic program, but to enhance academia with a desire for moral excellence. |