CHARACTER COUNTS! Kick-Off

1. CHARACTER COUNTS! Kick-Off Dr. Tim Mitchell Rapid City Area Schools 10/23/12

2. Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost

3. Sometimes in this maze we call life it is so difficult to determine what path we should take. Each and every road that we travel on is leading us to a different destination. One can take you to the cheese another can lead you to the trap. So, how in the world are you to determine which one to take? Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

4. Imagine there being a fork in your road of life. The path to the right is full of light, life, and perfect weather. The sun is gracefully kissing the ground before you and every step you take seems to be illuminated by the reflection from the stone path. The aroma of sweet and colorful flowers massages your nostrils relaxing you with every breath you inhale. It looks and feels like you would be walking through paradise. Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

5. The path to the left is dark, filled with dead trees, and there is a thunderstorm ravaging the terrain. There is just a trail of grey sand to guide you through the rotting vegetation. Each and every breath you inhale brings you closer to vomiting as the retched scent of mold and decay ravage your nasal cavities. Thunder drowns out the sounds of falling limbs from dying trees. There is no sign of life but you standing tall in chaos. Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

6. Which path would you take? A simple question deserves a simple answer, right? Not quite. The Issue As a member of the human race I will go ahead and say that 99% of us want to take the easy way out. If I had a choice I would choose to take the illuminated path with the roses and sunshine. Who in their right mind would walk down a path of challenge and despair? Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

7. Why do we prefer to avoid the path less traveled? I know exactly why. Do you want me to tell you? We want the roses of life without having to deal with the dirt and more importantly the fertilizer. In other words we want to see, smell, and experience the beauty of life but avoid the crap. Now in this particular scenario the choice is easy but in our real day to day lives we don’t get a choice. We close our eyes and wake up in chaos. Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

8. I have a crazy thought that I want to share with you. I spent my whole life trying to focus on which path to choose. I can honestly say that I wasted a lot of time. It doesn’t matter what path you take. What matters is how your presence affects that path. Here are some great steps to take in your life to take the path less traveled to a whole new level. Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

9. -Recognize where you are. -Imagine where you want to be. -Change your surroundings; don’t let your surroundings change you. -Start walking down your path with purpose. -Start planting and use a lot of fertilizer (encouragement, joy, peace, love) -Watch the decay around you change into blossoms of life. Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

10. The way to make the most out of whatever path you are on, is to change a decaying situation you are struggling with, to a situation that you bring life to. You have the power to change your situation. You have the strength to bring joy and happiness to others. Every step you take down your path should leave behind signs of life. Paradise should follow you. What do you think? Is taking the path less traveled worth the work? Could You Take the Path Less Traveled?

11. Worldwide CharacterCounts! Week October 21-27, 2012 • This is the biggest celebration of character in the world!! • Last year 8 million kids in 60 countries • CharacterCounts! mission: to help students achieve a brighter future through the teaching of universal values, better decision-making, and a culture of kindness. CharacterCounts!Kick-Off

12. Reflecting a “let no stone be unturned” policy, the success of Character Counts! is due to its broad ambitions and the design which calls for total integration in all aspects of school life in order to achieve four inter-related outcomes: 1. Instilling educational values, the love of learning, and academic skills. 2. Build good character by instilling core ethical values. 3. Enhance emotional intelligence and positive life skills. 4. Improve the school climate so that all students feel physically and emotionally safe. CharacterCounts! Kick-Off

13. Trustworthiness Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country Respect Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements The Six Pillars of Character

14. Responsibility Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others Fairness Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly The Six Pillars of Character

15. Caring Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need Citizenship Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer The Six Pillars of Character

16. “A wise man makes his own decisions; the ignorant goes with the crowd” -Chinese proverb Could You Take the Path Less Traveled? CharacterCounts! Kick-Off