Character Education (PACE)

Good character is a guide to making good choices. It creates a value system that strengthens individuals and communities. Across Spokane Valley and our four school districts, the community is embracing the opportunity to work together in a cooperative effort to build good character. Together we are creating a foundation for future generations and developing the potential within us all.

What is PACE?
Partners Advancing Character Education (PACE) is a grassroots Spokane Valley initiative to promote the importance of good character through partnerships with schools, residents, businesses, public agencies, faith-based organizations and community service groups. At the root of the initiative is a list of monthly character traits. Working from this common list, partners strive to promote and integrate each trait into their regular activities.

How has PACE grown?
PACE has achieved many successes since the September 2010 launch! We have:
• Grown to 104 Partners, along with more than 46 participating schools
• Lined the streets with reader boards displaying the Character Trait of the Month and serving as reminders of the importance of good character
• Organized and enjoyed the first annual PACE Awards to recognize students for their excellent character!
• Published a monthly e-newsletter featuring PACE partners and activities
• Held monthly PACE meetings with dedicated community leaders from various types of organizations to support and advance the program and work to ensure sustainability of the PACE
• Launched a website (www.pacecommunity.org) providing timely information and resources
• Entered the social media world – Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
• Secured media coverage with newspaper articles and guest columns and TV news stories
• Enhanced character education curriculum available to educators and school counselors for lessons and classroom activities
• Developed a Character Champion program to provide volunteer character role-models to speak in school assemblies and classrooms

How do I participate?
PACE is reaching out to encourage active participation in reinforcing good character in businesses, churches, family homes and schools. Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Be aware of the current character trait of the month and incorporate it into discussions (Reader boards offer great segues into character conversations)
• Find out what your organization or school is doing with each character trait to participate
• Demonstrate good character in your daily life to encourage positive behavior
• Acknowledge patrons, students and co-workers for displaying good character
• Visit the PACE website monthly to get new ideas to incorporate the traits in your workplace and home

What are the character traits?
Building on the character education program established in the West Valley School District in 1998, the PACE initiative adopted West Valley School District's existing 10 character traits and expanded the list through a community effort by adding two more traits to cover a full 12-month time period. The traits are: 

Month	Character Trait	Definition
September	Respect	Recognizing, considering and properly honoring the worth of one’s self and others
October	Responsibility	Being accountable, the pursuit of excellence, and the exercise of self-control
November	Citizenship	Positively contributing to society and community as well as dutifully respecting authority and the law
December	Caring	Showing a genuine concern for the welfare of others and being a kind, supportive helper
January	Fairness	Treating people and ideas with justice and impartiality
February	Honesty	Sincerity and reverence or love for the truth
March	Diligence	Persistence, dedication and hard work
April	Trustworthiness	Inspiring complete reliability and confidence in his/her truthfulness, integrity and discretion
May	Courage	Displaying integrity in spite of obstacles and challenges
June	Integrity	Living a set of values which includes honesty, respect for others and a sense of personal responsibility
July	Generosity	Unselfish giving and sharing of resources, time and talents with others
August	Gratitude	Feeling and expressing thankful appreciation for benefits received

Where can I get more information about PACE and how to get involved?
Visit the PACE website at www.pacecommunity.org.