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