Lower School Character Education Symposium
Model Programs
Isidore Newman School, New Orleans
Friday, Nov.11 &
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011
Modeled after our successful Leadership Symposium, this two-day event will feature presentations from 3 lower school character education programs at independent schools. Presenters will share the who, what, when, and how of their character education programs, offering participants the opportunity to observe what programs have in common, and how they differ based on a particular school's culture or other factors. There will be an open discussion on best resources and favorite character development activities for the lower school classroom. Participants will take away ideas, resources, and contacts for building or improving upon their school's character education program.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, November 11, 2011
4:00 pm - Check in
4:30 pm - Introductions and Keynote
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - School Presentation: Isidore Newman School
8:45 pm - End
Saturday, November 12, 2011
9:00 am - School Presentation: Miami Country Day
10:45 am - Break
11:00 am - Discussion on Best Resources and Favorite Activities
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - School Presentation: Flint Hill School
2:45 pm - Q & A, Discussion on Similarities and Differences in Programs
3:15 pm - Evaluations
3:30 pm - Departure
Presenting Schools
- Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA
- Flint Hill School, Oakton, VA
- Miami Country Day School, Miami, FL
Isidore Newman School
Lower School Head Penny Evins and Guidance Counselor Sheila Gold will outline the process of developing and maintaining "The Newman Way" at Isidore Newman School. The Newman Way is informed by the school's core values (honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility), taking lower school students on a developmental journey that begins with recognizing and talking about feelings (in kindergarten) and ends with fifth graders taking responsibility for the program and imparting it to younger students.
Miami Country Day School
Developing a true character-based learning community takes planning, creativity, and passion. In this session, Lower School Guidance Counselor Susan Glick and Lower School Assistant Director Terry Alfonso will share ideas for laying the foundation of a community anchored in values, involving parents, and fostering school spirit. With themes like Character Counts, Drumming Up Respect, and Celebrating our Difference in a Community of Respect, they've learned strategies for building student character and creating a little school magic.
Flint Hill School
Flint Hill School's character education program is built on a foundation of four principles of ethical conduct: respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion. These values are taught through the "Husky Promise," a pledge students make daily to uphold a standard of behavior and positive action, that also promotes self-esteem and confidence. Lower School Head Sheena Hall will describe the various approaches and programs Flint Hill uses from Junior Kindergarten through 4th grade, and how add-on programs like Responsive Classroom, The Ophelia Project, and Second Step are woven into the work they do.
Accommodations
The Quality Inn & Suites Maison St. Charles is located 3 miles from Isidore Newman School, accessible by the St. Charles Street Car. Rates are $80-$120 per night. Parking is $17 per night.
Hampton Inn New Orleans, St. Charles is located one mile from Isidore Newman School, accessible by the St. Charles Street Car. Rates are $120-$160 per night.
There are also several smaller bed and breakfasts about one mile from Isidore Newman.