News from the 'View
Skyview Upper Elementary School
Skyview named a Pennsylvania School of Character!
Skyview Upper Elementary School is pleased to announce that Character.org, a national advocate and leader for the character education movement in collaboration with DeSales University, has named Skyview a 2015 Pennsylvania School of Character. The program recognized Skyview as a school that has demonstrated its use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and Skyview’s climate.
Skyiew Upper Elementary school instructs students in grades 5 and 6 in the Methacton School District. The 800+ students and staff have worked with the pillars of Character Counts since the opening of the school in 2010.These pillars – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship – are the basis for the learning community at Skyview.
The Schools of Character application process is an opportunity for schools and districts to receive thoughtful feedback for growth and excellence in the area of character development through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education framework. It is also a method of recognizing exemplary schools and districts in the nation.
Since its inception, Character.org has awarded more than 500 schools with the distinction of State School of Character. Criteria for the designation are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, which includes providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in character-building efforts.
“Utilizing components of character education is a large part of our student and staff’s daily routines.” said Melisssa Gorla, Principal at Skyview. “We are grateful for Character.org and DeSales University for its efforts to create a state and national discussion on the importance of character in education. We are eager to carry this distinction for years to come and are hopeful our example will lead other schools in Pennsylvania to participate in this program in order to enhance student’s lives statewide.”
About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org, is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with schools and districts to inspire, educate and empower young people to be ethical and engaged citizens. It is led by education leaders who are dedicated to youth learning how to be both smart and good through the advancement of quality character development in all schools. The impact of this is seen through improved academic achievement, decline in behavioral problems such as truancy and an increase in an overall positive school climate. Visit www.character.org to learn more about the National Forum and the Schools of Character program.
Home & School - Family Game Night - Friday 2/27, 7 - 9 p.m.
6th Grade Math Placement Testing
Celebrate "Proud to be Me" week march 2-6
Methacton Elementary Counselors will again be hosting Proud to Be ME Week from Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 6. During this week, students will have the opportunity to express themselves as individuals with a week full of dress-up days and activities to foster self-worth.
This idea was created in 2010 in honor Katie Goldman, a 7 year old from Illinois, who was teased for her interest in science fiction, Star Wars, and fantasy. The teasing became so intense that Katie wanted to conform to others’ interests just so the teasing would stop. Katie’s mom began blogging to ask for help on how to deal with her daughter’s dilemma. Thousands of responses came in to aid Katie’s mom and support Katie’s individuality. Since then, Katie’s school has held a Proud to Be Me Day to foster expression of unique abilities and interests.
Likewise, Methacton School District feels strongly about encouraging differences and celebrating uniqueness, and will dedicate a week to celebrating this theme to promote acceptance of self and others.
The calendar for the week includes:
Monday 3/2 – It’s OK to SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS
Wear school colors or favorite color!
Tuesday 3/3 – It’s OK to STAND OUT
Wear bright colors!!
Wednesday 3/4 – It’s OK to MAKE MISTAKES
Wear mismatched clothing (inside out, backwards)!
Thursday 3/5 – It’s OK to FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
Dress for your future career!
Friday 3/6 – It’s OK to RELAX
Wear comfy clothing!
Every student will hear the story The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld, a book about being OK with who you are and knowing that as you try new things you will find your place in the world.
We appreciate your support in helping our students pride themselves on their uniqueness!