Character Education Program

Character Education at PMS
"Do the right thing" is more than just a catchy phrase at Portsmouth Middle School. The meaning behind that saying is, however, what inspired teachers to begin an initiative focusing on Character Education during the summer of 2000. Embraced by the faculty, Character Education is now a part of the fabric of our daily lives at PMS.

The PMS Character Education Initiative has clearly and positively influenced the students, the staff and the entire school environment over the past two years. Our goal has been to "make our school be a place where we all take pride in our thoughts, actions and environment." The structure revolves around a group of universal values, where the whole school focuses on a "Value of the Month". These values are: Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Compassion, Fairness and Justice, Tolerance, Trustworthiness and Honesty, Courage and Perseverance, and Citizenship.

Each month, a grade level team of students and staff is responsible for a school-wide assembly, the bulletin board, morning announcements and general promotion of that month's value. Generated by the students themselves, the messages are that much more powerful. Teaching teams and teachers as individuals also make connections within their curriculum, subject matter, and daily lives, integrating the monthly value in a variety of unique and personal ways. The administration supports an attitude of zero-tolerance for actions which disrespect the personal and social values we promote as responsible humans in our school and community.

Together, the staff and students have begun to forge a partnership that celebrates positive values and behaviors that will serve as a foundation for the growth of students into good citizens, and supports the positive ethics of all those who work and spend time at Portsmouth Middle School. This program enjoys the full support of the staff, and is evolving yearly to meet our changing needs. Character Education received a GPEPC Excellence in Education Partnership Award in 2002.

The standards and expectations are high for both students and staff. This program has had a positive influence on the school environment of PMS, bringing about a greater respect for individuals, the educational process and our entire community. PMS as a whole has devoted a great deal of time and energy to make this initiative succeed, and we are proud of the results.

For more information, contact Ellen Beck or Dana Sinisgalli at 603-436-5781.

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