“Be not simply good. Be good for something. ”
-Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau’s wise words remind us that it is not enough to think virtuous thoughts. In order to lead a good life one must translate those good thoughts into good actions. At the Lower Division, students are provided with regular opportunities for moral action, a chance to do the good, through service to others.
Walk into the office on the Lower Division and you will see giraffes. They are the mascots of the JK-4 service organization, The Giraffe Club, aptly named because it is comprised of students who “stick their necks out” for others. All students are members of the Club.
The Giraffe Club provides opportunities for students to grow together as a caring community. Student activities may include remembering others’ birthdays, calling classmates at home during a prolonged absence, tutoring younger students, cleaning up the campus, or collecting food items for the needy. Officers and class representatives, along with faculty advisors, determine which activities best exemplify the shared values of the school. Ideas are presented during assembly time (a weekly meeting of the JK-4 community and an important part of the virtues program). Projects are selected and implemented by the students based on the process. If actions speak louder than words, then the Giraffe Club is an excellent way for students to find their voice, to say who they are and who they want to become, as well as to experience the joys of giving to others. It is one of the many ways that students at Academy at the Lakes come to know the good, do the good, and love the good.
Day of Manners
Part of doing the good includes conducting one’s self in a gracious manner. Students are asked to dress for the day, which occurs on a monthly basis. Jumpers, dresses, or skirts for the girls and dress shirts and ties for the boys are appropriate. On the Day of Manners students will address each other as Mr.____ and Miss ____. Each month students practice skills related to the virtue of the month. In September, for example, the month of respect and responsibility, practice includes introducing ourselves to one another, shaking hands appropriately, and saying please and thank you.
Day of Achievement
The Day of Achievement is a time of reflection on a year’s worth of growth and accomplishment. Classroom teachers monitor the students’ growth and save many good examples of their work. The Day of Achievement is the time to show all of this off. Students may talk about what they will always remember about their year, or what was the biggest challenge for them and how they overcame it. Parents are invited to view their children’s accomplishments, which encompass all aspects of their curriculum. The Day of Achievement is truly a rich tapestry of the school year and reflects a moment in time during each student’s journey.
