"The final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." Anne Frank
Mill Pond School’s Keys to Success
Our Keys to Success program is the framework we use for teaching essential concepts supporting social emotional learning. We spotlight monthly values fundamental in building strong, positive character and skills for life! We build lessons, Principal's letters and morning messages, and activities to foster awareness and practice of the skills connected to these essential Keys.
Respect - September
Treating yourself, others, materials and the environment in a considerate, valued manner.
This is the application of the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Responsibility - October
Being accountable for your words and actions, exercising self-control, and having a sense of duty to complete tasks.
Empathy - November
Trying to understand and be sensitive to another’s feelings or ideas; trying to see things from another’s perspective.
Generosity - December
Giving or sharing in abundance without expecting anything in return.
Resilience - January
Not giving up with whatever one has set out to do; persisting; bouncing back when you experience challenges.
Integrity - February
Being honest with oneself and others at all times. Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Acceptance - March
Recognizing the uniqueness and value of each individual and embracing differences in our diverse society.
Kindness- April
Observing and recognizing the needs of others and acting in a way to meet those needs; treating others the way you want to be treated.
Courage - May
Being brave in trying tasks that are new or difficult, and choosing to do what is right, fair or just.
Gratitude - June
Being thankful and showing appreciation; being ready to return kindness.
Mill Pond School’s Keys to Success
Our Keys to Success program is the framework we use for teaching essential concepts supporting social emotional learning. We spotlight monthly values fundamental in building strong, positive character and skills for life! We build lessons, Principal's letters and morning messages, and activities to foster awareness and practice of the skills connected to these essential Keys.
Respect - September
Treating yourself, others, materials and the environment in a considerate, valued manner.
This is the application of the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Responsibility - October
Being accountable for your words and actions, exercising self-control, and having a sense of duty to complete tasks.
Empathy - November
Trying to understand and be sensitive to another’s feelings or ideas; trying to see things from another’s perspective.
Generosity - December
Giving or sharing in abundance without expecting anything in return.
Resilience - January
Not giving up with whatever one has set out to do; persisting; bouncing back when you experience challenges.
Integrity - February
Being honest with oneself and others at all times. Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Acceptance - March
Recognizing the uniqueness and value of each individual and embracing differences in our diverse society.
Kindness- April
Observing and recognizing the needs of others and acting in a way to meet those needs; treating others the way you want to be treated.
Courage - May
Being brave in trying tasks that are new or difficult, and choosing to do what is right, fair or just.
Gratitude - June
Being thankful and showing appreciation; being ready to return kindness.
More Character Development: What is a Touchstone?
As we expanded our character development mission to reach students, staff and families in even more inspiring ways, we set out to develop a school "touchstone."
A touchstone refers to a promise or pledge to strive toward high standards of words and actions in, and out of, school. Our Mill Pond Touchstone took a year to create and involved the input of students from all three grades along with adults. We proudly hold it as our gold standard of character, and we recite it on Monday mornings to remind ourselves to be guided by it. You will notice that it ends with our motto: Learn and Caring...It's what we do here!
As we expanded our character development mission to reach students, staff and families in even more inspiring ways, we set out to develop a school "touchstone."
A touchstone refers to a promise or pledge to strive toward high standards of words and actions in, and out of, school. Our Mill Pond Touchstone took a year to create and involved the input of students from all three grades along with adults. We proudly hold it as our gold standard of character, and we recite it on Monday mornings to remind ourselves to be guided by it. You will notice that it ends with our motto: Learn and Caring...It's what we do here!
The Mill Pond School Touchstone
At Mill Pond, we share mutual trust and an expectation of honesty.
Here, respect and truthfulness are essential.
In our caring community we are responsible for being kind to others
and being actively involved within our society.
Together, we harbor self-esteem, practice generosity, and express gratitude.
We assist one another.
We are responsible stewards of our natural world.
We celebrate our special qualities, persevere through challenges,
and embrace our differences.
Learn and Caring...It's what we do here!
At Mill Pond, we share mutual trust and an expectation of honesty.
Here, respect and truthfulness are essential.
In our caring community we are responsible for being kind to others
and being actively involved within our society.
Together, we harbor self-esteem, practice generosity, and express gratitude.
We assist one another.
We are responsible stewards of our natural world.
We celebrate our special qualities, persevere through challenges,
and embrace our differences.
Learn and Caring...It's what we do here!
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi
