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The Western Hills Elementary Team views education as a community
endeavor where we all work together to help each student enjoy learning
and develop to their greatest potential. We believe that our team
approach maximizes the resources available to each student and encourages
a nurturing school community. At Western Hills learning is valued,
positive character traits are developed, and the uniqueness of individuals
is recognized, respected, and celebrated. We seek your support and
input into our educational programs.
Our school, families, and community share the responsibility for
each student's education through open communication, active involvement,
and mutual support. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any
questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to continue the
high level of excellence and commitment expected from the West Des
Moines community.
Sincerely,
Beth Lang, Principal
This title reflects Western Hills effort to integrate character
education into all parts of the elementary curriculum. The students
and adults are encouraged to “act” with character in
all parts of their lives. The philosophy includes the teaching of
the 6 pillars of good character. They are trust, respect, responsibility,
fairness, caring and citizenship. The acronym TRRFCC is used to
remember the pillars and to reinforce that we are terrific when
we act with good character!
Each teacher is a member of one of three committees: the curriculum
committee, the celebration committee and the communication committee.
These groups design and implement the Character Education Goal each
year.
Western Hills is very proud of the work done in the last 7 years
and feels that significant impact has been made on the environment
in the school due to the teaching of the 6 pillars. Yearly activities
include:
1. Monday morning announcements read by the students and the principal
to the whole school regarding good character along with the Pledge
of Allegiance.
2. Monthly assemblies which include the whole student body. At
this time students are recognized that have been caught showing
good character. Students caught showing good character in the lunchroom
are invited to a special pizza lunch. Students caught showing good
character in other parts of the school environments are invited
to have lunch with the principal and are treated to a special dessert.
3. Wildcat Pride Groups meet during the school year. These are
small groups of children from each grade level who work with a teacher
on projects and discussions related to good character.
4. The celebration of Character Education Week and Red Ribbon Week
each year.
5. The school discipline program involves the student working with
a staff member to reflect upon the pillars of good character and
what they need to do to change their character. A student may receive
a character reminder slip to remind them to think about their choice.
If more than one slip is received in a month, they will sit with
a staff member and fill out an action plan explaining what their
efforts will be to change.
6. Mix-It-Up Lunches are held several times a year. These lunches
provide an opportunity for students to meet others by sitting in
different places. It also encourages the breaking down of social
barriers.
7. Communication is reinforced each week in the weekly school newsletter
with a quote of good character.
8. New families to Western Hills are given a magnet with the six
pillars on it to encourage the families to use the pillars at home.
9. The school works all year with the support of Student Council
to promote community service. One of these projects is providing
holiday meals to the needy.
10. A monthly bulletin board is co-designed by an older and a younger
class to display work on good character.
11. Special assemblies are held with invited guests. These assemblies
are paid for by the school’s collection of Box Tops.
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