THE PURSUIT OF A VIRTUOUS

LIFEA Road Map to Civil

Society

“Happiness depends on acquiring a moral character, where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity, justice, friendship, and citizenship in one’s life” –Aristotle

“...there is no truth more thoroughly established that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness.” George Washington -First Inaugural Address

THE “ENDS” OF EDUCATION

Academics

Health, Safety and Well-being

A Virtuous Life?

Should teaching and nurturing values, character, and virtue be

a priority of the education system?

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

GRADUATION DAY!

So, let’s start at the end.

After our students walk across that stage, after the speeches, awards and presentations, after the long goodbyes, it’s time to ask:

Did we meet our educational goals?Is earning a diploma enough?Is being accepted to college enough?Are these young adults ready for responsible citizenship?

OK, now we go all the way back to the beginning

A Parent may say:

“I want my child to be________________________.

A Teacher may say:

“I want my students to be_____________________.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

A ROAD MAP TO CIVIL SOCIETY

If you could give a young adult one book as a guide for living…

Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law

What’s missing?

Moral and Virtuous Citizens----------------------------------

Laws

Civil Society

Lives Here

What

would

your

school

be like

if you

did not

have a

student

handbo

ok?

GETTING THERE Create a culture of virtue

Programming and curriculum Recognition of the “Good” Stories, literature Role modeling Accountability Mentoring

“The Quiet Conversations” -The familiar landscapes of the classroom, playing field, art studio, and stage have rich deposits of value-laden lessons waiting for us to unearth as “teachable moments.”

Civil Society Seminars

GETTING THERE The Virtue Project

A program that challenges student leaders to promote and encourage both the intrinsic and civic rewards of a virtuous life. The goal of the Virtue Project is to make common and timeless values part of our daily lives, and through the presentation of stories, heroes, and real-life role models and events, these students are responsible for transitioning virtuous ideals from the abstract to the concrete, stabilizing the common foundation of the diverse architecture of our community.

For more information on the Virtue Project and related programs, see

The Virtue Project: Promoting a Culture of Civic Virtue in Our Schools by Bob Macioci

Independent School Magazine -Winter 2013

GETTING THERE The Honor Code and Honor Council

The Honor Council will uphold the integrity of Cushing Academy’s Honor Code by demonstrating respect for others, adhering to high standards of academic honesty, and acting decisively in the event that a member of the community has violated or intends to violate its precepts. In accordance with the Honor Code, “we seek an environment in which all individuals can live and learn together in ways that protect personal freedom and community standards.” When violations occur, the Honor Council is dedicated to ensuring accountability, providing encouragement, and restoring trust in the community.

For more information: http://www.cushing.org/honor-code

GETTING THERE Role Modeling:

~The Most Powerful Lesson of All~ Students

Encourage and provide opportunities for those students who, by their example, actions, and attitude, can take the lead in building and sustaining a culture of civility and virtue.

Parents Parents may be the greatest role models of all. Partner with

families to align the common values and goals of the home and school.

Teachers-Dorm Parents-Coaches-Mentors We have the potential to be a powerful influence in the lives

of young adults, and by our words, deeds, and actions, we must communicate clearly to our students the habits necessary to live in society as responsible citizens. While this can sometimes be challenging, it is well known that adolescents develop positive behavior patterns by consistent contact with responsible adults of high character.

“We face the challenge of the relentless and sometimes destructive gale force of modern culture just outside our windows.”

OK, WHAT ABOUT THAT BOOK?

SUGGESTED READINGBuilding Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing -Michele Borba

Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories -William Kilpatrick, Gregory Wolfe, Suzanne Wolfe, Robert Coles

The Moral Intelligence of Children: How to Raise a Moral Child -Robert Coles

The Book of Virtues -William J. Bennett

Aesop's Fables -Saviour Pirotta, Richard Johnson

The Virtues Project Educator's Guide: Simple Ways to Create a Culture of Character -Linda Popov

Character Education: Transforming Values into Virtue -Holly Shepard Salls

Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility -Thomas Lickona

THE VIRTUOUS LIFE IS A [STILL POINT] IN A CHANGING WORLD

~The pursuit of happiness should always be guided

by the compass of virtue

~While laws are necessary to maintain basic social order,

a Civil Society can only be sustained with moral and virtuous people

~This is the challenge we face in our schools~ -It is our highest priority-

~And as teachers assigned the responsibility of mentoring young adults and preparing the citizens of the 21st century, meeting this challenge is at the heart of our profession~