Grand Forks Central Character Education

  • Belief Statement
    We believe character education at Grand Forks Central High School is a process that promotes universal virtues and expectations that establish a sense of school community and pride. Our universal virtues are: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Caring, Fairness, and Citizenship.

    Mission Statement
    The mission of character education at Grand Forks Central is to promote the universal virtues of Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Caring, Fairness, and Citizenship amongst staff, students, and parents to enhance a sense of school and community pride. 
    Short Term Goals
    1. Character education at GFC will include an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that will promote "universal virtues" in all phases of school life.
    2. To develop character, GFC will provide students the opportunity to practice good character.
    3. Character education at GFC will strive to promote intrinsic motivation to develop good character.
    4. The staff and parents at GFC will share the responsibility for character education and attempt to adhere to the same core virtues that guide the education of students.
    5. Staff and students will share the responsibility to demonstrate character leadership during the school day.
    6. Evaluation of character education at GFC will assess the school climate to the extent in which students manifest good character and the staff and parents function as character education mentors.
    Long Term Goals
    1. An effective character education program will include a meaningful awareness program that will assist all students in developing good character.
    2. The school will reach out to the community as a full partner in the character education building process by providing educational opportunities for community members to model the character education virtues of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, fairness, and citizenship.
    Character Virtue Definitions
    (each of the virtues is associated with a certain color)

    Respect (Color-Yellow or Gold):
    Treat others with respect. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.

    Responsibility (Color-Green):
    Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere and keep trying. Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act and consider the consequences. Be accountable for your actions.

    Trustworthiness (Color-Blue):
    Be honest. Don't deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable - do what you say you will do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal - stand by your family, friends, school, and community.

    Caring (Color-Red):
    Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others and help people in need.

    Fairness (Color-Orange):
    Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded; listen to others. Don't take advantage of others. Don't blame others carelessly. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.

    Citizenship (Color-Purple):
    Do your share to make your school and community a better place. Cooperate with others. Stay informed. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect others. Protect the environment.

    Courage (Color-Maroon):
    [In 2006, Principal, Dr. Jeff Schatz, honored former Central student, Jason Stadstad, by claiming the high schools seventh pillar of character to be the pillar of courage. Jason passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in December of 2006.]

    Know what is good, true, and right. Overcome fear and make better choices when you face strange, difficult, or frightening situations. Inspire others with your boldness and bravery.