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Here's
What People are Saying...
Character of Our Youth is
Important--M. Anthony Warren, The National
Endowment of the Public Trust
"Recently, I was treated to a most important
day--a day that could very well
change America.
"A
parent's meeting was held in mid-week, at 10
a.m. at Union Springs Elementary. Mrs. Ann
Shoemaker, representing Character@Heart,
from Montgomery, conducted the program. The
character education program was sponsored by
Dixie Electric.
"Having
arrived a bit early, I introduced myself to
the four or five there. Then I found a
seat in the rear and started reading the
materials. As I found certain information
of great interest, the people started to
arrive. Then the line of sign-ins started
to lengthen and I was amazed at the turn
out--all for the character development of
children.
"Parents
were there--grandparents were with them.
Legal guardians were there also. Soon, each
seat was full and all work spaces were
occupied. The participants had come to
listen and work--make no mistake about it.
"At 10 a.m.
in the day, many had taken off work to
attend! This was a meeting not to be
missed. As Mrs. Shoemaker moved ahead with
her plan, all eyes were glued to her and her
every word. What was going on here?
"Something
was electric in Union Springs and it was
hot. I thought that something was being
given away--something big that someone might
win.
"Well,
something was being given away--tools to
help shape the very character of many young
people.
"The ideas
were most helpful and the questions were
challenging. The seriousness of the agenda
could not have been more serious. Oh, there
were laughs, but at times when the laughs
were the loudest, they came from the most
serious of places--when their children had
lied about something or had cheated on a
test.
"The laughs
seem to hide the tears. I knew. I had been
there before as a parent, when laughing was
the only answer to keep from crying.
"Oh, how we
dream of a child of great character. How do
we grow such a man or woman? Then, almost
on cue, Mrs. Shoemaker hit us all between
the eyes with a statement we all know in the
center of our being--'Your child's character
is most often formed based upon what she or
he sees in the character of their parents.'
"That
hurt. I saw the winces around the room.
Many looked downward at the floor, knowing
all too well that she had spoken the truth.
"Then she
followed it up with another gem, 'As
parents, if you are working on your child's
character, it is a perfect time to work on
your own. If your child senses an authentic
effort to improve as a parent and person,
they will emulate that as well.'
"That felt
better. The smiles around the room
returned.
"Where we
were, all together, was in a place that we
knew was the truth about just how the
children would be shaped into adulthood. We
knew that the choices that lay ahead in
their teenage years would be challenging and
tempting--to make the wrong choice about any
addiction--or worse yet, not to care about
anything or anyone.
"As the
program neared an end, I saw what I could
not see. It was not about those 65 plus in
the room that I was seeing. I could see
into Union Springs in 10 to 20 years, when
these children of these parents were
approaching adulthood--when their character
was shaping the future of Union Springs--and
the future of America.
"Then I
wondered. Was the picture of Union Springs
different from other places in Alabama?
Were children and parents focusing on
character education like this wonderful
little community?
"Certainly,
I could not let this go unanswered.
"Further
research proved the point. Character@Heart
is spreading through Alabama faster than
Grant wet through Richmond. Alabama is much
aware that our schools and the 10 minutes
per day that the state legislature allotted
to our children's character education is not
enough time to spell 'character education.'
"Fortunately, the wisdom of school
principals, teachers, guidance counselors
and those who hold the future of our
children in their hands know the truth--they
see the character issues and wrong choices
many of our youth make every day.
"And make
no mistake about it--it is all about
character.
"Alabama is
most fortunate to have the rich services of
many non-profits that augment what goes on
in our schools and there is no better
example as to this wonderful truth than the
great educational work of Character@Heart in
Union Springs, Alabama.
"I have a
feeling that Alabama greatness does rest in
the hearts and character of our young
people.
"Keep your
eye on Union Springs and those first through
sixth graders at Union Springs Elementary.
"I have a
feeling! Perhaps you do also."
M. Anthony Warren,
Co-founder, Executive Vice President
The National Endowment for the Public Trust
Printed by permission from The Tuskegee
News, February 10, 2005
"Believing that good manners
creates a better learning environment, our
traditional public school is using the
Manners of the Heart program this year.
We are inspired by the 36-week time frame of
activities which help build character and
restore and maintain discipline and values
in our students. The characters in the
program enhance the learning process in our
young learners. Most of all, this program
involves our entire school family, including
parents and community."
Velma Wince, Elementary
Theme Coordinator
Warrenton Elementary School
"Through Manners of the
Heart, students, teachers and parents
are linked together in the important work of
fostering good manners and encouraging
civility in our schools and society in
general."
Cecil J. Picard, State
Superintendent of Education
State of Louisiana
"Dear Mrs. Jill, I love
Manners of the Heart."
Danielle Wright, student,
five years old
Kentwood, Louisiana
"I am delighted with
Manners of the Heart. It is a
desperately needed program. I do trust that
it will be eagerly received by thousands,
and carefully studied by multiplied
thousands!"
Elisabeth Elliot,
Speaker and author
Keep a Quiet Heart, Passion and
Purity, and The Mark of a Man
"Manners of
the Heart is being infused in food and
nutrition services, social studies,
counseling services and library programs,
providing good opportunities for the
social-emotional development of children
which support academic endeavors."
William J. Miller,
Ed.D., Assistant State Superintendent,
State of Louisiana
"In my 27
years of teaching, I have never used a
program that has so impacted my children's
lives the way Manners of the Heart does." Ann
Shoemaker, Second Grade Teacher, St.
James Elementary
"Everyone,
even grandparents and the PTA, is involved
with Manners of the Heart. It's
making a big difference in our school...we
know it will have a lifelong positive impact
on our students and their families."
Cindy McKenzie,
Principal, Dozier Elementary
"Manners of the Heart is
a wonderful tool. I believe it is one of
the best---if not the best
social skills curriculum I have used during
my 20 years as an educator."
Mary Young, Counselor,
Head Elementary
"The lesson
activities are great! Based on 'putting
others before yourself,' children really
enjoy giving their handmade crafts to
others."
Judy Powell,
Teacher, Vaughn Road Elementary |
