A disturbing study released this past week highlighted the need for helping high school students work through what is right and wrong.
The Ethics of American Youth - 2008 Summary
Here are some highlights...
STEALING. In bad news for business, more than one in three boys (35 percent) and one-fourth of the girls (26 percent) — a total of 30 percent overall — admitted stealing from a store within the past year. It s somewhat less in religious schools.
LYING. More than two of five (42 percent) said that they sometimes lie to save money. Again, the male-female difference was significant: 49 percent of the males, 36 percent of the females. In 2006, 39 percent said they lied to save money (47 percent males, 31 percent females).
39% in religious schools – 83% lied to parents (on a significant item)
CHEATING. Cheating in school continues to be rampant and it’s getting worse. A substantial majority (64 percent) cheated on a test during the past year (38 percent did so two or more times), up from 60 percent and 35 percent, respectively, in 2006. There were no gender differences on the issue of cheating on exams. 63% from students in religious schools
Is it worse than it appears?
As bad as these numbers are, it appears they understate the level of dishonesty exhibited by America’s youth. More than one in four (26 percent) confessed they lied on at least one or two questions on the survey. Experts agree that dishonesty on surveys usually is an attempt to conceal misconduct.
Despite these high levels of dishonesty, the respondents have a high self-image when it comes to ethics. A whopping 93 percent said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character and 77 percent said that when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know.
Lots of work to do in helping our kids…
Thank you for your partnership!
Showing posts with label Character Moment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Character Moment. Show all posts
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Character Moment #31 – May 14, 2008
Mrs. Young shared an article with me recently that came from the San Diego Tribune. The article, an opinion piece, was titled, “High school scandal.”[1] I would like to it with you today.
“'Our worst technological nightmare has just occurred,” the memo began. The assistant principal at Rancho Bernardo High, Keith Koelzer, described how eight Advanced Placement students hacked into the school's network, stole tests, altered grades and changed transcripts. “They are all smart,” he concluded, “but they have no wisdom.”
He recounted the heartbreak of one boy's parents, the shamed silence of an uninvolved classmate who knew a month earlier but did not speak up.
This scandal has clouded eight bright futures; it has disgraced Rancho Bernardo High and the acclaimed Poway Unified School District. While an embarrassed district tried to hide the scandal, don't place the ethical failure on the schools. Remember, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
By contrast, an ethical success story has occurred each year since 1990 in the East County. The East County Chamber of Commerce and Grossmont Union High School District bring 150 high school seniors and 40 adult facilitators together for a morning of discussions on ethical situations. The lead case study this year was from Harvard in 2005. Some 119 high school seniors used a stolen password to peak in and see if they had been accepted for admission. Some 119 seniors lost their Harvard careers to an ethical lapse.
Doug Deane, president of DSD Business Systems of San Diego, is ethics program director. Next year's ethical dilemma, he expects, will be from Rancho Bernardo High.
Typically, on issues like this, Deane said, “The kids have super-optimism, that they will not get caught. They have a sense of entitlement, they deserve it.” Typically, their support system fails them.
The ethics program, while unique, costs under $1,000, and Deane and the East County chamber are quite willing to share.
Children learn ethics from adults: coaches, youth organization leaders, Sunday School teachers and more. They also learn from peers. What if a classmate had had the courage to speak up?
It does take a village.”
Character Moment #32 – May 21, 2008
As I think about our last two character moments of the year, this week and next week, I reflect today on a couple of events that have recently happened that underscore the importance of striving to have excellent character.
Over the weekend I was in my hometown in Kansas attending my nephew’s high school graduation. On Saturday morning I made a trip to Wal-Mart to buy a few things. I went through the checkout line and paid for my purchases and then went out to my car. While I was putting things away in the car I noticed that I had an item in my cart that I had not paid for.
It would have been easy to get in the car and go home, but I couldn’t do it. I went back into the store and paid for the item explaining that I had taken it out by mistake. The lady said three or four times, thank you for your honesty sir – thank you for your honesty. It made me think that she probably saw more dishonesty than honesty during a typical day. For me, it was a no brainer. God won’t bless our deception.
Saturday was also a special day in that our boys’ track team did something that no other boys’ track team in 35 years had ever done – it won a CIF championship. At least we thought we did. After the CIF reviewed the meet, it realized a judge had made an incorrect ruling when he had disqualified a runner from another school. Those points, when given back to the school, put us in second place.
I received an email from Coach Preus on Monday morning explaining the situation. He said…”I believe that this is the right call. If we were on the other side of this, we would feel wronged. We have a sport that allows 48 hours to right these wrongs. While I am disappointed that the mistake was made, I agree that (they) should get what they earned.” In this morning’s Orange County Register, he is also quoted as saying, “"The last thing we want to do is win a title in which someone was unjustly disqualified from an event." In fact the head of the meet, Mr. Bob McGuire, called me this morning and said the reaction to this turnaround of events by Mr. Preus and the track team shows, “no better example of what we are trying to do as a school.”
Very classy. And that is the way it should be. It was the right response in a disappointing situation. We want to take the high road in all things, striving to be a people who are honest. Class and dignity will bring you great blessings in life and will make lasting impressions on those you meet along the way. When you choose to do the right thing, you’ll have no regrets!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Character Moment #30 – May 7, 2008
A great lesson in character occurred on April 26 at a women’s softball game between Western Oregon and Central Washington. It was a league game between two universities battling for a chance to go to the playoffs. It was senior day for Western Washington.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Western Oregon had runners on first and second and a seldom used senior named Sara Tucholsky came to bat. Now Sara had never hit a homerun before, but this time she really connected and the ball sailed over the fence. Her teammates were ecstatic until they realized that Sara had fallen down after touching first base. She had planted wrong and had blown out her knee, and was now beyond first base lying on the ground, writhing in pain.
The other two runners crossed home plate, but the rules were interpreted by the umpires that Sara had to touch all the bases for it to be ruled a homerun. If a member of her own team touched her the homerun would be nullified. Sara would have to get to all the bases without the help of her teammates. The only problem was she could not move. Her coach was going to have to substitute for her and her hit would be ruled a two-run single. Just before he spoke to the umpire, another voice spoke up and said, “Excuse me, would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?” That voice came from Mallory Holtman, the career home run leader from Western Washington, the opposing team.
Mallory and fellow teammate Liz Wallace picked up Sara and carried her to every base, gently touching her foot to the bag. They carried her home, and helped her achieve her first homerun. People that watched the situation cheered and cried because they knew it was even bigger than they had witnessed.
You see, Mallory was a senior too and this was her last chance to make the playoffs in her career. When she helped Sara get home, she did so in spite of the fact that her team would be down by three runs. Mallory and her teammates played the rest of the game to win, but they came up one run short, losing 4-3. Because of their kindness and outstanding character, their team did not advance to the playoffs.
After the game Mallory said, “"I think that happening on Senior Day, it showed the character of our team. … granted I thought of it, but everyone else would have done it. It's something people will talk about for Senior Day. They won't talk about who got hits and what happened and who won; they'll talk about that. And it's kind of a nice way to go out, because it shows what our program is about and the kind of people we have here." [1]
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Character Moment #29 – April 30, 2008
A friend of mine told me a story recently about their visit to a restaurant a while back. Sitting close by at a table was a group of high school students. It was a mixed group (guys and girls), and they were just hanging out. They spoke loudly at times, and he could over hear that the language they were using was laced with profanities. It was not a very attractive sight. At one point another customer came up to them and reminded them that they were in a public place and that their language was offensive. The students reacted by rolling their eyes, not saying anything directly, and really trying to ignore the admonishment. My friend said it looked like some in the party were embarrassed and others were too cool to look that way. Pretty typical for some kids when they get caught messing up.
I believe we have those moments in our life when we get a chance to put our character training to the test. It is in those times that our true character comes out. Out in public, on our own, where nobody knows us, we let our true character shine through.
I think it is easier to follow the rules per say in an environment where you know someone could be watching, like here at school. The ability to resist acting in an inappropriate way is sometimes easier in that environment. Our true tests though are when we are out in public, where we act a certain way because that’s who we are, not necessarily because we are supposed to act a specific way.
Think back to those times when you go out with friends in public. How do you act when there are no parents or coaches, or teachers around? Is it consistent with the model that you want to portray as a child of God?
Many of you will have a great opportunity to show your true character this weekend as you attend the prom. You will interact with many people who will only know you through what they see you do and hear you say. Let your witness be a light to those around you.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Character Moment #28 – April 23, 2008
Yesterday I had the great opportunity to attend Coach Poncy’s memorial service. It was an amazing celebration of a man who touched so many people with Christ’s love. He was a model of what excellence in Christian character is about.
As I listened to the various speakers, some friends, some family, even our own Coach Preus, I started to write down the words they used to describe him. What a tribute it was. They used words and phrases like…
He was a person that represented trust, honor, integrity, and respect. He understood the responsibility he had as a call to duty, as a call to serve others.
His family said he left a legacy over four generations. He modeled accountability, care for others, and remembered the little things that made others feel important. He shared the good news.
He was a mentor, a life coach, and a prayer warrior. He valued friendships, relationships, and loved kids. He was a leader that would be followed anywhere. He was trustworthy, an encourager, a teacher, and a coach. He made everyone feel good. He wanted everyone to be a part of the team. People said they were better because they had him in their lives.
He was a peacemaker. He always had time for others. He used every moment of every day to accomplish something. He was inclusive – not exclusive. He was compelled by Christ. He was consistent in his life and ministry. They were one and the same.
Coach Poncy affected so many people with the good news of Jesus Christ. He would want us all to do the same.
The words of Hebrews 13:7 (NIV) remind us of how we should remember Coach Poncy, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. “
Coach Poncy was a person to imitate. For those of you that are still hurting from his loss or from other things in your life, may you feel the presence of Christ, and be surrounded by His peace.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Character Moment #27 – April 16, 2008
Today is a tough day for many in our Lancer community. One of our long time track and cross country coaches, Mr. Guy Poncy, died yesterday afternoon after working out at Peters Canyon. Coach Poncy and his wife had two daughters that graduated from Orange Lutheran and had been a part of the Orange Lutheran family as a coach, substitute teacher, and parent for many years.
He was a man who had a passion for the Lord. His love for Jesus was evident to all he encountered. Coach Poncy rode his bike many days at practice and at meets. His love for the students here at Orange Lutheran was very evident. His email address was run4him2@socal.rr.com . The him was Jesus.
It is hard when someone we know and care for leaves this earth. Knowing Coach Poncy, he would say that the tears today should not be for him, for he is enjoying the promises that he believed in his life. He knows today that God is faithful and His words are true.
Coach Poncy was a man of great character, and one that will be missed by many including his wife and daughters. Let’s take a moment and ask God for His peace and comfort to all who mourn the end of his earthly life today.
Please join me in prayer.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your servant, Guy Poncy, for his faith and witness to those who were placed in his life. We thank you for his faith and model to us while he was with us and know that he is now with you claiming Your free gift of eternal life.
Bless his wife Rennetta and daughters Tiffany and Kristie as they miss their husband and father. Give them that peace that surpasses all understanding, and surround them with people who will comfort them with your love and care.
For our students and staff I also ask for that peace and comfort as well Lord. I thank you for faithfulness and for the eternal life we received when Your Son died and rose again for our sins.
All these things we lay before His throne. To You alone be the glory.
Character Moment #26 – April 9, 2008
Have you ever seen a person that is trying to deceive others, having the look of being legit, but in reality not having any integrity? It’s like the person that dresses up a mannequin and places them in the car so they can drive in the carpool lane and avoid congestion. I have a friend that pulled up along a driver that did this and saw the fake passenger. Then as the car pulled away he noticed that he had a fish decal on the back of his car. I am sure there were people that saw him that day that thought, “typical Christian.” It can be frustrating to send a message out like that when the real message of the saving love of Christ is the one that people need to see and hear.
I wonder sometimes if Orange Lutheran is a “safe place to be in sin?” What I mean is I know some in our community are just struggling with certain behaviors that really have them in their grasp. Because we have enough Christian activity, enough good stuff happening, a person could pretty much hide out and not have to face those things that are bringing them down. They can pretend they are doing the right thing, like the guy with the mannequin.
I would hope that we are a school that is “a safe place to be broken.” We all have times in our lives when we need to be broken, so that we can become the people God desires for us to become. Become people who are abiding, walking, living in Him. Allowing Him to fill us with His glory.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Character Moment #19 – February 13, 2008
I sat in chapel yesterday and listened intently to what Mr. Grasz shared about the several incidents of stealing that have occurred here at Orange Lutheran over the year. I wish I could say to folks that stuff like that doesn’t happen here, but in reality it unfortunately does.
It made me think about what I learned as a young boy at the Lutheran school I attended in Topeka, KS. When we learned the commandments, we also learned their meanings from the small catechism. Stealing is addressed in the seventh commandment.
The Seventh Commandment.
Thou shalt not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor's money or property, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business [that his means are preserved and his condition is improved].
The meaning to this commandment addresses the fact that we should not take another person’s property, or trick them out of their property. The thing I think that is so significant though is what it says next…really two commands.
We should help our neighbor to improve and protect his property and business. What it is really saying is that not only should we not take it by any means, but we should also help in any way to make it better. It is not only about the negative act of taking, but it addresses the positive…make your neighbor’s property or business better. We don’t always think of that.
I can remember on our honeymoon, my wife and I went to a nice restaurant up in the Monterey area. After we left the restaurant, my wife noticed that they had not charged us for the additional side order we had asked for later in the meal. It may sound silly, but I turned around and went back to the restaurant and took the additional money to our waitress. She was so thankful, because it was their policy to have the servers pay for any mistakes they made on their customer’s bill. In a way, we made her business a little better.
I don’t share that to be pious or holier than though. I share it because I will never forget her reaction. Let us be a school that makes each other better, not taking from one another.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Character Moment #18 – February 6, 2008
This weekend is Winter Formal. It will be a great celebration at The Grove in Anaheim. I know that our Student Leadership Team with Mr. Odle and Mrs. Webster has worked very hard to plan a wonderful evening. It will be a night that culminates much preparation by the committee and the attendees.
I will always remember the second Winter Formal I chaperoned here at Orange Lutheran. Two couples arrived late, and after speaking with folks at the gate where they entered, it was apparent they obviously had been drinking. When their car was searched, several alcohol bottles were found and marijuana was found in the glove compartment. It did not turn out the way they had hoped their evening would have when they planned it. The students were removed from school under the zero tolerance policy. It really was a sad day for so many concerned.
Ladies and gentleman, I do not want that scenario to happen to any of you. I want our Winter Formal to be alcohol and drug free. I would hope that all of you want the same thing for your friends and anyone who attends the dance. If you are concerned about anyone in your group planning on using, please tell an adult (your counselor –a teacher – an administrator) before it is too late.
Saturday night should be a fun time. We can honor God by our words and our actions. We must be conscience though, that Satan would delight in nothing more than really messing up a good night, by encouraging bad decisions. Let your character shine through by being an example of what God desires for you to be: before, during, and after the dance.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Character Moment #14 – December 19, 2007
This is the last Character Moment of 2007 and I have one wish for all of us in 2008. As I have all year, it has been my hope to encourage the building of character within our school community. To truly build our character I believe that there is one source, and that is God’s Word. It is in His word where we find story after story about how God’s love restores people.
The Bible really is a love story. The more you know its words, the more you are reminded about how much God does love us.
With the New Year coming, I would like to challenge you to do something for maybe the first time. Before January 1, go find a bible. It might be the one you have for school use, but it can be any version. I have enjoyed, The Message, in the past. Then get a guide that gives you a daily reading. My wife works at The Bible House at Tustin and Katella and they have guides (and bibles) there. The guide should take you through the Bible in one year. An online source is www.backtothebible.org It offers many options to get you through the bible in a year.
Finally, take the 10-15 minutes max to read a little bit every day. I am getting ready to start my 11th year of this, and this daily ritual has truly changed my life. God’s Word is power. It is hard to explain, but your life will change!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Character Moment #13 – December 12, 2007
One of things that I feel God calls us to be here at Orange Lutheran is different for Him. This does get acted out in many ways. Our conduct at games when we cheer for our team in a positive way instead of putting the other team or the officials down is one way. Another way is how we celebrate certain holidays.
With Christmas coming up soon, I think it is so important to use the words “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” We are inundated by all of the secular thoughts for the season. Think about the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day set aside to thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Throughout the day we are bombarded by commercials that tell us that our favorite stores open the next day at 4 am for special sales. We are reminded all day long on the day we are to be thankful, that we don’t have it all. We need more. And, what do we now call that Friday? Black Friday. Incredible.
The Christmas season is that time we set aside to celebrate Christ’s birth. What has happened over the years though is that we take the Christ out of Christmas. I had an aunt that signed everything Merry Xmas. Merry X mas? Why?
Today we hear that people may be offended if we say Merry Christmas. I say, we should never compromise who we are. Christmas is about Christ. It should never be separated.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Character Moment #6 – October 10, 2007
This week we begin play in the Trinity League. As a member school of this outstanding league we want to uphold some very high standards as we attend and host games throughout the year. We join each school of the league, J Serra, Mater Dei, Rosary, Santa Margarita, Servite, and St. John’s Bosco as schools that have high standards and strive for excellence in all that we do. Each game we play will test our athletes and coaches to perform and compete at the highest level.
As exciting as each game will be, we want to be sure that our enthusiasm does not compromise who we are as representatives of Christ love for His people. I know our athletes will play hard and that our coaches will help their teams grow in character on and off the field. That same drive needs to be evident by all that attend the games and cheer on their friends and fellow Lancers.
Our state athletic association, CIF, has issued some rules for good behavior that can serve as our guide. These guidelines should set the minimum standard for our behavior at games. The full list will be posted in your classrooms and the gym. Some of the encouragements that are listed include:
- Show Class — Live and cheer with class. Be a good sport. Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity, compliment extraordinary performance, and show sincere respect for all competitors.
- Don’t show Disrespectful Conduct — Don’t engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks of a sexual nature, trash-talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean individuals or the sport. Do not participate in any negative or demeaning cheers.
- Show Respect for Officials — Treat game officials with respect. Don’t complain or argue about calls or decisions during or after an athletic event.
- Show Respect for Coaches — Treat coaches with respect at all times. Recognize that they have team goals beyond those of one athlete. Do not shout instructions to players from the stands. Let the coaches coach.
- Show Respect for Fellow Spectators — Display respect for all other spectators. Do not insult or fight with other fans. Wait for breaks in the action before leaving or returning to your seat.
I know some of these games can generate adrenaline and strong emotion, but we need to remember that we are representing Jesus Christ through our actions, and we are also representing Orange Lutheran High School. Last night in the girls volleyball match against Mater Dei, we had great crowd support, and except for an isolated incident of poor sportsmanship, our fans added much to the environment. However, two weeks ago several in our student section chose to “boo” the Los Alamitos cheer leaders when they came over at halftime. That is unacceptable. That message that is sent in that situation is always negative.
I want you to be proud to be Lancers. Let’s do that with loud positive support that adds to an event, not take away from it.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Character Moment #4 – September 26, 2007
The third leadership trait that I’d like to highlight today is communication. A leader needs to be one who is a good communicator. It has been said that communication is life’s number one skill.[i] I believe it is fundamental to being successful in one’s life. So much of who we are is based upon our ability to be able to communicate our points of view in a positive way.
Communication sometimes is broken down into two areas: speaking and writing. What I have learned over the years is that being a good listener is just as vital as the other two. Many times more is communicated to others when you spend time listening to them instead of trying to fix their problems.
How do you get better at communicating? For some it comes very natural, even too easily. But for most people, speaking in front of people just takes practice. Even though you might not always feel comfortable doing it, challenge yourself to accept the opportunities to speak to others when asked. That might be as simple as helping lead the prayer in your classroom or at home during dinner.
People become better writers by writing. Journaling is good practice, and a safe place to express yourself. Many adults keep journals and look back on them from time to time to help clarify their thoughts.
Listening sometimes is the toughest, because we all have the tendency to want to put our two cents worth in on a conversation. Being a good listener though is a valuable trait. As you grow older and develop deeper relationships, you’ll see how listening is something to be valued.
Our faith walk grows as we listen to God. It grows as we speak with Him. And, it grows when we can write our thoughts down about Him and reflect on those words.
David communicated his love for God when he wrote Psalm 8[ii]
1O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! …
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Character Moment #3 – September 19, 2007
Another character trait that all leaders possess is respect. The true leader is respectful of others. Respect really deals with the value we place on someone. If we respect someone, we communicate that we value them and hold them in high regard. We try to build them up, not tear them down.
A better measure for respect is how we act towards a person that is weaker than ourselves or a person we don’t like. It is easy to respect someone like a boss or a person in a position of authority over ourselves (a teacher or a parent.) It is much more difficult to respect someone smaller, weaker, and younger than ourselves. When a person does show respect to a person of less stature, it means more, because they have nothing to gain from the relationship by being nice.
When you have authority, you shouldn’t lord it over someone else. Jesus taught this concept to His disciples. His model was that of a servant leader. Serving others is a way to measure your respect for them. As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 2:5-8[i], “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
The legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, once said, “Respect a man, and he will do all the more.” He knew that people will do more for you when they feel respected by you.
It is my hope that our respect for one another, for others outside our community, and for the property God gives to us to use will grow this year. Being known as a respectful person is a trait that will help you in many ways in the future.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Character Moment from February 28
When I came to Orange Lutheran 10 years ago, people asked me about what I thought our academic program could become. Over the first 25 years of the school’s existence, many graduates had attended colleges and universities around the country. I wanted this to continue, so that our high school is a place where students can get there from here. That destination is really about the school helping our students develop the gifts God has given them. Placing an emphasis on excellence in academics is a value that is critical to the success of our school.
To attain this value, Orange Lutheran will strive to hire great teachers who are passionate about their discipline. We will continue to provide them with the resources to accomplish great things with their students. We will create an environment and a climate in our school that is conducive to learning, and we will support our students with the resources and strategies that help them reach their full potential. It has been wonderful to see the places God leads our students upon graduation.
A few years ago as the mission and values were developed and shaped, the discussions were lively. Helping students grow into the people God desires them to be, helping them become people who were known for their character, and helping them reach their academic potential were all fairly obvious goals. We wanted to go a step further though and really emphasize those things that occur outside the classroom as well. Thus our third value was established – that we emphasize excellence in competition and performance.
Competition deals with all of those areas in which we compete. Athletic teams, groups, and clubs that compete with other schools fall under this area. Performance deals with all those activities in which we perform. Activities like the fine arts – vocal and instrumental music, drama, musical theater, and the visual arts are all areas of performance. In identifying these areas as a value, we are saying that in whatever our students do outside the classroom, we want them to do it at the highest level. We will provide experiences for our students to compete against the best teams, perform pieces that grow their abilities, and create works that exhibit the gifts God has bestowed on each of us.
Our mission and values are the guide by which we do all things here at school. If we do something that doesn’t help us reach our mission and values, it is not worth doing. As students and faculty, we need to be people that assist in raising these values to the highest levels.
Character Moment from February 21
As I mentioned last Wednesday, we will have a WASC accreditation visiting team on campus in a few weeks. This is an event that occurs every six years. Our team, made up of five educators, from both public and non-public schools will be here to review our self-study document and determine if we have clearly communicated a real picture of Orange Lutheran High School
A core value helps guide all actions in an organization. It defines who we are and what we strive to be about. It is the glue that holds us together in times of change.
The first of our core values is excellence in Christian character development. What we mean by this is that we strive to be a people that display character qualities in a Christ-like way. Out of all of the character qualities that could be emphasized, we pay special attention to three: respect, honor, and service.
In the area of respect we emphasize respect for God, for others, and for His resources. We emphasize appropriate conduct in the hallways and good manners. We expect all of our students to use words of courtesy like: Yes, No, Please, Thank you, and proper eye contact when speaking to others.
We also expect our community to be known as a people who are honorable. This is carried out inside and outside of the classroom. Valuing honor and striving to develop this characteristic shapes our school culture in such a positive way.
We also promote service to others. A person who serves is one who is connected to something much bigger than themselves. Christ said this was a fundamental teaching. “I have come not to be served, but to serve.”
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Character Moment
This is the Character Moment I will read over the PA today:
In a couple of weeks we will experience a WASC visit. Maybe some of your teachers have shared this with you. WASC stands for Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is an organization that accredits what schools and colleges are doing on a daily basis.
Over the past year and a half the faculty, staff, and some selected parents and students have been writing a document that communicates, in what we hope is an honest way, those things we are trying to accomplish here at Orange Lutheran and how we are doing in improving our school.
The mission of our school is very simply, “to help students internalize the Gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus.” There are a lot of happenings here on a daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly basis, but more important than anything else we do, is the commitment of the faculty to help each of you grow in your relationship with Christ. When you leave Orange Lutheran, it is our hope that your walk with Christ is farther along than when you first arrived.
Now I know that no person can cause another person to grow in their faith; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the prayer of all those who are gathered around you though, to be used by Him, in any way He needs us, to be a positive affect on our students and community.
Over the next couple of weeks I will discuss our three core values: Christian character development, academics, and competition and performance in a little more detail. All of those values however, will never supersede our over-arching mission of keeping Christ in all that we do each day.
I know we are not a perfect school, but I truly believe if we all focus on becoming more like the person Christ desires for us to be in His world, we will be a better school.
Have a great Valentine’s day.
In a couple of weeks we will experience a WASC visit. Maybe some of your teachers have shared this with you. WASC stands for Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is an organization that accredits what schools and colleges are doing on a daily basis.
Over the past year and a half the faculty, staff, and some selected parents and students have been writing a document that communicates, in what we hope is an honest way, those things we are trying to accomplish here at Orange Lutheran and how we are doing in improving our school.
The mission of our school is very simply, “to help students internalize the Gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus.” There are a lot of happenings here on a daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly basis, but more important than anything else we do, is the commitment of the faculty to help each of you grow in your relationship with Christ. When you leave Orange Lutheran, it is our hope that your walk with Christ is farther along than when you first arrived.
Now I know that no person can cause another person to grow in their faith; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the prayer of all those who are gathered around you though, to be used by Him, in any way He needs us, to be a positive affect on our students and community.
Over the next couple of weeks I will discuss our three core values: Christian character development, academics, and competition and performance in a little more detail. All of those values however, will never supersede our over-arching mission of keeping Christ in all that we do each day.
I know we are not a perfect school, but I truly believe if we all focus on becoming more like the person Christ desires for us to be in His world, we will be a better school.
Have a great Valentine’s day.