Character Education is the deliberate effort to develop good character, based on core virtues that are good for the individual and good for society. Introduced in 1996, the Canandaigua City School District has supported an ongoing initiative for over 20 years to infuse the teaching of good character into the PK-12 curricula.
In 2017-18, the District reconsidered its core character values to emphasize a desired progression from simple character traits to sophisticated character ethics. Thus, the District now approaches character in a developmentally appropriate sequence through the school years.
Our Journey to Character
Respect leads to Civility
Responsibility leads to Accountability
Honesty leads to Integrity
Kindness leads to Compassion
Effort leads to Perseverance
Healthy Choices lead to Healthy Living
The District, in partnership with parents and students, is seeking to re-energize our character education initiative in a way that makes even more sense for every student and family based on age, experiences, and issues that each child encounters as they grow.
For our young children (K-5), these traits are:
Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Kindness, Effort, and Healthy Choices
As young people transition through the Middle School years toward adulthood (6-12), we champion traits with a deeper meaning that grow from the original six traits:
Civility, Accountability, Integrity, Compassion, Perseverance, and Healthy Living
Simultaneously, the District seeks to engage Canandaigua area businesses, churches, agencies, youth and adult organizations and their combined resources through a revitalized Canandaigua Partnership for Character to promulgate the modeling of good character in all facets of our community.