Character Counts

The Virginia General Assembly passed a Character Education Bill in 1999. The Bill required each local School Board to implement a Character Education program. All Salem City Schools adopted a program called Character Counts which was implemented in September, 2000. Character Counts is based on the Six Pillars of Character: Responsibility, Respect, Caring, Trustworthiness, Fairness and Citizenship. In Salem, all six schools focus on the same pillar each six weeks in the order listed above. At West Salem, Character Counts is an ongoing process and is embraced by the entire staff from bus drivers and aides to teachers and principals. West Salem students have opportunities to see adults in their school model the six character traits that are introduced in the program and are encouraged to do the same. The West Salem PTA has generously provided financial support to purchase materials and motivational incentives to support our Character Education Program. Children sign Character Counts pillars and participate in many activities that support and reinforce the six pillars. Character Education begins at home and there are many things parents can do to help their children to develop good character. A newsletter will be sent home every six weeks with information about each pillar and suggestions for family activities.