News Summary

HAMILTON — Incorporating character education in the curriculum is making a difference at the Hamilton Education Center, according to administrators.

"Students are showing better behavior," Principal Nancy Hulshult told Hamilton City School District board members Tuesday night, Sept. 9.

"Helping students to understand the need to develop strong character is important," Hulshult said as she shared strategies of teaching "character with intentionality" — a district-wide focus — at the center.

Daily announcements relating to character traits — honesty, compassion, personal responsibility, respect and acceptance — and rewarding positive behavior are some of the initiatives incorporated this year.

"We also are infusing character education in our conversations in the classroom," Hulshult said. "It makes sense and bolsters what we want to say."

Before leaving the school's alternative program, Recovery Expulsion Suspension Center for Uninterrupted Education, to return to their assigned school, "we have an exit interview, talk to students and ask them, 'What will you be doing differently and if you had it to do over, what would you do? And what have you learned about yourself and your character?'" Hulshult said.

A more intense character education program is a focus throughout the district this year. Superintendent Janet Baker has encouraged district administrators to view themselves as role models and "ensure that character education is taught with intentionality in their buildings the same way academic subjects are taught."