• The 11 Principles of Character Education and the Counseling Department

    Here at Busch Middle School of Character we follow the 11 Principles.  As the counseling department, we are also aligned with the 11 Principles.  

    Principle 1 - Core values are defined, implemented, and embedded into school culture.  

    As a department, we will go to classrooms and give guidance lessons on our school's core values of

    Respect - showing courtesy and kindness to yourself and everyone else and treating others as you would like to be treated.

    Responsibility - doing what is expected of you, including when no one is looking.

    Self Control - managing your own actions under pressure.

    Determination - to strive for something, to believe in yourself, to work hard and never give up.

    Honesty - telling the whole truth and being trustworthy and fair; acting with integrity and not deceiving people.

    Principle 2 - The school defines "character" comprehensively to include thinking, feeling, and doing.

    As a department, we meet with students individually and in small groups to discuss ways we can support students as they grow, learn, and follow the core values of Busch.

    Principle 3 - The school uses a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach to develop character.

    In our conversations with students we will not only model the core values, but are intentional in capitalizing on moments to teach the values and help students to learn responsible decision-making and effective problem-solving.  

    Principle 4 - The school creates a caring community.

    As a department, we work to form caring relationships with students, parents, and other staff members.  Part of this work is conducted through our day-to-day interactions but also the times that we ask the school community to offer suggestions on how to improve the counseling department.

    Principle 5 - The school provides students with opportunities for moral action.

    The counseling department helps to support the Character Connection class every Thursday.  During this time, students can participate in various service learning opportunities.  For example, Dr. Starr-Hunter partnered with Mr. Kahn to support a Character Connection with the novel The Stars Beneath Our Feet.

    Principle 6 - The school offers a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, develops their character, and helps them succeed.

    The counseling department works hand in hand with teachers to help support students in their academic growth.  In addition, if parents recognize an academic area that needs support, they can also contact the school counselor to discuss possible interventions the school can put into place.

    Principle 7 - The school fosters students' self-motivation.

    The counseling department models this principle in individual and small group meetings with students through discussions of respect and how to earn respect and give respect.  In addition, the counseling department completes Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs) with 8th grade students to help them create career, academic, and post-secondary goals.

    Principle 8 - All staff share the responsibility for developing, implementing, and modeling ethical character.

    The counseling department assists when there are breakdowns in exhibiting ethical character.  The school counselor will meet with individuals that need this support.

    Principle 9 - The school's character initiative has shared leadership and long-range support for continuous improvement.

    The counseling department supports the principal in developing and sharing professional development about character education.

    Principle 10 - The school engages families and community as partners in the character initiative.

    The counseling department helps to develop partnerships with various community agencies.  In addition, the counseling department meets with parents to help support students as they grow and learn here at Busch.  

    Principle 11 - The school assesses its implementation of character education, its culture and climate, and the character growth of students on a regular basis.

    Every year, the counseling department conducts a "Probe", a study, into particular practices to see how effective the practice is in supporting students in their academic and social/emotional growth.