Words To Live By are the character traits that the Athol Elementary staff and students

work to demonstrate in their lives.

 We use these words to help us understand how we can speak and act toward

each other, our families,

our community and also ourselves.

January is Self-Control Month

Self-Control means: The ability to make good choices about how we behave, act and what we say. To control our own bodies and minds.

Self-Control

Trustworthy means: To be someone who earns people's trust by keeping promises, being loyal, honest, knowing right from wrong and whose actions match their words.

Trustworthy

Compassion  means: To feel so strongly for another person's hurt or hardship that you try to help them make it better. To be deeply sympathetic. It is to be unselfish and put the needs of others before yourself. Compassion is an action word, it is not just feeling kindness towards someone, but doing whatever you can to show that person you care.

Compassion

Courage means: To be a person who stands up for themselves and others, doing what's right rather than following the crowd, willing to try new things and being brave when things are difficult.

Courage

Determination means: Stick-to-it-ness. Setting a goal and continuing to work towards that goal no matter how hard it gets. A person with determination will finish what they start, are not afraid to make mistakes and find ways to overcome problems.

Determination

Citizenship means: Being a good citizen. A citizen is someone who is part of a community, that includes your family, classroom, school, town, state, country and really the whole world. As a citizen you receive rights, certain benefits and protection. In return for those benefits we use our rights and freedoms responsibly by obeying rules, volunteering, recycling, speaking out against unfair treatment of others, voting and working out differences, even when no one is watching. Good citizenship really is all of our character traits put together in our attitudes and actions.

Citizenship

Responsible means: To be someone others can count on to do what is right. It is being able to think ahead and figure out how what we say or do may affect ourselves and others. It also means that you accept the results of your actions and don't make excuses or try to blame others for the way we act.

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Responsibility

To act Responsible means: To keep your promise to do your homework and chores without being reminded. Caring for your pets by watering, feeding and playing with them. Waiting your turn when playing on the slide, swings or during a game. To clean up after yourself at home and in school. To not sneak extra cookies when no one is looking. And most importantly, to do what you say and say what you mean.

Practicing Responsibility

Respectful means: To see yourself and all people as valuable and important. It is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Respectful people show others consideration, speak politely, have manners, listen to others  opinions and take care of other people's belongings. Respecting those in authority like parents, grandparents, teachers, police and firemen is very important. We also need to respect our earth and the creatures we share it with.

Respect

Kindness means: To be a thoughtful, helpful and friendly person. To show others affection and sympathy. To let others know you care about them.

Kindness