The Character Trait for September is” Respect – treating others with courtesy and honor”
For the school year 2005-2006 those people and businesses who care about the future of the children in Branson and Taney County should be in First PLACE, not second place or some other place but First PLACE. For at least one school year, as a community, let’s show our children the courtesy and honor, of demonstrating and reinforcing the character traits they are being taught in school so that they have a better chance to become a permanent part of their lives.
“First PLACE!” stands for “Partners Linking Arms for Character Education.” The First PLACE , program was covered in a column entitled, “Character takes First PLACE within our community,” that was published Aug. 21 in this paper and which can be found on the internet at https://bransoncourier.com/ under “Editorials.”
In an Ole Seagull’s opinion, it is the respect that our community and it’s families show our children regarding their efforts to learn these traits that will determine whether or not they become theirs to use for a lifetime. Will we give our children the courtesy and honor necessary to reinforce the traits being taught in school, overcome the negative influences and pressures that are counterproductive to good character, and encourage them?
Some might ask, “What does treating our children with courtesy and honor have to do with whether these characteristics become a tool that they can use for the rest of their lives?” In terms of what they are being taught, it shows “respect” for their efforts. It also shows that we value and honor the character traits being taught and their efforts to learn them.
One of the definitions of “courtesy” is the “Willingness or generosity in providing something needed.” Especially considering the limited time that our children are in school, it is obvious that our community, in addition to efforts within the home, must be willing to provide the encouragement and reinforcement needed for the learning process to grow to fruition.
That aspect of First PLACE is handled by businesses, churches, and civic organizations that become a “partner” by agreeing to do ONE thing each month that corresponds to the Character Trait of the Month. There are many partners doing just that and then some. There is however, one thing every business can do; they can prominently and publicly display the Character Trait of the Month in and about their businesses. Or can they?
On Sep. 1, the Ole Seagull went into five different businesses where he was conducting business. Only one, “Jersey Mike’s Subs” displayed a sign or other form of public encouragement and support regarding the Character Trait of the month. Jersey Mike’s had the nine Taney County Character Traits displayed on an eight by ten inch sign taped on their window and the same size sign saying “Respect – treating others with courtesy and honor” prominently displayed by the cash register.
As the Ole Seagull drove out Highway 76 he was reminded of a line from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” which says, “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Oh, there were “Marquees, marquees everywhere, nor any word of respect.” Well almost. From downtown to Highway 165, the only encouragement or support of our children’s efforts the Ole Seagull observed on a marquee was the marquee for the Branson Methodist Church.
Just think of the positive message of encouragement and support that could be sent. Sent to not only our children but to their parents and those working so hard to make the character traits being taught a part of each child’s life, if the majority of our community’s businesses, churches, and organizations showed them the courtesy and honor of prominently displaying the Character Trait of the Month. What message does displaying nothing send?
For assistance in getting free signs or CDs from which you can print your own signs or to become a “partner” call 417-334-6401, ext. 4242, visit the First Place website at www.keetercenter.edu/firstplace. If all fails call the Ole Seagull at 417-294.0404 and leave a message. He will get back to you. The important thing is to do something that will publicly encourage and support our children as they study the character traits which will, one way or the other, shape their futures.
Sure, it will take a little effort but aren’t our children worthy of the courtesy and honor it would show them?
