ABOUT CHARACTER EDUCATION
VISION STATEMENT
During the fall of 2016, Hilltop teachers and staff convened over several meetings to discuss what our vision is for our school. We researched school vision statements and determined what core values we hold for ourselves and our students. After finalizing the statement, we brainstormed ways to make a visual that would stand out for our students. After many iterations, we determined that the school watermark was powerful.
Hilltop students will be coming home with a business card with the statement, there are framed copies in every classroom of Hilltop, along with larger ones in the cafeteria and Gym. Thank you for your support of our vision as we work to fulfill it.
Mr. David Heller
Hilltop School Principal
PROGRAM'S PHILOSOPHY
"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones." -Phillips Brooks
PROGRAM'S PHILOSOPHY
The goal of character education in the Mendham Borough Schools is to foster the development of caring, responsible, and knowledgeable students who will make good choices and who will contribute constructively to their school community, their families, and the community at large. Throughout the curriculum and in classroom, school wide, and family activities, students will experience elements of character development that can be integrated in their daily activities and dealings with others. This will prepare them to become productive, responsible citizens.
OVERVIEW OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Student quotes are read during morning announcements.
Teachers incorporate character ed monthly pillars into Morning Meetings.
View the "Monthly Pillar" pages for further overviews of this program and to see a list of corresponding literary resources.
As the 2017/2018 school began, Hilltop's School of Character team submitted a lengthy application to the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development (NJASECD), including the school’s overview and character education journey. Each year, schools and districts are selected by NJASECD that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.
During the NJASECD Annual Conference on May 18, 2018 at Rider University, Hilltop School was selected as a New Jersey School to Watch. This designation was given to just 19 schools in New Jersey in 2018.
At the same ceremony, it was also announced that Hilltop School earned the distinction as a National School of Character! These honors are a reflection of the teachers at Hilltop, both past and present, school and district administrators, our supportive Board of Education, the parents and community who support our schools and of course our students!
At school, our faculty and staff plan lessons on the pillars of character, read books and role play situations so students gain a deeper understanding of respect, caring, trustworthiness and the many other pillars we have covered. At home and around our community, families provide the same guidance and leadership, allowing their children to practice these skills each day. Being of good character is a goal for all of our students. Just as we strive for students' best in reading, writing, math and other subjects -- kindness, compassion, and respect are indicators of success in and out of school.
We are honored by both of these recognitions and will seek additional ways to develop our character education program so that we continue to create an environment where students succeed socially, emotionally and academically.
Thank you for your continued support!
-Mr. David HellerHilltop School Principal
MONTHLY CHARACTER ED PILLARS
September - October | Respect
November - December | Compassion
January - February | Perseverance
March - April | Courage
May - June | Responsibility