Written by Scott Hufford, principal
The start of a new school year brings with it the opportunity to begin anew. Each student begins with a clean slate, and an opportunity to be the very best he or she can be. In schools and classrooms everywhere, students are introduced to, or reintroduced to, the expectations for their class. Teachers share the rules of their classrooms, making sure that each student understands these guidelines. Procedures that will be commonplace in October are taught for the very first time. The start of the school year is of critical importance.
Last school year, the Portage Township Schools introduced Critical Values to the students throughout our district. Students are taught that they will need the Courage to be Respectful, to be Responsible, to be Compassionate, to be Fair, and to be Honest. At Crisman, and throughout Portage, these values are the expectation. Our students understand the meaning of each of these character traits. Students are challenged to be fair, honest, compassionate, respectful, and responsible. They also expect their peers to demonstrate these qualities.
The Crisman Pledge had stood the test of time and served the Crisman Community for many years, but with the adoption of the Critical Values for all of the Portage Township Schools, even these words needed to be examined.
The staff at Crisman believed that it was important that our Crisman Pledge mirror the Critical Values of the district. The choice of words had to be modified. Our new Crisman Pledge maintains the integrity of the original pledge while incorporating the terminology of our Critical Values. We believe that it is very important that our students understand and embody these values.
The Crisman Pledge:
As a Crisman Learner,
I have the courage to take responsibility for my actions.
I will be honest and fair with everyone.
I will show respect and compassion for others.
I will do my personal best.
As a parent in the district or simply a member of the community, it is important that you understand the Critical Values. We strive to teach our students the importance of each of these values, but your help is needed. PTS adopted the common language. The terms are not difficult, and even the youngest students in our district can define what is meant by responsible or honest. The next step is expecting our children, our students, the youth of Portage, to live by these Critical Values. For this to be a reality, our parents must reiterate to their children the importance of being honest and treating others fairly. Our community must remind young people of the need to show compassion and demonstrate respect. Portage Township Schools has identified the Critical Values that our students should aspire to. As adults, we must communicate with our children and educate them so that they will have the courage to live by these values. In the same way that our Crisman Pledge now reflects these values, please consider incorporating these values into discussions with your child.