Student Council Character-Building Activities

Right Attitudes Make Success
Eighth grade students at Rapid Run MS in Cincinnati, OH, visit sixth grade classes to teach lessons about tolerance, bullying, respect, and responsibility in their Right Attitudes Make Success (RAMS) program. They also play games, watch movies, and brainstorm ways to make the school a better place.

Patriotic Expression

National Honor Society members at Willby HS in Waterbury, CT, have done several projects to promote a sense of pride in the United States. One of the largest undertakings was the creation of a 15 x 50' vinyl banner of the U.S. flag which read "Land of the free, home of the brave," that was created in conjunction with the Waterbury Neighborhood Council. The banner became a billboard in the community and was displayed for more than a month.

White Ribbon Week

Believing that it is important for teenagers to educate themselves about issues facing teens today, the student council at Rockdale County HS in Conyers, Ga., sponsors White Ribbon Week during the week of Valentine's Day. Modeled after Red Ribbon Week, which teaches students about the dangers of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, the purpose of White Ribbon Week is to teach teens about the physical, social, and emotional dangers of early sexual involvement. A special topic is emphasized on each day during the week: teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted, diseases, date rape, the advantages of abstinence, and healthy relationships. Classes are invited to hear speakers on the topics who include doctors, health department officials, adolescent counselors and psychologists, AIDS Atlanta speakers, and members of the staff at the Center for Disease Control.

"We believe we can help our friends and classmates take charge of their own lives by arming them with information that they need to avoid giving in to negative peer pressure," said Kristen Meador, school pride chairperson.