Project Linus, Crimestoppers & Ethics in Elementary Schools

Project Linus, Crimestoppers & Ethics in Elementary Schools

Written by Beth Wade Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Naumann Elementary gives blankets to Project Linus

The Naumann Knights have a new mascot name, the blanketeers, as they spent the last several months making blankets for the national community service organization “Project Linus”.

Naumann students raised more than $1,300 towards the purchase of material for the blankets, made over 150 fleece blankets and are working to finish 20 quilts. To make the blankets, students tied fringed edges or colored fabric squares together.

It’s a rewarding activity for the “blanketeers,” because to the children who receive them, these blankets mean a lot more than warmth.

The mission of “Project Linus” is to provide blankets for children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need of love and comfort.

County Crimestoppers initiates tip line program

Leander High School will pilot a program begun by the Williamson County Crimestoppers to offer an anonymous tip line run by a student group for students.

“We want to make every effort to make this school as safe as possible,” Brad Mansfield, LHS assistant principal, said, “and provide our kids with the opportunity to confidentially inform school staff and police with information concerning weapons, drugs and other crimes.”

With the aid of a staff advisor, a student board of directors would manage the LHS Campus Crimestoppers tip line. The board would be responsible for electing new members and determining reward amounts up to $100 based on the severity of the crime and value of information. They hope to have the tip line working before the end of the semester. For more information about Williamson County Crimestoppers, visit wilcocrimestoppers.org.

All LISD elementary students are expected to define, self-assess and apply the following ethical principles as appropriate for their age level:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Promise-Keeping
• Loyalty/Fidelity
• Fairness
• Concern for Others
• Respect for Others
• Pursuit of Excellence
• Personal Accountability

Students are expected to actively seek opportunities to serve others, and to identify examples of ethical behavior and positive role models.

Part of the Leander Independent School District’s curriculum involves teaching ethics and service. In 1991, the school district adopted 10 ethical principles to be taught to all students during their public school education. At the elementary level, students are expected to define and apply these principles to what is appropriate for their ages.

Jim Plain Elementary teachers and administrators are reinforcing those principles with the new school’s first ever production, a 30-minute musical called Beyond the No Character Zone.

“The play’s theme helps present the ten ethical principles in an interesting way for the students,” Amber Oliver, JPES theater arts teacher, said.

Teachers stress the importance of these principles in their classrooms.

“[The ten principles] are a good language to raise and educate our children with a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong,” Jenna Sanders, principal, said.

The play follows the lives of four fifth grade students who are upset about writing an essay on character and responsibilities. Their worlds are turned upside down when secret agents arrive to show them a world without character.

Oliver, along with music teacher, Linda Fraley worked together with third, fourth and fifth graders to bring the production together.

“We have a small number of students,” Sanders said. “We didn’t want to have a production from one class, so we have kids from different grades working together.”

“We are trying to build our culture and climate of kids and unity,” Sanders said. “We thought this would be a great way to start.”

The performance is scheduled for March 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the multi purpose room of the school.