Commitment to Character

STS is committed not only to providing students with an exemplary academic education; our Guiding Principles speak to the importance of the development of character as well.

Our focus on character permeates school life – all day, every day. This includes the classrooms, playground, and before and after school activities. We empower students to take responsibility for creating and maintaining a learning environment that is respectful and inclusive. Students who are new to STS quickly learn that it is not only their teachers who set the bar high in terms of character, but it is their peers as well. That is what makes a community – a continued commitment to a core set of ideals.

We know that successful programs are implemented by professional educators who know that every encounter, every day, every lesson counts.

Core Attitudes and Virtues

Beginning with our daily gathering in Chapel and then woven into daily school life, we explore world religions, identifying our human commonalities and diverse beliefs, and center on a clear set of core virtues: gratitude, responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, tolerance, compassion, perseverance, and generosity.

We nurture students’ character and spiritual intelligence. The goal is to cultivate students’ sense of personal and civic responsibility and an understanding of how their choices and ways of thinking are influenced by their peers, teachers, families, and their own inner voices. We strive to promote excellence in living, as well as learning.

Living with a Purpose

Character is taught both by word and deed. Through the curriculum, through school climate, and through service, students are encouraged to apply the lessons of the classroom to the world around them.

Just as we do in the academic realm, when we expect students to be actively engaged in their STS journey and apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate what they learn, we support growth of character and spirit by expecting students to engage in experiences that call upon them to explore, reflect, choose, act, and lead.

Choice Statements

To help students understand the Core Virtues at a deeper level, specifically how they relate to the choices they make every day, we have created “Choice Statements” that take core beliefs and make them more tangible for students of all ages. Seeing a core virtue “in action” makes all the difference!

Tolerance

Choose to see the beauty in diversity.

I choose to be understanding of those who are different from me because of their race, religion, gender, age, learning styles, and talents. I choose to recognize the potential of intellectual diversity.

Choose a positive attitude.

I choose a positive attitude, seeing what’s good, right, and wonderful in myself and others. I choose to laugh at myself.

Respect

Choose to live by the Golden Rule.

I choose to treat others as I would wish to be treated in the same situation. I choose to be honorable and respectful of others and myself.

Generosity

Choose to serve.

I choose to be a helpful part of the world around me by looking for ways to help my family, friends, school, and community. I have a responsibility to put my ideas into action and to make a difference in my world.

Integrity

Choose honesty and integrity.

I choose to be honest with others and myself. When I choose honesty, I make better and healthier choices. I choose to be honest about the mistakes I make and learn from them. I make the best choices I can each day.

Perseverance

Choose to do and be your personal best.

I choose to do my very best each day. When I am willing to do my personal best, I gain self-respect, confidence, and self-esteem. I choose to learn from my mistakes.

Compassion

Choose to serve. Choose to care.

I choose to be a helpful part of the work around me by looking for ways to help my family, friends, school, and community. I care.

Responsibility

Choose responsibility.

I choose to take responsibility for what I think, what I say, what I do, and the choices I make. I take responsibility for achieving my goals, for my own happiness, and for raising my self-esteem.

Gratitude

Choose a gratitude attitude.

I choose to be grateful for my blessings: food, shelter, clothing, my health, education, country, family, and friends. I am grateful to be alive.

Courage

Choose to be guided by a core set of beliefs and values.

I choose to follow and talk to my parents, teachers, or faith leader about my core beliefs and values, about who I want to be in the world, and about my goals for becoming that person.