Why Does Moral Focus Matter?

Each and every school year, NHA students study all nine of what we call the Moral Focus virtues. Learning about these virtues is as important as anything else a child will learn at school. Knowing how to do the right thing and treating others with respect and kindness will impact every aspect of their lives. In the classroom, virtues help our students build positive relationships with their teachers and with other students.

One virtue is emphasized each month of the school year, and at least three days a week, our students learn about the Moral Focus virtues through stories, discussions, and fun activities. They learn to use:

WISDOM to make good choices.
August/September

RESPECT to treat others the way they want to be treated.
October

GRATITUDE to be thankful for all the good things happening in their lives.
November

SELF-CONTROL to control their emotions, actions, and reactions to others.
December

PERSEVERANCE to work hard to reach their goals.
January

COURAGE to trust they have the strength to do difficult things.
February

ENCOURAGEMENT to be there for others when they need motivation.
March

COMPASSION to care for and support others when they need help.
April

INTEGRITY to do what is right, even if it is hard.
May

When everyone is using these virtues, it makes our schools safe, caring places to learn and grow. Outside the classroom, it reinforces the strong moral values that help children interact with their friends, families, and communities with respect and care.