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Teaching virtues.
Developing future leaders.

 

An essential component of an NHA education is character building, which helps students grow into well-rounded individuals who can discern and appreciate the difference between right and wrong. We do this through an encouraging, educational program that rewards positive daily decisions in our Moral Focus Program. Learning moral 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.

Moral Focus Virtues

As part of the Moral Focus Program, character building is at the heart of our approach, with a new Moral Focus Virtue is emphasized each month of the school year. At least three days a week, students engage in stories, discussions, and fun activities designed to teach these virtues. Through this character-building process, they learn to use:
Moral Focus virtue Wisdom

August/September

WISDOM to make good choices.

Moral Focus Virtue Respect

October

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

Moral Focus Virtue Gratitude

November

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

Moral Focus Virtue Self-control

December

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

Moral Focus Virtue Perseverance

January

PERSEVERANCE to work hard to reach their goals.

Moral Focus Virtue Courage

February

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

Moral Focus Virtue Encouragement

March

ENCOURAGEMENT to be there for others when they need motivation.

Moral Focus Virtue Compassion

April

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

Moral Focus Virtue Integrity

May

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

Weekly Questions

Students and staff will focus on these virtues by teaching them in classrooms, sharing trading cards and rewarding them when they display these character traits. In addition, each week we will have two guiding questions that help introduce, define, and apply the virtue.

Week 1

What is the Moral Focus virtue this month?
What does it mean?

Week 2

Why is the virtue important?
What are some examples of it?

Week 3

What does this virtue look like and sound
like in action? Why do you want to get
better at it?

Week 4

What are some ways you can use this
virtue in your life? What have you done to
practice using it?

Parents are encouraged to support their students to focus on these virtues both at school and at home! Feel free to ask your student the questions above throughout the months, helping to keep them top of mind and to learn their importance beyond the classroom.

When everyone is practicing our Moral Focus Virtues, it makes our schools safe and 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.

Teaching virtues develops honesty, integrity and responsibility.

Teaching children the importance of moral values leads to honest, empathetic and caring adults.
These personal characteristics impact our families, communities, and future. Students who
understand and embrace the Moral Focus Virtues emphasized in this NHA program benefit in
many ways, here are just a few:

Two students studying together.

Greater peace of mind.

Children who develop a strong moral focus at a young age typically grow up to be people of integrity. They worry less have a more positive outlook and avoid negative situations. When they know who they are and what they stand for, they live with pride and confidence.

Girl with hand to head, thinking of making better choices.

Make better choices.

The greater their self-confidence and empathy, the better their chances for making well-rounded, informed, and wise decisions. Students who grow up with a strong ethical foundation and self-esteem are less likely to be impacted by negative influences or peer pressure.

Child laying on the floor coloring with crayons.

Find purpose.

Strong moral virtues ultimately help them to think about how their actions impact others, and to consider their lives as part of a larger picture. Focusing on others helps them grow to be more caring and considerate – and can help them appreciate a deeper understanding to life.