Main Message: This month's book explores the concepts of courage, honesty, responsibility, integrity and perseverance. These tools will empower students to value being true to themselves even when it is not easy. This book illustrates the importance of attitude and behavior in building character. Students will understand that the end result isn’t as important as trying your best and to trust in yourself and listen to your own judgment to make a good decision.

Honesty makes trust bloom!

As parents we can help our children make good choices by modeling the character assets presented in this months book and reinforcing them in our children when we catch them doing something right.

• Integrity — Doing the right thing and feeling good about it—being an Up-stander!
• Honesty —Telling the truth even when it’s not easy.
• Responsibility —Taking ownership for your behavior.
• Perseverance —Working hard at a task and finishing it.
• Courage — Acknowledge your accomplishments even if they fall short of the goal.

There are several other ways you can extend this lesson at home: Notice, name and celebrate when:

• You or your child say or do something as an Up-stander.
• Tell the truth when it is hard to do so.
• Point out when you or your child accomplish a goal.
• Celebrate small and large accomplishments especially when you try your best.
• Look for examples of family, friends and neighbors who model positive values.
• Make a family list of what you say and do to promote your family’s positive values.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Covington for Project Cornerstone please contact Stephanie.Barada@yahoo.com.

For more information on Project Cornerstone or the 41 defined Developmental Assets that help keep our kids not at-risk, visit www.projectcornerstone.org or www.search-institute.org