Submitted by Donna Avery, Conesus
For the past year, I have been with anyone who will listen to my goal of getting character education K-12 in all the School Districts in Livingston County.
I am a grandmother and have noticed over the years, the disrespect that many young people seem to have for parents, teachers, elders and anyone in authority. I realize our society has become more permissive and because of that, many youths do not get the benefit of positive guidelines to become responsible adults.
Many Livingston County Schools currently have programs that include character education but most only have it in a few select grades (usually fourth through sixth) and usually are quite costly to the taxpayer. I feel this is too late as well as too early. The only School District in Livingston County to my knowledge who has a K-12 program is Mount Morris District.
Their program is a commonsense (more of that is good) program that costs the taxpayers very little. A character-building word is selected (respect, responsibility, good choices etc,) monthly, announced daily, posted throughout the school, used in classrooms, posted on school buses, in local businesses and sent home to parents to post also. So everyone is involved and the message is consistent.
I have written letters to all the Superintendents of Livingston County Schools and I’ve contacted and made presentations to several Parent Teacher Organizations. I am disappointed with the inaction of our school officials in a program that has such positive potential for our children and their future as adults. I truly believe it is a step in improving the quality of life in the future.
I have enlisted the support of Sandra Wright, Commissioner of Social Services of Livingston County as well as Sheriff York of Livingston County. They both feel the program is worthwhile.
So now I am asking for the support of parents, grandparents and other concerned citizens in this goal. I believe we need to be proactive to make positive changes for the future.
Please call me at 335-5428 or write me at 6947 Stagecoach Road, Conesus, NY 14435.