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Chisago Lakes Middle School is in year three of implementing our character education program known as Core Connect. The Core Connect program highlights the CLMS character traits known as the "High Five" of Responsibility, Commitment, Respect, Compassion and Integrity.

Core Connect is comprised of daily activities that remain consistent week by week. The program is designed to create a positive school environment where each student learns to develop and display positive character traits.

Program goals:

1. Create opportunities for students to discover what is unique about themselves and others so that they might come to better, appreciate, respect and make the most of the many differences among people.

2. Help students understand themselves better as learners and, thereby, to cope better with academic concerns and to set goals toward satisfying an engaging school year.

3. Create meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to CLMS and the community as well as to celebrate those contributions.

4. Promote critical thinking and making responsible choices through discussion, problem posing and problem solving.

5. Develop a variety of skills which enhance effective communication.

6. Create meaningful opportunities for students to engage in shared decision making in ways that build: self-esteem, increase student's acceptance of responsibility for their own actions, and cultivate personal integrity.

Character education - Core Connect curriculum is a deliberate effort to help our students understand, care about, and act upon core ethical values. Together as a school, family and community we can focus our efforts to guide our students in the development of becoming good citizens.

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