May 1, 2022 | Betsi Ashby
This month’s character trait, resilience, takes some nuanced practice to master. Because sometimes, we need a good cry when we fall. Sometimes, we need to embrace failure and our weaknesses. We don’t need to be strong all the time. This is also resilience, on the … Read More
April 1, 2022 | Betsi Ashby
I hope I’m not the only one who wants to start belting Aretha Franklin when I see this month’s character trait—”R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.” (go ahead, you know you want to, too). I recently talked to another parent who was telling … Read More
March 1, 2022 | Betsi Ashby
Here’s one for all you engineers out there: what happens when a structure lacks integrity? Structural integrity ensures that the structure has the capacity to carry its intended load—and then some. When a structure lacks integrity, or if there is a structural failure, then catastrophe … Read More
February 1, 2022 | Betsi Ashby
The Cowardly Lion stands as a strong motif for courage from my childhood. Part of what gives this character staying power in my association is my held belief that lions are courageous by nature. But as I rethink this—now, as an adult and mother—I wonder … Read More
January 1, 2022 | Amanda Ainsworth
When we think about stewardship, some of us usually think about managing money, and though it’s certainly a good idea to teach kids how to make wise financial choices, perhaps you could broaden the conversation to other areas of stewardship. Even young children can understand … Read More
December 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
How do we feel confident with who we are without being prideful? It often feels like a hard balance to strike! The trick? Embracing humility—knowing, accepting and being who we are while demonstrating modesty about our accomplishments and gifts, admitting mistakes and valuing others for … Read More
November 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
Gratitude becomes quite a buzzword come November, at least here in the states! Thanksgiving, cooler weather, and nearing the end of a year all work together inviting us into a space of reflection about what we are thankful for. Whatever our position in life, there … Read More
October 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
Autumn is in full swing—for many, the leaves are a changin’, the weather is brisk, and the days are growing shorter. We have pumpkins on the brain and Halloween costumes to assemble. As bathing suits are exchanged for cozy sweaters, time on the couch with … Read More
September 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
The start of the school year is an exciting time—full of energy for learning and starting new subjects, books, and more. But it also comes with a change from casual summers to more routines and structured rhythms. And that can be a hard adjustment! As … Read More
August 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
We are not always given the exact things we need to complete a task set before us. A simple, and all too often, example in our house is when deciding what to make for dinner, and the groceries are running slim. What can I make … Read More
July 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
With America’s Independence Day just a few days away, citizenship becomes top of mind for many celebrating this day. While many Americans were born and raised in the USA (cue Springstein’s Born in the USA), many others found their path to citizenship by immigrating from … Read More
June 1, 2021 | Wisdom Wonder Project
Responsibility? Aren’t we done with that for this school year? Focusing on this character trait right at the start of summer break may seem oxymoronic—isn’t this the time of year we all let go a little? But, bear with me for a moment. While the … Read More
May 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ― Maya Angelou RESILIENCE: The ability to recover strength, determination, spirit, flexibility, and good humor in the face of change, mistakes and trials. Catch phrase: The only real failure … Read More
April 1, 2021 | Betsi Ashby
“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” ― Albert Einstein RESPECT: Showing high regard, value and appreciation for authority, others, self and property. Catch Phrase: You don’t have to like or agree … Read More
March 1, 2021 | Sharon Cumberland
“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” — Franklin Roosevelt INTEGRITY: Having the inner strength to be truthful and trustworthy, acting justly and honorably, and being consistent in words and actions. Catch Phrase: Tell the truth. Keep your word. This week … Read More
