Students at Polk Central Elementary School are learning more than reading, writing and arithmetic this year. They’re building empathy, resilience and positive relationships through a new social-emotional learning program.
The school is piloting Character Strong, a research-based curriculum focused on teaching essential character traits and social-emotional learning skills. The program is funded by a grant from the Rotary Club of Tryon.
Character Strong provides structured lessons that promote kindness, cooperation and personal responsibility. Each week, classroom teachers lead short activities that help students connect with one another, manage their emotions and make thoughtful choices. Activity teachers, special education teachers, the school counselor and other staff also incorporate videos, games and lessons from the curriculum.
“Our goal with Character Strong is to not just encourage smart students, but also kind and caring community members,” said Ashley Bell, Polk Central’s school counselor, who coordinates the program with Langlee Rogers. “It gives students the tools to handle challenges and interact with others in positive ways.”
Since the pilot began, teachers have noticed positive changes in school climate. Students are learning to communicate their feelings more effectively, work together as teams and show empathy toward peers.
Third grader Scarlett Culbreth said she appreciates the lessons.
“I like the activities that teach us to be kind and show respect to others,” Culbreth said. “It helps me learn that when you show respect to others, they will respect you back.”
Teachers value that Character Strong aligns with the school’s commitment to supporting the whole child. Lessons are flexible and easy to integrate into the school day.
“Character Strong has been essential for connecting what we’ve learned about kindness and respect into everyday classroom events to serve as a reference point when issues arise among students,” said Rachel Culbreth, second-grade teacher. “Character Strong gives us the language and structure to allow for preventive management so that reactive management is not needed as frequently.”
To encourage participation, grade-level classrooms compete in a friendly competition to incorporate the curriculum weekly. Each grade level has an animal friend of the school’s new mascot, Astro the astronaut bear, that moves along a board to show participation progress. Each month features a different character trait, and the winning grade level receives a special treat.
Principal Adam Giles incorporates Character Strong into morning announcements.
“This is a great way to push positive messages out to the students and staff to start our day,” Giles said. “It allows classrooms to have group discussions and hold each other accountable for positive behavior. Sharing some of their ideas and discussion responses on the announcements has helped bring our Rocket Family closer together.”
As the pilot continues, Polk Central plans to collect feedback from staff, students and families to guide future implementation across the district.
