Educating for Honor

USJ provides a continuing program of Character Education. Students are exposed to examples of good character and positive values through their studies in history, language, and literature. Library resources and readings are available for parents, teachers, and students interested in learning more about character education.

All levels of the school adopt a virtue of the month. Programs and speakers help students understand the particular virtues or provide discussion opportunities about making the right choices. The guidance counselors hold special sessions with students and parents to discuss different aspects of character education. Gabe Hart works with Middle School students; Stacey Puffer counsels with Upper School students; and Kim Yelverton counsels Pre-K through Grade 5.

Finally, USJ faculty and staff work daily to present students with a healthy and safe moral climate. Each person serves as a role model for students to constantly reinforce the values and the mission statement at USJ. Personal integrity and academic honesty are fundamental principles which are upheld by all members of the school in order to create an atmosphere in which trust, academic pursuits, and friendships may flourish.

USJ Launches Project Wisdom

USJ has expanded its character education initiative by implementing an exciting program called Project Wisdom. We are one of more than 11,000 schools nationwide using Project Wisdom, a collection of daily words of wisdom, which set a positive tone each day for everyone on campus. 

Project Wisdom’s messages not only impart new knowledge to the students, but also work to develop responsible and caring individuals.  The verses are rich in history, culture and literature. They inspire, teach and encourage students to reflect upon the larger issues of life.

Each day Middle and Upper School students will hear a short message containing a quotation from a historic figure, celebrity, modern hero or other notable voice that reinforces the topic of the day. The 60-second announcements will be broadcast on the intercom each morning as staff members and students narrate them.  The messages are encouraging as well as thought provoking by challenging everyone each day to, “Make it a great day or not… the choice is yours.” 

For more information, visit  Project Wisdom on the web at www.projectwisdom.com.