COVINA, CA – Ben Lomond Elementary School students are strengthening their understanding of character traits and learning to put them into action through the Character Strong program, ensuring students treat one another with respect, care, and integrity every day.

The Character Strong program focuses on three key outcomes: “Be Strong, Be Kind, and Be Well.” Each month, students explore a new character trait through grade-level specific lessons and songs that reinforce positive behavior, helping them develop respect, responsibility, empathy, gratitude, honesty, and more.

“Character education isn’t just about hitting buzzwords, but about being intentional and explicitly teaching how to apply these traits in everyday life,” Ben Lomond principal Ryan Price said. “It gives us a shared language and helps us start putting words into action.”

Each teacher nominates one student per month who they have seen demonstrate that month’s character trait. These students are recognized at a schoolwide assembly at the end of each month, where they receive a certificate, a front-of-the-line lunch pass, and a special treat. Teachers also highlight specific examples of how each student has embodied the featured trait.

A highlight of the assemblies is the involvement of Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) students, who teach their peers the sign for that month’s character word. In November, DHH students created a video performing the sign set to the music of the month’s Character Strong song.

“It has really been incredible to involve our DHH students in this way, and all the credit goes to our DHH teacher, Madelyn Garza,” Price said. “We’re also teaching the school community how to applaud for our Deaf students during assemblies, and our kids really get into it. I’ve noticed more students who don’t share classes with our DHH students now playing with them on the playground. It’s been a beautiful example of inclusion in action.”

Price first implemented the Character Strong program while serving as assistant principal at Sierra Vista Middle School during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing its impact on student well-being and connection. Inspired by its success, Ben Lomond later adopted the program.

“It’s inspiring to see Ben Lomond celebrate student success not only in academics, but also in behavior,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “By teaching strong character, we’re helping students become kind, positive, and emotionally equipped to thrive.”

In addition to Character Strong, Ben Lomond reinforces positive character through the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system, providing students with consistent expectations and recognition across classrooms.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_CHARACTER1: Ben Lomond Elementary School students are strengthening their understanding of character traits and learning to put them into action through the Character Strong program.

CVUSD_CHARACTER2: Ben Lomond Elementary students treat one another with respect, care, and integrity every day.