Character Counts and More

This year the Norris eighth grade students will participate in the Character Counts program. To expand on this, the Norris eighth grade teachers have developed a plan to reinforce positive behavior, as well as to reward academic excellence. The students all have a mock checking account. Positive behaviors and outstanding academic performance will increase their account balances, while negative behaviors decrease their account balance. At the end of the year, the students will spend their money at an auction. If you would like to donate, send your donations to the school in care of the Eighth Grade Team:

8th Grade Team
Norris Middle School
25211 South 68th Street
Firth, NE 68358

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Respect

	Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule
	�Be tolerant of differences
	�Use good manners, not bad language
	�Be considerate of the feelings of others
	�Don�t threaten, hit or hurt anyone
	�Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Fairness


	�Play by the rules
	Take turns and share
	Be open-minded; listen to others
	Don�t take advantage of others
	Don�t blame others carelessly

Citizenship

	�Do your share to make your school and community better
	Cooperate
	Stay informed; vote
	Be a good neighbor
	Obey laws and rules
	Respect authority
	Protect the environment

Trustworthiness

	�Be honest
	�Don�t deceive, cheat or steal
	�Be reliable � do what you say you�ll do
	�Have the courage to do the right thing
	�Build a good reputation
	�Be loyal � stand by your family, friends and country

Responsibility

	�Do what you are supposed to do
	Persevere: keep on trying!
	Always do your best
	Use self-control
	Be self-disciplined
	Think before you act � consider the consequences
	Be accountable for your choices

Caring

	�Be kind
	�Be compassionate and show you care
	�Express gratitude
	�Forgive others
	�Help people in need

		Incident	Fine Amount
		Violating class or handbook rules	$10-$100teacher discretion
		In-School suspension	$200/per incident
		Detention	$1/per minute served
		TEAM referral negative behaviors	$100
		1-day office referral for failing to keep an appoint to complete late work	$100
		Lost Planner	$50
		5 Late assignments in a quarter	$50
		Defaced or damaged Planner	$25
		Materials or Textbooks left unattended	$25
		Not in proper area before school, after school, passing periods or lunch time	$25
		Dress Code Violation	$25
		Using another student�s planner or allowing another student to use your planner	$25
		Abuse of school property	$25-$100
		Complaining about a fine	doubles the fine
		Multiple Violations of same fine could double the fine
		Incident	Reward Amount
		Minimizing passes	$1/ unused line end of quarter
		Community Service with staff member	$10-$50 depending on task
		Positive class performer	$5-$50/teacher discretion
		Honor Roll	$50
		Character Counts Pillar Winner	$25
		Semester All-Around Character Counts	$100
		TEAM referral for positive behaviors	$100
		Modeling a Character Counts Pillar outside of Class	$25-$100
		Your account matches when being checked including all reasons	$10
			$10
		Semester Class awards	$25
		Community Service outside of school	$25 per hour (max 40 hrs ) Community Service must take place between 9-1 and 5-1 Must be signed by someone other than relative and turned in within 2 weeks of completing the community service

The Six Pillars of Character (click for more information)
Respect	Fairness	Citizenship	Trustworthiness	Responsibility	Caring

2003 Character Counts Pictures