What follows is a reflection by Mount Madonna’s Head of School, Supriya Mary McDonald, on the importance of positive character development. Positive character development, along with academic excellence and creative self-expression, comprise the three pillars of Mount Madonna School.
As the many tweets and millions of “likes” are posted on screens across the world, many people are calling this an age of disconnection. The irony of instant communication worldwide is that time spent on digital devices is taking away from real face time with others. Emojis aren’t the same as body language, which is how most of our communication is felt and understood.
At Mount Madonna School (MMS), developing positive character is at the heart of what we do together. We build meaningful connections that encourage us to care about one another and our surroundings.
Essential to an MMS education is the practice of non-harming, where we instill daily the lessons of kindness, truthfulness, forgiveness and empathy. Embedded in programs like big buddies, performing arts, athletics, learning journeys and service projects are team-building experiences that connect and encourage students to care for others. In little ways we can see positive character development, as students transition through their childhood to young adults.
As we walk through campus we see evidence of caring in students greeting
teachers and classmates in welcoming ways each morning. We hear the reflections of caring in student writings, speeches and classroom dialogue. We feel the warmth of a smile, a hug, an eye-to-eye message or a simple nod. We understand the challenge of admitting mistakes, learning to forgive, letting go and starting again to build trust when we’ve been hurt or hurt others.
True character is what we do when people aren’t watching. Do we greet each other in friendly ways that include those who might not feel included? Do we pick up that plastic bag or can on the beach or the playground when it’s not a scheduled clean-up day? Can we honestly admit our part of a problem and work to resolve through compromise?
This year, we honor our students for the many seen and unseen ways they and their teachers care for one another. We encourage them to remember the lessons practiced on the mountain that connect, show kindness, and build confidence and respect for self and others. Character matters.
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Director of Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville
