SASD Press Archives

Kindergarten through fifth grade students at Wilson Elementary School in Sheboygan had a great opportunity to explore positive character habits in a fun and memorable way on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. The "Inspector Iwannano Show" came to school! Through music, comedy, magic, extraordinary props and gadgets, Inspector Iwannano, a live character, delivered a strong message - Your Actions Show Your Character.

Guidance counselor, Monica Bonestroo stated, "The live presentation was a perfect program to build upon the six pillars of character she teaches students in her biweekly class sessions. Bonestroo went on to say "the six characteristics," which include respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, trustworthiness, and caring, "are connected and depend upon each other." The schools' motto 4 > 2 (for is greater than to), depends upon all six characteristics because "to be a great person you have to be a person of character."

Using the Character Counts Program through the Josephson Institute of Ethics, Wilson Elementary School developed its own twist to the program. Using specially made pillars, one of the six positive characteristics is posted on a different pillar every month. That character trait will be the focus for the month. Students may sign their name to the pillar when they have displayed the specific behavior. Throughout the school year the character attributes build upon each other.

Through his character building program Inspector Iwannano helped students gain an understanding that respecting others, being trustworthy and reliable, playing fair and showing kindness, among other positive actions shows what kind of person you are.