Character Education

Through good role models, an insistence on high standards, and daily practice, students at James River develop a strength of character that will be with them for a lifetime.

Our school community believes in the six pillars of character, as defined by Character Counts:

• Trustworthiness: Be honest. Don't deceive, cheat, or steal. Be reliable. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal. Stand by your family, friends, school, and country.
• Caring: Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help those in need.
• Fairness: Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded. Listen to others. Don't blame others carelessly. Don't take advantage of others.
• Responsibility: Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere. Always do your best. Use self-control. Think before you act. Be accountable for your choices.
• Respect: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. Be tolerant of differences. Be inclusive. Use good manners. Be considerate of others' feelings. Don't threaten, hit, or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
• Citizenship: Do your share to make your school and community better. Pick up after yourself. Cooperate. Stay informed. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.

To further character education and development, James River Day School asks all students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the school's character pledge each morning. Students in grades 5-8 are asked to sign an agreement that they will adhere to the JRDS honor code and are asked to write a pledge on each written assignment that they have followed that code.

Character Pledge
I pledge to do my best
to show strength of character each day
I can act responsibly, show respect,
show I care, be a good citizen,
be trustworthy and be fair in all that I do.

Honor Code (for grades 5-8)
I will tell the truth.
I will complete all my assignments on my own
unless told otherwise by the teacher.
I will respect others and their property.