RMS kicks off character program
RUSSSELLVILLE – Liberty Learning Foundation programs at Russellville Middle School now extend through all three grade levels with sixth graders studying American history and character, seventh graders participating in service learning, and eighth graders receiving financial-literacy instruction.
Sixth graders kicked off the American Character Program on Aug. 12. Eighth graders will participate in the middle school progression for the first time this school year, Principal Dr. Monica Moon said.
Patty Yancey of Liberty Learning said sixthgraders learn about notable Americans and character traits demonstrated through their lives.
Seventh graders, she said, apply those lessons through service-learning projects, while eighth graders receive financial literacy instruction.
“We’re just wanting them to see that they’ve got a community around them that supports them, that they’re part of that community, and how important that is,” Yancey said.
Russellville City Schools has worked with Liberty Learning since the 2017-18 school year, she said.
Moon said the school system began using the character portion of the program last year after changes in curriculum standards moved much of the related civics instruction from seventh grade to sixth grade.
Liberty Learning revised its curriculum to match Russellville’s standards, Moon said.
“We just love the way that it builds across all of our schools,” she said.
The organization also works with Russellville high school students through Citizen Promise, Yancey said. She said the program introduces additional life and workplace skills and includes “citizen actions” involving students in their communities.
At the Aug. 12 kickoff, Tawanna Vickers, vice president of Events and Engagement for Liberty Learning Foundation, introduced sixth graders to the program through activities and discussions about teamwork, community and citizenship. Students worked together to keep beach balls in the air, with more balls added as the activity continued.
She told students they are important members of communities both large and small.
Vickers also asked students to consider what it means to be a citizen and whether citizenship simply happens or requires people to become involved. She told students they do not have to wait until adulthood to begin contributing to their communities.
The sixth-grade curriculum uses a comic-book format to introduce American historical figures, Vickers said.
In seventh grade, students move into service learning, Yancey said, putting character and citizenship lessons into practice through projects in their communities.
Vickers said lessons for eighth graders will include budgeting, saving, investing, and household expenses.
Moon said she hopes students develop a love of history while also recognizing their own role in it and what it means to be a responsible and productive citizen.
“They are writing the history books for their grandchildren,” Moon said.
