Academic excellence has been the hallmark of The Summit since 1890 but the founding Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur wanted the young scholars they sent into the world to also be people of good character. The school's focus on character education continues in our Character Education Program, a comprehensive program integrated into daily activities and special projects from preschool through 12th grade. Character Education is embedded in everything at The Summit. It's a way of life.

Character education begins when toddlers walk in and continues until seniors walk out. Two-year-olds learn how to greet each other and share materials. Montessori teachers stress the importance of having a "peaceful classroom" by modeling good behavior and teaching children to appreciate diversity. Character lessons learned at this age can benefit children for a lifetime. If students can learn to work with other people, to love each other, to respect each other and each other's differences, their experiences are broadened and their world widens. Teaching character education opens students' minds to new experiences, diversity, acceptance and curiosity.

In the Lower and Middle schools, character education is tied to the curriculum in a concept known as service learning. In the classroom and specific programs like Lion's Quest or Service Club, students learn key elements of their regular courses of study while also providing community service. For example, a third-grade unit on money calls on students to collect and count money, and then they donate it to charity. The Garden for the Good offers lessons in environmental stewardship, nutrition and art while raising money for local food banks. Middle School students earn service hours for confirmation and National Junior Honor Society, but their projects often become so much fun that the Lower School students join in.

Among the many projects undertaken by the Middle School Service Club, Hands Across the Water provided an opportunity to study geography and world water shortages while raising money to provide water purification packets for people in Nigeria. "When we first decided to do Hands Across the Water, I did not know what to expect," says Michael Van Dorselaer. "I was kind of nervous about whether all the kids in the whole school would want to participate. Boy was I surprised. I think because we had spent so much time in class talking about how 4,000 children die every day from drinking unsafe water, all the kids really wanted to do something to help."

Students in the Upper School explore self-awareness through writing, oratory, retreats and community outreach. Art and athletics stress appreciation of diversity and model excellence in leadership. While Chapel Talks give voice to student's reflections, Formation Week builds relationships. During Formation Week, freshmen and sophomores spend one day working in service to the community with their advisement group, one day at a class retreat and one day at the Joy Outdoor Education Center. Juniors spend three days and nights at a Kairos retreat. The seniors lead junior retreats or immerse themselves in a service project in an urban or rural neighborhood.

As a senior, Liz Edwards, Class of 2010, was a leader at the junior class Kairos event at the Milford retreat center. "Formation Week gives you a chance, right before Thanksgiving when you're spending time with your family, to slow down and reflect on what you are thankful for," she says. "You build really strong relationships there that last. I'm grateful for having that opportunity. I don't know if that would be possible at other schools. There's so much that goes into making it happen, so many people involved in planning it."

Parents also have become involved in The Summit's Character Education endeavors. The Summit Parents Association created the Sisters of Notre Dame Outreach Group to build awareness and support of the Sisters' work. Parents also have developed a Service Learning Directory to help students and parents learn more about community service opportunities in the area.

"The value and effectiveness of our Summit Character Education Program is evident through the actions and responses of our students," says parent and Lower School teacher Diane Uckotter. "It is heartwarming to have students become aware and incorporate the program into their discussions. Students focus on the way that character influences their actions and they make decisions in light of good character."