“Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.” Sen. Henry Clay

Burke Basic School is committed to instilling in children high-quality character and moral values. We use the Leader in Me program to encourage specific behaviors and attitudes that help support the school and families develop desirable character in children. “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures.” Horace Greeley

The Leader in Me program teaches us that character is the inward motivation to do what is right, whatever the cost. We can build character by working on qualities such as truthfulness, patience and loyalty. Basing daily decisions on principles like these not only shapes our character but also produces practical and lasting rewards.  “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to create a menace to society.” Theodore Roosevelt

We have combined the Leader in Me program with reading texts and the McGuffey Readers to enhance our character-building goals.  From the Leader in Me program, we teach “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” to all students in our classrooms, encouraging them to be proactive with their lives and take on leadership roles in their communities.

Our Burke Bobcat Bucks are given to students throughout the year when they do something that demonstrates a high strength of character, such as responsibility, diligence, kindness, respect, generosity, or other positive attributes. Annually, we recognize students with exemplary character, perseverance, and growth through our Citizenship, Director’s, and Student of the Year awards (6^th grade only).