The Souderton Area School District (SASD) expanded CHARACTER COUNTS! across all 10 of its schools in 2004-5. "We hope teachers will look for ways to make links from character to the curriculum they teach," said Gail Ryan, director of elementary education for the SASD, in September 2004.

Among the features of the program:

Template: "We created a one-page template for teachers to use each month," Ms. Ryan told the Souderton Independent. The lessons will enhance classroom work and also go home to parents, to help them build their children's character. The template includes discussion starters, such as "Who are your heroes and why do they deserve respect?"

Quotes: "Teachers will put quotes on the board and spend a minute or two to ask how it links with the work they've just done and how it relates to their lives," Ms. Ryan said.

Challenge checklist: Students receive a checklist challenges to help them track their progress in character. Ms. Ryan said, "We want to help kids see their progress by self-reflecting and comparing to others."

Pursuing Victory With Honor: Athletic director Tom Quintos launched this sportsmanship program in football the previous year.

Other resources: The program will use stories, demonstrations, and skits and activities.

Ms. Ryan said that ultimately students will learn character from the community. The district will involve school personnel and indeed the whole village. "And parents are critical," she said. "We want to be pro-active and collective. We're very excited about this."