Roane County director of schools Gary Collins and supervisor of instruction Jim Lett spoke on the importance of character development at a principals meeting on January 13, 2005. Mr. Lett praised the CC! programs in the school system, and reminded principals that 1) CC! helps meet state education requirements and 2) teachers might get credit for staff development training. Mr. Collins noted that CC! began in the elementary schools six years ago and now includes all schools. He congratulated those involved and encouraged more staff participation in the CHARACTER COUNTS! in Roane County organization. Several principals said that CC! serves a vital role in student enrichment. CC! in Roane County meets once a month on the first Monday at 5:00 PM in the lobby of Kingston Elementary.

There have been several interesting local activities. For instance:

How much is 700 pounds of pennies? That's the amount students at Kingston Elementary raised in 2004 for Children's Hospital. Each classroom had its own collection container and students gathered pennies from September through November. By CHARACTER COUNTS! Week in October, the pennies weighed 360 pounds, or over $600. In the end, the 700 pounds of coins amounted to $1,376, and Mrs. Melissa Saye, a second grade teacher at the school, delivered a check for this sum directly to Children's Hospital.

At Bowers Elementary School, students also put CHARACTER COUNTS! into action in the fall of 2004. Each year, the school has a Caring and Sharing Campaign around Thanksgiving, and students and staff prepare Thanksgiving baskets for school families. This year's campaign was the most successful in its history. The students distributed more than 2,600 pounds of food, including 25 turkeys donated by area businesses. Fifth graders helped prepare and deliver the baskets on Monday, November 22. In all, more than 90 individuals in 25 different families enjoyed a better Thanksgiving due to the students and families at Bowers.

And Patsy Blount, president of CC! in Roane County, has written a clever acrostic about CHARACTER COUNTS!:

2-To the present, past, and future for
0-On going goals, completed goals, and
0-Other ideas to promote good character building
5-Fine tune character building skills.

C-Caring for others and yourself
H-Hidden curriculum easily integrated in every subject
A-Actions always speak louder than words.
R-React to negative remarks with positive actions.
A-Affection, kindness, and thoughtful words heal the heart.
C-Citizenship for our wonderful United States of American
T-Trustworthy traits maturing into dependable students
E-Everything you do is seen by someone.
R-Respect the elderly and all authorities.

C-Courageous troops who continue to fight for our freedoms
O-Opportunities abounding in 2005 -- use them!
U-Understanding and learning from past mistakes
N-Networking with neighbors, friends, and enlarging friendship circles
T-Treat others exactly as you want to be treated.
S-Seize each opportunity to show good character.