...because character is what you are in the dark!

Just like the CEO motto says, having good character is "Striking a balance between Good & Smart". It's not enough to know what RESPECT means... we've got to consciously WANT to be respectful, and then ACT respectfully in all situations.

The Caught in the Act Program strives to motivate OACMs to be both good and smart, even when no one is watching... because someone is always watching. Our actions and words affect everyone around us in ways we might not be aware of. Our goal as character promoters and educators is to instill a sense of responsibility in ourselves and others to be the best we can be at all times.

Displays of good character happen all the time; it is important that we recognize them and remind ourselves of what good behavior looks like, so that we can then inspire ourselves and others into subconsciously displaying it on a regular basis.

This is an on-going program at Oxford. Flyers are distributed to all Cluster Teachers at the beginning of each semester, with a few slips attached for their convenience. Otherwise, the CIA slips are located in the Activities Office (download one NOW!). To participate, all you have to do is take a slip, fill it out, and drop it in the CEO-CIA box located on the counter in the Activities Office. The slips are collected by the CEOs periodically and they are read over the morning announcements. For outstanding situations, small prizes are given! Of course, the idea is to be good for the sake of being good, not for the prize... but incentive is always useful and appreciated.

In addition to being read on the announcements, the comments below were taken from in the CEO-CIA box, printed on a piece of paper, and distributed to all Cluster classes in October of 2003:

• Without me asking, Stephen saw me carrying a box and offered to help.
• Eric asked if he could help for the Spaghetti dinner... Thank goodness because Eric made & printed the program for the event. Had Eric not volunteered the job would not have been done.
• Josh turned in a lost book to Dr. Triplett on Friday Sept. 26, 2003.
• Anna... wonderful person! Great flyer-maker! & an even better font selector.
• Brenda is very responsible. In class she helps tutor new students to our school and new to Spanish I. She is a Spanish speaker and shares her talent with others.
• Curtis... Gave me a hug when I was sad.
• Beth shows a genuine appreciation for the education given at Oxford. She is a very encouraging young woman that is an exemplary asset to her fellow students.
• Crystal... Her smile lights up my classroom, and she always pays attention respectfully when I'm talking to all students. A day without her is definitely noticeable...