Rancho Isabella Elementary
January 6, 2026
Valuing Others: Respect as a Leadworthy Trait
We are excited to kick off the new year by dedicating this month to the foundational Leadworthy Character Trait of Respect! As a Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) National Showcase School, we believe that respect is the "glue" that holds our school family together. It is the intentional act of showing others that they are valued and worthy of honor.
In the CKH and Leadworthy curriculum, Respect is defined as treating others the way you want to be treated while also recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, their property, and our environment.
What Respect Means to Our Students
For our students, practicing respect creates a culture where everyone feels safe to take risks and grow. Through our daily CKH practices, students are learning that respect is an active choice:
Honoring the Social Contract: Respect is the heartbeat of our Social Contracts. It means listening when others speak, using "please" and "thank you," and honoring the boundaries set by their peers and teachers.
The Power of Words: Students are learning how to use their voices to build others up rather than tear them down. This includes practicing "put-ups" instead of "put-downs" and choosing a tone that reflects kindness.
Valuing Differences: Our campus is a diverse community. Students are practicing respect by learning about different perspectives and treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their differences.
Caring for Our Space: Respect extends to our campus. Students are taking pride in their school by keeping classrooms tidy and treating school materials with care, showing respect for the resources we share.
What Respect Means to Our Teachers
Our staff members are committed to modeling the respect we wish to see in our students. As CKH-trained educators, we focus on:
The EXCEL Model: From the moment students arrive, teachers use the EXCEL model—starting with a handshake, high-five, or a warm greeting—to show every child they are respected and seen.
Active Listening: Teachers model respect by giving students their full attention, validating their feelings, and responding with empathy, which fosters a high-trust environment.
Positive Affirmation: By consistently highlighting "Good Things" and affirming positive behaviors, teachers reinforce the value of each student's unique contribution to the classroom.
Partnering with Parents and Community
We believe that respect is a trait that starts at home and flourishes at school. Here are some simple ways you can reinforce this vital Leadworthy trait with your child:
At Home Activity | The Respectful Action |
The "Interruption Rule" | Practice waiting for a pause in conversation before speaking. This teaches students that the thoughts and words of others are valuable. |
Respectful Requests | Encourage the use of polite language when asking for things at home. Modeling "May I please..." instead of demanding helps build a habit of courtesy. |
Digital Respect | If your child uses technology, discuss what it looks like to be respectful online—using kind words in messages and respecting others' privacy. |
The "Golden Rule" Reflection | When conflict arises, ask: "How would you feel if someone treated you that way?" This builds empathy, which is the foundation of respect. |
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to grow a generation of students who Lead with Heart by treating every person they meet with dignity and respect!