Courage, Character and Leadership for Life
Courage, Character and Leadership for Life….this is the slogan for The Protectors (theprotectors.org). The founder of this organization, Paul Coughlin, spoke to our staff yesterday about adding an intentional program to our school that focuses on building these three areas into the DNA of our students’ character. This is a schoolwide process, although the greatest intensity is in our elementary and middle school divisions.
This Christian based organization focuses on bringing back the Biblical view of Courage and instilling in our young people the warriors ethos of protecting and standing up for people who cannot stand up for themselves. Christ provided the ultimate courage for us by going to the cross when we were helpless. I want to instill in our students this same will to have the courage to stand up for others and themselves.
Paul Coughlin also recognizes that when people have the courage to stand up for others, serious cultural problems such as bullying begin to fade. As I have looked for a more intentional and systematic program to bring into our curriculum to train our staff, students, and parents, I have become very impressed with The Protectors. It fits with the attitude of our staff, parents, and programs here at Parkview as we seek to prepare our students to live in the adult world, and to grow in wisdom, and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Here is where I need your help. I have asked Paul Coughlin to stay two extra days in Baton Rouge and have a special meeting with our parents during our Wednesday night prayer service at Parkview. Pastor Michael Hardaway has given the service to the school that night to have Mr. Coughlin share with our parents about this character based program. This is an important opportunity for you to hear the “why” behind what I am trying to do here at the school. While he will explore the topic of bullying in our nation and schools, this meeting is for ALL families – not just those who have experienced bullying in the past. I especially need our PreK through 8th grade parents to make an effort to attend this meeting because you are a key partner with me in making Parkview the very best school it can be.
One major goal of mine is to prepare our students to face opposition to their Christian values that they will face as a young college student. For some of our students, “bullying” will start soon after graduation. Come see and be a part of what we are doing to prepare your student to be strong, stand up for others, and to have leadership for life.
The meeting is in the church Worship Center at 6:30 PM on Wednesday March 8th.
#parkviewstrong,
Don Mayes, Superintendent