Print Issue: October 17, 2002

Donnellan Students Emphasize Virtues In 'Kids For Jesus' Program

ATLANTA - The Donnellan School has implemented a new program this school year called "K-4-J" (Kids for Jesus). This program comes through the company Catholic Kids Net and involves the entire school. The program is organized so that each classroom teacher will be able to incorporate virtue topics into each day's instruction.

Kathleen Nichols, associate head of school, explained how the program works. "Every month a virtue was chosen to be highlighted and emphasized. During the month of September the virtue was 'friendship.' Teachers incorporate the virtue into their daily discussion and show examples of the virtue in practice as much as possible. The middle school students become team captains to about three to four lower school students and engage in fun activities together each month. This allows interaction between grades and provides younger students living and close role models of virtue."

"The children love these activities," said Nichols. "They get to wear their K-4-J t-shirts and activities are fun and educational." On the fourth week of each month, teachers award the "Amazing Apostle(s)" bringing a special celebration to the end of each virtue.

Some activities involve community service projects. "It's important for our students to learn that community involvement is a life-long commitment," said Gary Delneo, head of school. "Not only do our students learn to give their time, but to do so with love. This program will build leaders for the future that understand how to share whatever material or spiritual blessings God bestows upon them."