Celebrating the Virtues at Archway Cicero

Each month, Archway Cicero teachers highlight one of the nine Core Virtues (Citizenship, Courage, Friendship, Honesty, Humility, Integrity,Perseverance, Responsibility, and Wisdom), integrating it into lessons, stories, and daily life on campus. Whether through literature, history, or even moments on the playground, these virtues come to life in meaningful ways for scholars. At the first Virtue Assembly of the school year, students who consistently demonstrated Responsibility, August’s featured virtue, were recognized with an awards for their example in the classroom and around campus.

“We chose Responsibility because it is so important for students to start the year with a greater understanding of how to respond to their daily life as a student,” explained Kelsey Diamond, Dean of Faculty and Students K-5.

The assembly opened with the school singing the national anthem together led by music teacher Laura Fortier, and then followed by a special reading by Headmaster Christa Reichert of Eric Carle’s book, “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth, where she reminded students that responsibility is often not about moving too quickly, but rather slowing down to listen to friends and to be unmoved by surrounding circumstances.

Scholars who have demonstrated the virtue of responsibility were then honored in front of their peers and faculty. “One student is elected by each classroom teacher for displaying the virtue of the month, and as we call their name to the front for recognition, we see and hear the heartfelt excitement of their classmates cheering them on,” said Diamond.

Scholars who were honored with a Virtue Award were:

• Kindergarten: Castro T. and Selah R.
• First Grade: Heidi R., Milani C., and Xander Z.
• Second Grader: Vivian H., LaKai H., and Harrison S.
• Third Grade: Karsyn H. and Scarlett C.
• Fourth Grade: Ezekiel Z., Jameson W., and Brooklyn R.
• Fifth Grade: Journey L., Kacey M., and Elisabeth S.

Students who completed summer reading challenges were also honored during the assembly.

“It’s an incredible feeling to have the entire K-5 school assemble and celebrate the good deeds happening in our community together,” shared Diamond. This long-standing tradition at Archway Cicero continues to remind our students the importance of being a virtuous student, a great-hearted lesson that we hope they take into adulthood as flourishing citizens.

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