Character first

by Joseph W. Gauld

Courage. Integrity. Leadership. Curiosity. Concern. These values are sadly missing from today's schools. Joe Gauld knew this too well as a teacher, coach, and administrator at secondary schools that were supposed to be among the best in the country. He saw a system preoccupied with students' ability and academic achievement, and blind to their character. Gauld decided to do something about it - start his own school. For more than twenty-seven years since that decision, Hyde School has taught teenagers how to learn, has affirmed how CHARACTER develops, and has demonstrated how the school and family can join together as a powerful team. Gauld pioneered the family-student partnership, which has become the hallmark of Hyde School. Hyde parents participate in retreats and workshops and take part in the school's Family Learning Center programs, where they explore their own behavior, values, goals, and relationships. Gauld's integration of fundamental values into CHARACTER-based education hel