By Mary O’KEEFE

The Character And Ethics Project word for the month of December is compassion.

According to its website, the Character And Ethics Project can be traced back to 1984. Glendale school and business leaders and three students, one each from Glendale, Hoover and Crescenta Valley high schools, visited San Francisco to learn of an effort that was being sponsored by The Constitutional Rights Foundation. The Foundation’s goals included raising awareness of ethics and the role that character plays in building good leadership skills.

The Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) has provided continuing leadership for the program. Each school in the District participates each month in some aspect with the Character And Ethics Project.

The word of the month – compassion – comes at a time of difficulty at Crescenta Valley High School. The high school students and staff are grappling with the death of one of their students. In October, senior Christine Martinez was killed when the car she was riding in was in an accident. There were three others in the vehicle, including the driver, who survived. Since the accident, tensions have been high at the school. Principal Linda Junge and her staff noticed many of the students were having difficulty coping with their grief. In addition, the outcome of the recent Presidential election and the resulting uncertainty for some has created a tenuous feeling at the school.

Junge reached out to her staff, student leaders, PTSA and community members and held a meeting to discuss what could be done to help students work through their concerns and fears. During the meeting many ideas were discussed including holding events and providing ways for students to get involved.

Junge then reached out to the ASB (Associated Student Body) members who came up with several ideas to highlight the meaning of compassion.

Last week was compassion week, but this week is finals week,” Junge said. “I was really impressed by the CVTV [the school’s television station], the Falcon newspaper and ASB. Everyone came together,” Junge said. “They all saw the same need as our committee.”

There were several events held throughout the week including a poster competition. The PTSA supplied chalk and messages of compassion were written in the campus quad.

“One day there were clothespins with different acts of compassion [written on them] like ‘Give a smile to someone who needs it,’” Junge said.

Students would complete the act of compassion and then pass the clothespin on to another student.

“Everyday on CVTV there was an inspirational quote,” she added.

And everywhere was the color purple, Christine’s favorite color. Others continued the purple support, like the recent swing dance sponsored by Prom Plus Club with live music provided by the CV jazz band. All tables were decorated with purple and a candle wrapped in the color was placed on the piano.

Junge was able to bring in a therapy dog that helped students deal with a variety of issues including impending finals.

Senator Anthony Portantino is working with the school’s government classes to talk about how California will be moving forward in working with the new administration in Washington. Family counselor Pam Erdman is also working with counselors and students on how to best reach out to those most affected by the car accident.

For the future, PTSA is looking into hosting assemblies that promote compassion and understanding.

  Mary Okeefe