EarlyAct FirstKnight® Comes to Powdersville Middle

This past January, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Greenville Evening and the Knights of the Guild (a non-profit educational services organization), Powdersville Middle School implemented a new character education program. EarlyAct FirstKnight™ (EAFK) is a revolutionary character and ethics education program for students in grades K-8 that teaches business ethics based on the historic theme of noble knights and the Rotary tradition of “service above self.”

The daily curriculum is taught during a ten-minute class at the beginning of the day and focuses on virtues such as Prowess, Justice, and Loyalty. During the morning announcements immediately prior to EAFK, students also recite the Rotary Four-Way Test which states:

Of the things we think, say, or do,

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Students are encouraged to indeed incorporate this test into all their daily decisions.

EAFK was developed by Dr. Randall Parr of San Antonio, Texas. One of our school parents new to the area, who happened to be from Texas, mentioned the program to our assistance principal, Todd Binnicker, at the beginning of the school year. Upon researching the program, Mr. Binnicker found out that EAFK required a local Rotary Club to sponsor it. Through his diligence and with the help of Jefferson Pike, Southeastern Coordinator of The Knights of the Guild, we were able to secure the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Greenville Evening.

As an integral part of the EAFK, periodic knighting ceremonies are held where students are recognized for exemplifying the qualities espoused by the program. Sixth and seventh grade students receive medals and special recognition from their teachers. In addition to their medals and teacher recognition, eighth grade students are dubbed as “knights.” The next knighting ceremony scheduled for March 26 will be followed by the Tournament of Champions, a live-action jousting event.

EAFK has been a great addition to the programs and culture of Powdersville Middle School. Numerous students and teachers have commented on how it is fun and rewarding to start the day with learning about life lessons as opposed to the normal standards-based curriculum. And you’d better believe the principal can’t wait to see some live jousting!

From Ann Golden, President: “The Rotary Club of Greenville Evening is grateful to have the opportunity to serve our local community in such an important area of need - that of instilling the high moral virtues of knighthood and the ethical values of Rotary. Not only are these young people learning good character and civility, they are taking it home to their siblings, parents, family and friends.”

Monty Oxendine, Principal

Want to know more about EAFK? Their website is: http://www.eafk.org/EAFK/EarlyAct_FirstKnight.html

They are also on Facebook as EAFK.

Powdersville Middle School’s website is: http://asd1.schoolwires.com/pvms/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=408908

Rotary Club of Greenville Evening’s website is: http://www.greenvilleeveningrotary.org/

Thundering hooves, splintering lances mark joust at Powdersville ... <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.independentmail.com/news/2010/mar/26/thundering-hooves-splintering-lances-mark-joust-po/&ct=ga&cad=7:2:0&cd=MQdTKVEew68&usg=AFQjCNEbNTux2jH8mjLl6-iYIhI5OElTMQ>

If you have a great initiative that is contributing to the community in the area of ethics, please share it with us.

photos courtesy of http://www.eafk.org/EAFK/EarlyAct_FirstKnight.html