"The Pursuit of a Virtuous Life" Presented by Bob Macioci, Dean of Students at Cushing Academy August 10, 2012 8:00 - 9:00 am

1. A Road Map to Civil Society

2. “Happiness depends on acquiring a moral character,
where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity,
justice, friendship, and citizenship in one’s life” –
Aristotle
“...there is no truth more
thoroughly established that
there exists in the economy and
course of nature, an
indissoluble union between
virtue and happiness.”
George Washington -First Inaugural
Address

3. Academics
Health, Safety and Well-being
Should teaching and nurturing
A Virtuous Life? values, character, and virtue be a
priority of the education system?

4. “The function of education is to
teach one to think intensively and
to think critically... Intelligence plus
character – that is the goal of true
education.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

5. So, let’s start at the end.
After our students walk across that stage, after the
speeches, awards and presentations, after the long
goodbyes, it’s time to ask:
Did we meet our educational goals?
Is earning a diploma enough?
Is being accepted to college enough?
Are these young adults ready for responsible
citizenship?

6. OK, now we go all the way back
to the beginning
 A Parent may say:
“I want my child to be________________________.
 A Teacher may say:
“I want my students to be_____________________.

7. If you could give a young
adult one book as a guide
for living…

8. What
would
your
school
Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law be like if
you did
Civil Society
 What’s missing? Lives Here
not have
a
Moral and Virtuous Citizens
---------------------------------- student
Laws handboo
k?

9.  Create a culture of virtue
 Programming and curriculum
 Recognition of the “Good”
 Stories, literature
 Role modeling
 Accountability
 Mentoring
 “The Quiet Conversations” -The familiar landscapes
of the classroom, playing field, art studio, and stage
have rich deposits of value-laden lessons waiting for
us to unearth as “teachable moments.”
 Civil Society Seminars

10.  The Virtue Project
 A program that challenges student leaders to promote
and encourage both the intrinsic and civic rewards of
a virtuous life. The goal of the Virtue Project is to
make common and timeless values part of our daily
lives, and through the presentation of stories, heroes,
and real-life role models and events, these students
are responsible for transitioning virtuous ideals from
the abstract to the concrete, stabilizing the common
foundation of the diverse architecture of our
community.
For more information on the Virtue Project and related programs, see
The Virtue Project: Promoting a Culture of Civic Virtue in Our Schools
by Bob Macioci
 Independent School Magazine -Winter 2013

14.  The Honor Code and Honor Council
 The Honor Council will uphold the integrity of Cushing
Academy’s Honor Code by demonstrating respect for others,
adhering to high standards of academic honesty, and acting
decisively in the event that a member of the community has
violated or intends to violate its precepts. In accordance with
the Honor Code, “we seek an environment in which all
individuals can live and learn together in ways that protect
personal freedom and community standards.” When violations
occur, the Honor Council is dedicated to ensuring
accountability, providing encouragement, and restoring trust in
the community.
 For more information: http://www.cushing.org/honor-code

16.  Role Modeling:
~The Most Powerful Lesson of All~
 Students
 Encourage and provide opportunities for those students who,
by their example, actions, and attitude, can take the lead in
building and sustaining a culture of civility and virtue.
 Parents
 Parents may be the greatest role models of all. Partner with
families to align the common values and goals of the home
and school.
 Teachers-Dorm Parents-Coaches-Mentors
 We have the potential to be a powerful influence in the lives
of young adults, and by our words, deeds, and actions, we
must communicate clearly to our students the habits
necessary to live in society as responsible citizens. While this
can sometimes be challenging, it is well known that
adolescents develop positive behavior patterns by consistent
contact with responsible adults of high character.

18. Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to
Do the Right Thing -Michele Borba
Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values
Through Stories -William Kilpatrick, Gregory Wolfe, Suzanne Wolfe, Robert
Coles
The Moral Intelligence of Children: How to Raise a Moral Child -Robert
Coles
The Book of Virtues -William J. Bennett
Aesop's Fables -Saviour Pirotta, Richard Johnson
The Virtues Project Educator's Guide: Simple Ways to Create a Culture of
Character -Linda Popov
Character Education: Transforming Values into Virtue -Holly Shepard Salls
Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and
Responsibility -Thomas Lickona

19. ~The pursuit of happiness should always be
guided
by the compass of virtue
~While laws are necessary to maintain basic social
order,
a Civil Society can only be sustained
with moral and virtuous people
~This is the challenge we face in our schools~
-It is our highest priority-
~And as teachers assigned the responsibility of
mentoring young adults and preparing the citizens of the
21st century, meeting this challenge is at the heart of our
profession~