Listed below are examples of how this year’s and last year's students demonstrated the Mittelstadt Character Traits. Our class will be sharing with each other more keys to success and opportunity. Check back routinely, to see what we do.

COMMITMENT is giving your best effort. Commitment also means I promise to do my homework and class work and not make excuses.

Juan is giving us a great example of commitment through his management of our classroom library. On top of keeping the shelves in good order, he has contributed an array of travel brochures to our selection of non-fiction texts. Juan is not only giving his best effort as the classroom librarian, but he has gone beyond what is necessary. He is helping to make our classroom a better learning community.

Sierra shows commitment by using worksheets from home to practice her math facts. Sierra knows she is expected to practice her math facts everyday. She has made her mother and teacher proud of her work.

Callie displays commitment by showing all the work, when solving math problems. Callie knows when she completes every step in problem solving she can master confusing problems, as well as avoid silly mistakes. Showing work is making a commitment to yourself to be your very best.

Maria shows commitment by creating a plan to pass Math TAKS by using CompassLearning Odyssey even though her family does not have internet access at home. Maria asked her parents to take her to the public library in order to achieve her goal. Maria logged into Compass for more than 19 hours and achieved her goal of not only passing Math TAKS, but scoring very high. Not only is Maria committed to do the best she can, but so are her parents.


RESPECT is showing consideration for others. Respect also means I will be kind to everyone; I will never tease or bully.

Carnell is often spotted demonstrating respect in the cafeteria. Although many students are excited about getting through the cafeteria line first, Carnell is frequently complimented on how he assists those around him. Carnell knows he is an important part of our school community and chooses to make Mittlestadt an enjoyable place to learn.

Jessica shows respect by not laughing at another student’s mistake. Jessica knows that laughing at others is the same as teasing. Jessica is thoughtful and kind to everyone.

Katie touches our hearts through a very special show of respect. Although our classroom mailbox is mostly used to inform the teacher when there is a problem, Katie has made a practice of using it to compliment many of her classmates. Katie shows respect by finding many ways to be kind to everyone.

Trevor shows respect by looking at a person’s eyes when he speaks or listens. When he looks at the person he is kindly giving them his full attention.


RESPONSIBILITY is knowing and doing what is expected. Responsibility also means I will not blame others for what I choose to do or not do.

Ashton demonstrates responsibility by using her Math textbook as a resource when doing homework. Ashton knows she will learn more by using her textbook to look up vocabulary words and lessons she may not understand. Although it is easier to ask a parent what something means, Ashton knows when she looks up the information on her own, she is more likely to remember.

Saniz showed responsibility by asking if he could turn his desk backwards so he would not be tempted to play during lessons. Saniz realized that fooling around with the stuff in his desk was causing him to miss some of the important information shared in class. Saniz gave us an excellent example of how to take responsibility for what is expected by using a creative strategy to solve his own problem.

Anhminh demonstrates responsibility by never seeking to blame another student when she is talking at an inappropriate time. Although it usually takes 2 people to talk, Anhminh accepts the consequence for talking without ever trying to get the other person in trouble.

David showed responsibility when discussing strategies for controlling his own behavior. David shared that when he thinks about how his behavior can affect his future, he is more likely to make the right choices. David is excited about his future and believes that the good choices he makes as a child will help him have a bright future.


INITIATIVE is doing what needs to be done, before being asked. Initiative also means I can count on myself to do what I need to do.

Erica, Brianna, Julia and Sierra are taking the initiative to do the extra cursive handwriting worksheets for homework. Because of their initiative they, they will be able to write more quickly. Others, will also, be able to easily read whatever they wish to share. Great job!

Jessica demonstrates initiative by tackling the sample lesson on Envision Math. We will have many opportunities to try extra activities at home. Jessica knows taking advantage of those lessons will allow her to increase her knowledge and grades.

Joanna has shown initiative by learning all the multiplication facts over the holiday break. By setting this goal and following through, Joanna is able to complete her math assignments quickly. Joanna is also very proud of her achievement, which makes her smile a whole lot during class.

Mikaela showed initiative by logging on to Compass Learning when she was home sick. Mikaela knows that there are many opportunities for learning, and although she may not be able to attend school, using this program helps her to be the very best she can be.


INTEGRITY is being honest and trustworthy. Integrity also means I will tell the truth and stand up for what is right.

Tony showed integrity by following up on a consequence given by another teacher, without Mrs. McGrath having been told. When Tony does what is expected, without being told, he will receive more opportunities to do things, independently.

Jordan showed integrity by writing down a well thought-out reason as to why he did not follow a direction. Jordan thinks about how he is responsible for his actions. We know we can trust him to make the best choices because he does not make excuses.

Jovan showed integrity by returning tickets he had not earned. Jovan knows that keeping something that doesn’t belong to him is wrong. Jovan continues to show us that he is worthy of our trust.

Simon is using integrity as a tool to help reach his goal of an improved conduct grade. Simon keeps a sticky note on his desk and gives himself a “check” each time he makes a mistake. He must rely on his honestly with himself for his plan to work. “Checking” his own conduct has successfully reduced the number of cards he turns, which means he will reach his goal. Simon is showing how combining integrity with goal setting allows him to be successful.

Arielle shows integrity by continuing to do what is expected even when she is not being watched. Although it can be very tempting to play while the teacher is occupied, Arielle is always on task and following directions. Because of Arielle’s desire to be trustworthy, other students recognize her to be a very good friend.