The Meaning of “Family” and Core Values.Why they are important in becoming a well rounded individual.

Are we a family at Minarets?

Last year we referred to our student body and staff as a family from time to time.

Some people questioned the use of that term and some thought that it was too strong.

Well, lets get rid of all of that uncertainty and examine why a school like ours could be compared to a family.

What is a family?The primary definitions for family are:

A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household or a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.

Minarets does not replace this kind of family and it never will.

However...

Minarets Family

Another definition of family is: A person or people related to one and so to be treated with a special loyalty and intimacy.

At Minarets, we can be LIKE a family in that we are united by our great school and we relate to each other through our loyalty and respect.

We can be LIKE a family in that we are proud of our combined talents and we will lift each other up when we are down.

What can your Minarets family do for you? Get into groups of four to create a mini poster.

You will need a pen (preferably a few different colors), a piece of paper, and a positive attitude.

1) You are going to create a poster that reflects your interpretation of what the term family means to you.

2) On the paper write Six words that best describe how Minarets can have a “family” atmosphere.

3) Draw an abstract picture that both shows school spirit and portrays Minarets as a positive place.

4) Write one aspect that can have a positive impact on this “family” atmosphere and one negative aspect that could negatively impact our school.

You have ten minutes to finish and then present to the class.

Examples•Help you with a concern or problems. •Help you with new ideas and goals•Resolve any conflicts•Sometimes we all need a high five or hug•We all need several families: Home, work, school, friends, etc. to make it through life’s challenges.

What do the students say?

“I love that our family is growing and will continue to grow. Yes it's going to be challenging to open up our hearts and minds to new members of the family, but we have gotten through it and will continue to get through it. I love that we can go to any student on campus and know that they're our brother or sister. Minarets is not just a school, it's a home. A safe home that welcomes everyone."

“Minarets is like a family in the sense that the teachers care about you and how you do. They want to see you succeed, for your own benefit, not their own. They also take great strides to make sure that students enjoy their assignments. This shows me as a student that they really do care about me. And that makes all the difference in the world.”

Core Values

We will answer these in groups of four, then a representative from each group will come up to the board and write part of their group’s answer.

What are values? What are core values?

Why is it important for an individual to have values? Why is it important for a school to have students that hold strong core values?

Values Defined

A person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.

Everyone has a set of core values which drives them in life.

Why are values important?

The way you carry yourself matters. People around you are influenced by the attitude that you have.

If we have a student and staff body, that lives by a strict code of values, we will have a more harmonious environment.

If you hold true to your core values, it will be harder for you to compromise those values and make harmful decisions.

Making our campus a better place.

If we all hold true to the family concept and the core value concept, our campus will be a better place for it.

We are fortunate to have such a great school and it is up to us to keep it that way.