Monday, April 16, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Visits with Bissett Elementary School Students
SPRINGFIELD– Gov. Matt Blunt today shared a lesson in character education with Bissett Elementary School students. The governor helped teach students about the importance of being trustworthy, which is the school's character word of the month.
"Being trustworthy is a cornerstone of good character, which is among the most valuable tools we can provide our children," Blunt said. "Helping children understand the importance of character ensures they are prepared not only to succeed academically and professionally, but also personally."
Bissett Elementary School focuses on one character aspect each month of the school year. Students learn about the word and importance of character through class room projects, school assemblies and instructional activities. The school's word of the month program models one way schools across Missouri are working to include character education as a part of the school day.
Gov. Blunt has earned Missourians' trust by keeping his promises and diligently pursuing the commitments he has made as governor. As promised, Blunt has helped ensure education is the state's highest priority. He has increased funding for elementary and secondary education every year he has been in office. His proposed budget for next year combined with past increases totals more than one half of a billion dollars in funding for education in the last three years.
The governor's leadership has allowed for the expansion of Missouri's nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program and increased funding for A+ Schools. Blunt has also kept his promise that he will never withhold money approved for Missouri classrooms. He continues to identify ways to enhance Math, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) learning in our state and hosted the first comprehensive summit to bring stakeholders together to identify solutions to current challenges in METS. In addition, his early childhood initiatives are working to ensure Missouri's youngest students get a head start on lifelong learning.