Character Education

A high school student hugs his teacher after receiving a graduation cord.

Sherman ISD endeavors to build the next generation of leaders, professionals and outstanding citizens through a high-quality character education program. Our secondary campuses use curriculum from 7 Mindsets designed to drive student well-being and achievement, and Sherman ISD Athletics teach athletes using the 2Words Character Development Curriculum. The district has also developed its own districtwide character education program called The Bearcat Way.

The Bearcat Way

The Bearcat Way is a traits-based, calendar-focused character education program designed to give students the keys to drive towards greatness. The following 10 character traits are based on the Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.906, which states that the State Board of Education (SBOE) shall integrate positive character traits and personal skills into the essential knowledge and skills adopted for kindergarten through grade 12.

[August] Respect: treating people the way you want to be treated. [Watch the Video]
[September] Courage: gaining strength to do something you are afraid to do. [Watch the Video]
[October] Integrity: doing what is right even when no one is watching. [Watch the Video]
[November] Gratitude: pausing to notice and appreciate someone or something. [Watch the Video]
[December] Caring: displaying kindness and concern for others. [Watch the Video]
[January] Responsible: doing what you are trusted to do. [Watch the Video]
[February] Giving: offering support to benefit others. [Watch the Video]
[March] Resilience: bouncing back when you get knocked down. [Watch the Video]
[April] Trustworthy: depending on each other. [Watch the Video]
[May] Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. [Watch the Video]

Sherman ISD will share information with students and families throughout the year to explain and help reinforce the positive character traits at home and school.

Schools will have the opportunity to nominate students who best exemplify these monthly traits for a districtwide award. One elementary and one secondary Student Ambassador will be chosen each month at the district level and recognized at School Board meetings.

Sherman ISD is inviting all of our students, faculty, staff, and community to “Be a Bearcat” and join us in teaching and demonstrating The Bearcat Way.

2024-25 Bearcat Way Videos