At Otselic Valley Elementary School, students are building important life skills through the CharacterStrong PurposeFull People program, which focuses on developing positive character traits and social-emotional learning. In Mrs. Marston’s second-grade classroom, students participate in a dedicated 10-minute CharacterStrong lesson each day. While the time is brief, it has become a consistent and meaningful part of their daily routine. Each month, the class explores a new character trait such as responsibility, empathy, or perseverance. As part of their role in the OV Morning Program, Mrs. Marston’s students also help introduce and share the trait of the month with the broader school community. This responsibility encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of each trait and how it applies to real-life situations. Throughout the month, students participate in discussions, reflection activities, and role-play scenarios that help them connect these character traits to their own experiences. Singing the monthly character trait song each day reinforces the vocabulary and meaning in a fun and memorable way. One of the greatest benefits of the program is the shared language it creates across the classroom. Students are often heard recognizing positive behaviors in one another, using phrases such as, “That was responsible,” or “She showed empathy,” without prompting. By providing opportunities for students to reflect on their actions and recognize character traits in themselves and others, the PurposeFull People program helps build a positive classroom culture and supports the development of social-emotional skills that extend beyond the classroom.