This month Lincoln School is focusing on the hard character trait- Citizenship. Citizenship means more than knowing how the government functions. Good citizenship in practice is understanding, appreciating and doing things that make life better for you and for others. Citizenship is not passive. Citizenship demands participation, involvement and contribution. Good citizens go beyond their own interests, demonstrate a concern for the needs of others and recognize their obligations to make their home, school, neighborhood, country and world the best they can be. Citizenship is a two-way relationship and includes both rights and duties. No one makes a difference without being involved. Parents can teach their children about citizenship this month by talking about your obligation to vote, and discussing the relationship between being a citizen of a family. Being a good citizen at home means thinking about the needs of all members of the family, helping when asked, and cleaning up (good luck with that one!). At school, we will discuss individual vs. group needs, and how we participate in helping our school.