Chapter A - APA Model

Part 1.0 - Mission and Vision

Section 1.3 - Virtuous Character Development

Paragraph 1.3.1 - Builders Theme

Policy Statement:

Builders Theme

The Builders Theme is reinforced by our "Builders Song" (K. Woodcox, 2004) and the "Builders" poem (below).  Each student and staff member memorizes this poem and recites it at school events and in classrooms.  It is also promoted through monthly "Builders Mottos" and "Builders Awards" that are presented to students and staff.  We ask all members of the American Preparatory community to conduct themselves as builders by asking themselves the question: "What would be building behavior?"  Keeping the standard of behavior at that of a "builder" makes it easy to know how to conduct oneself and promotes a positive place for learning.

Builders 

I saw them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town.

With a yo heave ho and a lusty yell,

They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.

I asked the foreman if these men were as skilled

As those he would hire if he were to build.

He laughed and said, "Oh, no indeed,

Common labor is all I need,

For they can wreck in a day or two,

What builders have taken years to do."

So I asked myself, as I went my way,

Which of these roles am I to play?

Am I the builder, who works with care,

Measuring life by the rule and square?

Or am I the wrecker who walks the town,

Content in the role of tearing down?

I've made my decision; I'll start today,

I'll be a builder in every way.

- Anonymous and Howard Headlee