“UP!” is the most widely used word in the English language.  We tell people to grow up,
look up, or eat up.  We want unruly kids to stop acting up.  We want lethargic kids to wake up.  An UP! person is usually positive, helpful and kind.  An UP! person is rarely down and, when they are, they handle the disappointment or failure in a way that is constructive, not blowing up or cracking up.  In a world struggling with patience and kindness, we need more UP! people, ones who will lead us into peace and good health.  Problems like childhood obesity, bullying and low achievement can only be solved if we are willing to take action and raise the standards of what is accepted as good character. 

• Get UP! –we are growing into active, caring individuals.  Each child has incredible potential for greatness.  Whether our route through life is easy or hard, we can overcome big obstacles and do amazing things.  It’s not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up, that determines your future.  It’s important to have dreams and go after those dreams, with determination and courage.
     
• Make UP! – we are learning how to be good friends.  Good character and a good heart make for great people.  We need people who can support, love and sacrifice for others. Giving should be a way of life, not just a way to get something back.  And being a good example always means leading others down the right path.  Things like smoking, drinking and bullying will hurt our friends and keep them from reaching their dreams.  And helping each other to eat healthy and exercise is part of good friendship.  Respect is a matter of good words followed by a good example. 
  
  
• Stand UP! – we are learning how to make “promises” that we keep.  Living in a family or a large community can be frustrating.  Your unselfish actions are needed every day, helping share the load.  Our “family” is where we really learn to love and to sacrifice for the good of others daily.  No family is perfect...because we are not perfect...but you can overcome being hurt and discover the gift of love.
  
  
• Greatness is not a matter of age.  Becoming the best person you know is a matter of being responsible and dependable.  Kids can be great no matter how young they are.   They don’t need to be babied or sheltered as much as some people do.  They need to know how to stand UP! for the highest standards.  Low standards lead to boredom and weakness. 

Kids are in a rush to grow up and be respected.  But the world will not just hand over that kind of reward.  Teaching them that how to live is as important as what to know.  One of the best things to learn is how to be positive and steady in a shaky world.  We will take on any challenge if we are UP! for it.