A Three Year Cycle:
How the rotation of virtues is structured

​The Core Virtues program employs a three-year cycle of virtues, highlighting a different virtue (or trait derived from a virtue) each month of the school year.  During the academic year, students focus on ten different virtues, and these are tied, in part, to the rhythm and seasons of the traditional 180 day northern hemisphere school year.   The virtue cycle alternates over a three-year period in order to embrace the broad range of traits that under-gird human flourishing, and to avoid the "ho-hum" attitude that might set in if every October were a "diligence" month.  Having said that, every September, begins with “respect and responsibility” because in classrooms across the country, September marks the beginning of the academic year.  These twin traits are essential in community building, and establishing a positive classroom ethos with specific responsibilities. 

Month
​
​September:

October:

​November:

December:

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:
​
June:

Year 1
​
​Respect & Responsibility
​
Diligence

Gratitude

Generosity

Courage

Loyalty

Compassion

Forgiveness

Hope

​Heroism

Year 2
​
​​​Respect & Responsibility

Self-Control/Discipline

Wonder

Charity

Courage

Love of Country

Faithfulness

Graciousness/Courtesy

Joy
​
​Lives To Learn From

Year 3
​
​​Respect & Responsibility

Perseverance

Stewardship

Service

Courage

Honesty & Justice

Mercy

Gentleness & Humility

Wonder

Wisdom
​

Fuller explanations of the rationale for each month's virtue are found in the overview text for each month on the Virtue of the Month page.
​
If you wish to alter the suggested rotations, because you are in the southern hemisphere or because your nation celebrates different holidays, feel free to adapt them!