During Career Day we have many different professionals in our community come out and speak to our 3^rd – 5^th students about the great work that they do. Our students learn about the possible careers available in our working world. Parents are also welcome to present and share their career knowledge. Anyone who would like to volunteer their time should contact one of the counselors.

Our Character Education Program teaches students about good traits that help them to get along well with others.  It teaches students the habits of thought and action that help people live and work together as families, friends, neighbors, and communities.  Character education focuses on the core values we all need to cooperate and keep our society running smoothly.  Students spend much of their young lives in school; therefore, this time in school is an opportunity to explain and reinforce the core values upon which character is formed. 

At Simonton, every month a character word is introduced to the students.  The counselors announce the character word of the month in the morning announcement.  Every classroom also has a poster defining the character word of the month and a list of ways to exhibit the character.  At the end of the month, each classroom teacher chooses a student who has displayed that character throughout the month.  These students are recognized by having their pictures displayed in a bulletin board in the main hallway. The students will also receive a certificate and a prize.

Some of the Character Education words taught throughout the year include: Respect, Self-Control, Responsibility, Manners, Tolerance, Courage, Caring, Trustworthy, Citizenship, Honesty, Fairness, and Generosity.

In celebration of Grandparents Day during the month of September, we host a special luncheon at our school.  Grandparents are invited to have lunch with their grandchild.  Invitation forms are sent home with the student and need to be returned prior to the event. We look forward to seeing all of our Simonton Grandparents there!

Great Days of Service is a yearly event held during one week in October.  This program gives an opportunity for Simonton students to provide a service to those that are in need by participating in this event along with Gwinnett Coalition Health and Human Services. This is a non-profit organization that provides food and healthcare to our Gwinnett County shelters and food banks. During this week we collect items needed for our Gwinnett County families. 

Some of the items collected include:

•  Disposable diapers - (Large size)
•  Toiletries - (Example: Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, shampoo, etc.)
•  Canned goods & non-perishable items – (Example: Peanut butter, oatmeal, grits, beans, rice, corn, carrots, breakfast bars, tuna, soup, etc.)

Red Ribbon Week is national celebration with communities and students across America committing themselves to living drug-free lives. This annual event that takes place during the month of October. Red Ribbon Week is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about or revisit life-long skills for a healthier life. Each student is asked to participate in the daily festivities so that we as a school can Be Drug Free!  Throughout Red Ribbon Week, the children dress up according to a theme to show that they stand united against drugs.

The purpose of Student Council is to:

Strive for good citizenship.
Respect all individuals in the school and community.
Involve all students in sharing ideas to make our school the best it can be.
Promote school spirit.
Give all students practice in democracy in action.
Provide service to groups in our school and community.

Eligibility for Membership:

• All students in 4^th & 5^th grade will have the opportunity to apply and serve to be a member of the Simonton Student Council, to vote, and to offer ideas for the Student Council action.
• Interested 4^th grade students shall apply and be elected to hold membership as a classroom representative of Student Council.
• Interested 5^th grade students shall apply and be elected to hold an officer position or a classroom representative of Student Council.
• Teachers will review desirable leadership qualities for candidates prior to accepting nominations.
• Nominees must agree to write a one-page speech describing skills they possess that would make them an ideal candidate to represent others as a member of the Simonton Student Council.

Qualification:

•  Be a good citizen at school and all school related functions.
•  Set a good example for others.
•  Show school spirit.
•  Be a hard-working and diligent student.
•  Relate well to other students and adults.
•  Share ideas and take initiative.
•  Never be suspended, receive detention, or referral.
•  Must maintain B average or better. Student Council member, who fails to maintain a B average or better, will be placed on probation.