Guest Speakers Elevate South Canton’s Moral Focus Assemblies

South Canton Scholars Charter Academy’s Moral Focus™ assemblies look a little different this year.

The school is partnering with members of its community to bring a guest speaker to each month’s assembly, creating a deeper connection for students. Dean of Upper Elementary Kristi Garrett said she serves as a point person at her school for all things Moral Focus™, and she leaned on past experience to bring a new element to South Canton.

In her 13 years as a teacher at Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy, Garrett saw hundreds of guest speakers at these monthly events, and she thought it would be a great way to make them more memorable for students at South Canton.

To start the year, students heard from Canton Police Department’s Officer Thompson. He spoke about making wise choices and how those decisions require planning and thought, and he then compared that mental process to skydiving.

“He said when skydiving, you have to know what the outcome will be,” Garrett said. “To make a good choice skydiving, you have to think about it before you go and have a plan. He said he thinks through if each choice is wise and related to wisdom that way, which I thought was interesting.”

South Canton’s guest speaker schedule includes a mental health professional to speak about self-control, an author for reading month and encouragement, and a veteran to share about courage.

Garrett said she is partnering with the United Way for April’s virtue, compassion. A representative will speak at that month’s assembly, and they’re planning a collaborative project to engage students and contribute to the community.

This wide variety of guests allows students to learn from different corners of the world, bringing them a new perspective on Moral Focus™ and the world.

“A lot of our students might not have past experience talking to an author,” Garrett said. “They might not know any veterans or have heard about their experiences. It’s a different experience for kids.”

These speakers are just one addition to these routine assemblies, but they leave a lasting impression on kids. Garrett said her students at Plymouth Scholars would talk about what they heard months later.

“It’s a different voice than a teacher or someone who’s walking down the hall every day,” Garrett said. “It makes it more memorable for students.”

Way to go, Kristi, and all of South Canton! Keep up the great work!