'Character Counts' in Libertyville District 70 Schools

"Trustworthy." "Responsibility." "Help Others."

If you've driven through downtown Libertyville the past few days, you may have seen some of these words painted on the windows of various businesses. They're part of the 11th annual Character Counts week in Libertyville Elementary District 70. Students are learning about the Six Pillars: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Character Counts Week kicked off Sept. 8 with students from all five district schools painting the windows at downtown businesses, according to a press release issued by District 70. The week will also feature anti-bullying assemblies and various theme days, along with supply drives. 

According to the district, students were to wear silly socks to school Sept. 10, and they collected socks and new underwear for children, men and women. Those items will be donated to The Haven. On Sept. 11, "Brush Up on Character" day, students will donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels and toilet paper to the Hope Food Pantry and the Libertyville Township Food Pantry.

Students will write letters of appreciation to community helpers—like police, firefighters and medical professionals—on Sept. 12. They'll also collect items like pencils, markers, crayons, rulers and spiral notebooks for Beacon Place, which is an agency that helps needy children in Lake County.

Sept. 13 will be School Spirit Day in the District 70 schools.