The Rotary Club of Lakeway-Lake Travis implemented a new ethics and character education called EarlyAct FirstKnight (EAFK) at Lakeway Elementary and Lake Travis Middle Schools this month.

The purpose of EAFK is to develop young people into ethical, morally sound, community-oriented, self-disciplined adults who will become responsible members of society.  The purpose of the EAFK Service Club is to promote goodwill, understanding and peace through the active participation of its student members so, that with committed citizenship and effective leadership, they may improve the quality of life of their school, local and global communities.

EAFK also provides children with daily academic character instruction during a child’s most formative years.  Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, the curriculum is integrated and teachable in daily 10-minute lessons by educators in their classrooms.  The educational component meets the requirements of Texas House Bill 946, which requires character education in all Texas public schools.

Why EarlyAct FirstKnight?   There is a serious ethical impairment in this country and a lack of character in people our kids look up to.  Teaching young children about ethics and character as well as having them actively participate in community service projects can give them a foundation for the future. 

Research highlights: 

Up to 75% student disciplinary referral reductions (office visits for behavior problems).

Up to 97% voluntary involvement of total student population in service clubs.

98% of program-involved parents and 95% of faculty give "excellent" favorability ratings. 

100% of client schools say EAFK helps improve overall student academic performance and behavior.

EAFK teaches the Rotary tradition of "service above self" through the visually captivating theme of knightly heroes.  Each month the schools have Knighting Ceremonies.  For demonstrating mastery of and by living a specific character trait, students will be recognized, given medallions and knighted by a knight in full armor.

There will be an event at Lake Travis Middle School on Tuesday, May 5 at 1:15 that will reward the students for the successful implementation of EAFK in their school.  Knights in full armor and costumed war horses will put on a show for the students and the program will end with the final Knighting Ceremony of the school year. 

We just had the kick-off event at Lakeway Elementary last Friday and EVERYONE loved it.  It featured knights in armor and costumed war horses including Thor, the tallest horse in the world standing over 20 hands high.  Click here and here for a couple of videos from the event.