Hicksville Public Schools has a district wide civility and etiquette initiative. With a commitment to developing schools of character, all district employees have been trained through the district Staff Development program.

Ms. Williams, etiquette consultant from the Protocol School of Washington, is working with all third grade students building skills in proper etiquette, confidence, leadership and citizenship. Students learn respect for self and others, how to respond to peer pressure, developing courage for doing what is right and discussing ideas for changing behavior.

Ms. MacPherson, etiquette consultant from the Protocol School of with all sixth grade students in building leadership skills, proper etiquette, techniques for a competitive edge in preparing for the world of work and respect for self and others.

Dr. P.M. Forni, professor at John's Hopkins University, is working with all eleventh grade students in promoting civility in the school environment with twenty-five rules of considerate conduct, assertiveness as part of civility, the connection between incivility and violence, and the promotion of self esteem balanced by self control. Students learn to recognize incivility and how to counter such acts to develop skills necessary to deal civilly with angry peers.

Parents have had the opportunity to complete the circle of learning with the civility and etiquette initiative by attending a parent workshop on the topic at the Parent Resource Center. With parents as role models and partners we can all promote good character and civility.

This multi-year initiative will be developing our young people for better leadership, citizenship, interpersonal skills necessary for job and college interviews, developing world perspectives and instilling pride and respect in representing family, school, team and organizations.