Since September, the district participated in the Comal Challenge, a monthly program to promote better citizens and a better school environment. So far the topics have been teamwork and sportsmanship. Students and teachers should be proactive during the activities.

The individual challenges focus on a character trait each month where students across all schools in the district talk about what each trait means to them and how they can implement the trait into their daily lives. They serve as a way to start a conversation on character, self esteem and relationships between peers. Students get the chance to open up and talk about the issues of character that truly matter and will be a part of their lives no matter what class they are in.

There are those who argue that starting with teamwork and sportsmanship alienate the students who are not on a sports team. While a number of students  do not participate in sports, the traits of teamwork and sportsmanship are necessary  for the classroom, extracurriculars, relationships and the workforce.  Working with others is vital to get the jobs done in school and beyond. In the next few months, the traits will veer away from the sports connotation and will be more general. The challenges want well rounded individuals to come out of their activities and we are only two months into the challenges.

Students and teachers should listen to the activities and discussion during the challenges so everyone can work on the character traits that will stay with them no matter where they go after high school.