Each newsletter we will be sharing a virtue that will be the focus in our school over the following three weeks.  

What is Courtesy? Courtesy is being polite and having good manners.  It is a gracious way of speaking and acting which gives others a feeling of being valued and respected.  It is greeting others with respect.  "Please", "Thank you", "Excuse me", "Hello", "Goodbye", "You're welcome" are not just words.  They are courteous expressions that show people you respect them and care about them.

Why Practice it? When a person doesn't practice courtesy, people feel insulted and disrespected.  They think this person is rude and ignorant, not caring about anyone or anything.  Practicing courtesy gives people a sense that they are valued.  Courtesy is like a magnet.  It makes you attractive to others.

How do you practice it? Courtesy is remembering your manners.  Speak politely.  Wait your turn.  Instead of interrupting someone, say "Excuse me," and then wait patiently for them to give you their attention.  Greet people pleasantly.  When you are courteous, you make requests instead of demands.  Bring courtesy home.  Your family needs it most of all.  Courtesy helps life to go smoothly.

Signs of Success Congratulations!  You are practicing Courtesy when you...

• Show others that you value and respect them.
• Remember to treat elders, parents, teachers, and children politely.
• Think about how your actions affect others.
• Eat, speak and move graciously.
• Make requests instead of demands.
• Greet people with a smile.

"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."  Ralph Waldo Emerson