First PLACE , an exciting community-wide initiative, is a partnership among The Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks®, Characterplus®, and the public schools in Stone and Taney Counties to foster a community where character is highly valued and intentionally taught. The schools are Branson R-IV, Blue Eye High School, Bradleyville R-I, Crane School, Forsyth R-III, Galena School, Hollister R-V, Hurley School, Kirbyville R-VI, Mark Twain R-VIII, Reeds Spring School District, and Taneyville R-II.

     In order for this initiative to have the greatest impact, a focus on promoting character in the areas of school, community, and home will be the three target areas for character development.

The goals for the Stone and Taney Counties First PLACE initiative are as follows:

1.	Improve school climate to positively impact achievement, attendance, discipline, and drop out rate.
2.	Cultivate visible community support.
3.	Increase parent participation and awareness in character development.

Get Mixed Up With First PLACE!	"The children are more aware of positive character traits, and First PLACE! has been absolutely beneficial to the schools."
	-Susan Smith, Elementary Teacher Mark Twain Schools
	"First PLACE! is one of the best things that our area has done for kids."
	-Karen Hall, Senior Vice President Ozark Mountain Bank

In order to become a link in this initiative, the only thing you must commit to doing is demonstrating one visible action each month that ties into the trait of the month. An action might be putting the trait of the month on your marquee, including the trait in a newsletter, on your website, in staff training, or including the trait of the month in any advertising that you do. If you are involved in the faith community, your visible action may be incorporating the trait of the month in a sermon or activity planned at your church. If you are a mom or dad, your visible action may be putting the trait of the month on your fridge or using it in a bedtime story. The possibilities are limitless; you simply become intentional about teaching and demonstrating character.