Character Traits Education

Second Step & LION Awards: Building Character and Community

At Valencia Park Elementary, we use the Second Step curriculum to help students build essential social-emotional skills. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, students learn how to recognize and manage emotions, show empathy, make responsible decisions, and build positive relationships. These skills support our Be a LION values and help create a safe, respectful, and caring school community where every student can thrive.

Each month, we also celebrate our students through LION Awards, recognizing those who exemplify the character traits found in John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success—such as cooperation, perseverance, and integrity. These monthly awards connect directly to our schoolwide focus on character, leadership, and continuous growth.