BUILDING UP KIDS NEW CLASSES TEACHING STUDENTS IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER.

Byline: - Lisa Van Proyen

An innovative class is being taught at the two newest secondary schools in the San Fernando Valley.

Unofficially, it's called Character Building.

Principals at both yet-to-be named campuses - a middle school in Van Nuys and a high school at California State University, Northridge - aim for every student to excel by becoming a productive individual in the community.

``If they can build their character, we've got some super human beings,'' said CSUN high school campus Principal Connie Semf.

Though they share common goals, each school has its distinct character- building program, officially called an advisory class.

At the middle school in Van Nuys on Roscoe Boulevard, all 1,700 students participate for one hour, twice a week, in the ungraded class. Teachers are trained to motivate kids to serve the community.

``If you teach kids at a young age that it's important to be civic-minded because that builds character, they go to high school already knowing that. It becomes a part of their lives. They become stronger, more resilient people,'' said Principal Suzanne Blake at the Van Nuys middle school, which will be named by the community later this year.

``Here at this middle school, it's the children who determine the community needs.

``We're not just dictating to them that they're going to do a food drive or read to the elderly in libraries,'' Blake said. ``Instead, we say to the kids: What do you see that's important to fix in the community? It's about empowering them.''

Recently, a group of seventh-graders held a toy drive and delivered 25 bags of toys to children at a hospital that the students walk past on their way to school.

Another group decided to help replace backpacks and other school supplies lost by or stolen from their peers. They now raise funds by selling hot chocolate and pastries at parent meetings.

``This way, the children don't have to ask their parents, who may have to wait until their next paycheck,'' Blake said.

Fredi Martinez, 12, volunteers as a teacher's assistant at the middle school's library, cataloging and helping peers locate books.

``It's helped me a lot. I like to help people. It makes me feel good,'' said Martinez, who aspires to become a police officer.

At the CSUN high school near Zelzah Avenue and Nordhoff Street, all 600 students participate in the advisory class.

Twice a week for two hours students learn character-building qualities, Semf said. These qualities include: Listening with the intent to understand, rather than respond; learning how to respect one another, even if two students come from rival schools; and inviting differences in people.

Both the middle and high schools are among eight new LAUSD schools that opened last September. These two schools are the first new secondary schools to open in more than 30 years in the Valley.

They are a part of a $10 billion plan to construct 160 schools over the next 10 to 12 years to relieve overcrowding.

The schools opened with the latest technology, large classrooms equipped with computers, new textbooks and desks, and high-tech bathrooms.

But, officials agree, it's the human beings - not the technology within the new school - who set an example for other campuses to model districtwide.

``It's almost like a family and it's something unheard of in our schools. I think it contributes to student achievement,'' said Warren Mason, the director of the Northridge high school campus.

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Photo:

(color) Student volunteer Fredi Martinez, 12, helps other kids check out books at the library of the new middle school in Van Nuys.

Tina Burch