At Aurora Heights Elementary School the students are learning how to be kids of character. They are concentrating this year on the six pillars of character: responsibility, respect, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, and citizenship. Each month a Kids of Character Assembly is held in the school gym. Awards are given to students who have been shining examples of the six pillars of character.

Hy-Vee East in Newton is partnering with Aurora Heights to help recognize the students honored each month. Hy-Vee is providing those students with a free video rental and a complimentary lunch buffet. The students will get to travel to Hy-Vee together during the school day to enjoy the meal. The Kids of Character will also receive a certificate for their achievement.

During the month students can also earn Shining Knights. To earn one, a teacher notices a student demonstrating some sort of act that shows respect or responsibility. For example, a student might earn a Shining Knight for pushing in chairs when others forget or for helping a friend understand an assignment. At the assembly all the Shining Knights are put into a classroom bag. One certificate is drawn from each classroom's bag and that student receives a certificate, pin, and a coupon.