The Virtues of MA'AT
(Call and Response at Morning Ritual)

Ma'at ("That which is straight.") was the systematized sacred-spiritual ideal of ancient Kemet. It was the underlying current that intricately connected all things including human behavior. It was the universal ethical principle of ancient Egyptian religion, denoting 'justice', 'order', and 'truth.' Ma'at was connected to the entire existence of the universe, and was not limited to ethics for human beings alone. Ma'at was the perfect order, toward which man should strive. It was, therefore, considered essential to live according to the principles of Ma'at so as not to disturb the very fabric of creation. Since the ancient Kemetic society believed that the universe was an ordered and rational place, Ma'at became the embodiment of the seven principles: Truth, Justice, Righteousness, Order, Balance, Harmony and Reciprocity. The whole of the Kemetic society hinged on the furtherance of these principles. At Woodlawn Community School, we believe that these principles are essential to the development of the whole child. It is for this reason, that we remind ourselves of these virtues at our daily morning rituals.
  

Teacher: The Virtue of TRUTH Students: We believe in TRUTH!  I will always seek to know what is correct, and I will not lie or speak falsely of myself, my family, or my race.

Teacher:The Virtue of JUSTICE Students: We believe in JUSTICE! I will always be fair in what I do and I will not cheat myself, my family, or my Race.

Teacher:The Virtue of RIGHTEOUSNESS Students: We believe in RIGHTEOUSNESS! I will always be correct in what I do and I will not allow others to influence me to do wrong to myself, my family or my race.

Teacher: The Virtue of ORDER Students: We believe in ORDER! I will respect the Natural order of the universe and I will not separate myself from that which gives order to myself, my family or my race.

Teacher:The Virtue of BALANCE Students: We believe in BALANCE! I will strive to understand and respect the need to be complimentary and I will not be in conflict with myself, my family or my race.

Teacher: The Virtue of HARMONY Students: We believe in HARMONY! I will always be in rhythm with what is good and I will never be in opposition to what is good for myself, my family, or my race.

Teacher: The Virtue of RECIPROCITY Students: We believe in RECIPROCITY! I will always strive to do the proper thing at the right time and I will not bring shame to myself, my family, or my race.