We teach the subjects: Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling, Math, Science, Social Studies.  But, we also have to teach children to wash their hands after using the bathroom (IN FOURTH GRADE!!), teach them respect, manners, cooperation, fair play, sportsmanship, drug avoidance, gang avoidance, self esteem (don't get me even started on that one), making positive decisions, building character, and the list goes on and on.  I can't even begin to tell you how many "programs" our district has invested in, used one or two years, and discarded.  It would pay a teacher's salary for a year.  It is rediculous.  Should manners be another pull out special like music, PE, and computers?
I remember as a child apx 50 + years ago, that my parents taught us those things.  We stuck to the basics in school.  Teachers never dreamed of teaching manners because we came to school with them already instilled.
Why aren't parents teaching them to their children?  I had a parent this year who told me her daughter had impeccable manners.  I have no clue what her definition of manners was but she was the meanest, sneakiest and lyingest child in the class.  She was also a mega suck-up.  Gifted? Yes.  Polite? Only to teachers!  She was a mean as a snake to other kids.
Should we be using educational time to make up for the life lessons that the parents are suppose to be teaching?  The diploma debacle is a good example of this.  If the parents don't have manners, who will show the children how to behave?  Why should it be the schools?  I realize that parents these days are all busy with their lives.  Many homes have both parents working.  That puts a crimp in the "setting the example" routine because many of the kids stay home alone even though it is against the law.  Lack of example is where most of this is coming from.  I am not sure how to fix this.  Any ideas out there?