<![CDATA[Pembinaan akhlak karimah menjadi salah satu fokus pendidikan di sekolah dasar karena pembentukan perilaku peserta didik memerlukan proses yang dilakukan secara berkelanjutan. Salah satu upaya yang dilakukan SD Yakeswa adalah melalui Program Apresiasi The Best Student of the Month. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan program, pelaksanaan pembinaan akhlak karimah, serta nilai-nilai akhlak yang terbentuk melalui program tersebut. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman serta diuji keabsahannya melalui triangulasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Program The Best Student of the Month merupakan program apresiasi yang dilaksanakan setiap bulan untuk memotivasi peserta didik meningkatkan akhlak karimah, menjadi teladan, dan membangun budaya sekolah yang berkarakter; (2) pelaksanaan program meliputi pengamatan perilaku, penilaian oleh guru, musyawarah penentuan penerima penghargaan, dan pemberian apresiasi yang disertai pembinaan melalui keteladanan, pembiasaan, nasihat, pengawasan, motivasi, dan reward; (3) nilai akhlak yang terbentuk meliputi disiplin, tanggung jawab, kejujuran, sopan santun, kepedulian sosial, kepedulian terhadap lingkungan, praktik religius, serta meningkatnya rasa percaya diri sebagian peserta didik. Kebaruan penelitian ini terletak pada kajian Program The Best Student of the Month sebagai strategi pembinaan akhlak karimah yang terintegrasi dalam budaya sekolah. The development of akhlak karimah (noble character) is one of the primary objectives of elementary education. However, character formation cannot rely solely on classroom learning; it also requires school programs that encourage positive habits, motivation, and reinforcement of students' behavior. One of the initiatives implemented at SD Yakeswa is the The Best Student of the Month Appreciation Program. This study aims to describe the program, its implementation in fostering akhlak karimah, and the noble character values developed through the program. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. Data validity was ensured through source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings reveal that: (1) The Best Student of the Month is a monthly appreciation program designed to motivate students to improve their noble character, become role models for their peers, and strengthen a positive school culture; (2) the program is implemented through continuous observation of students' behavior, teacher assessment, deliberation in selecting award recipients, and the provision of appreciation, supported by exemplary conduct, habituation, advice, supervision, motivation, and rewards; and (3) the program contributes to the development of discipline, responsibility, honesty, politeness, social awareness, environmental awareness, religious practices, and increased self-confidence among some students. The novelty of this study lies in its examination of The Best Student of the Month as a strategy for fostering akhlak karimah that integrates character development, behavioral assessment, and positive reinforcement into the school's culture.]]>
