Forest Park I.E. School was one of only two 2018 Schools of Character in Illinois selected this year and the first Joliet school to receive this honor since the program’s inception 10 years ago. Nationwide, 63 State Schools of Character were named. School State Schools of Character hold their designation for 3 years and are considered at the national level for National School of Character status.
The Illinois State School of Character award recognizes schools or districts that demonstrate an outstanding character education initiative that yields positive results in student behavior, school climate, and academic performance. Forest Park I.E. School, as an Illinois State School of Character winner, exemplifies the 11 Principles of Effective Character Development.
“Congratulations to the entire Forest Park School for this wonderful recognition,” said Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86. “Our teachers and staff work diligently to meet the individual academic and social needs of all students, as well as being positive role models.”
"Forest Park I.E. faculty, staff and administrators have created a comprehensive character building environment based on Four Pillars: Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Respectfulness and Responsiveness. These pillars permeate the entire school curriculum, service projects and school climate where the whole child philosophy cultivates character development in each child,” said Dr. Madonna Murphy, Coordinator of the Illinois Schools of Character Program.
The school will be recognized for this honor at an upcoming Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors meeting held at the school on March 14, 2018. In addition, the College of Education at the University of St. Francis and the Will County Character Coalition will honor the school winners at the Character Education Conference in July, 2018 at the University of St. Francis. After being named State and National Schools of Character, schools serve as models and mentors, helping other educators transform their school cultures and improve academics and student behavior.