Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities, today certified 71 schools and 3 school districts as National Schools and Districts of Character.
"We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools and school districts that have earned this national recognition,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these schools has put in place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”
"Congratulations to Forest Park Principal Jacob Darley and his dedicated staff for earning the National School of Character distinction,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “Achieving this esteemed honor for the second time is impressive, and we are so proud of their success.”
"I am thrilled our school community has been recognized for another 5-year designation by Character.org,” Forest Park I.E. Principal Jacob Darle added, “This makes Forest Park IE School a National School of Character for a 10-year period (2020-2030)!”
Forest Park I.E. School was also named an Illinois state-level School of Character earlier this year in February. In addition, Forest Park I.E. received their first state level Character.org award in 2017 and was named a 2020 National School of Character.
Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted over three million students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and districts that apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. Each school is assessed by a team of trained evaluators.
"There is an ethic of care at these schools,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “Working together with students, parents and community members, these schools are creating stronger communities focused on character.”
To learn more about the schools and districts that received the National School of Character recognition, visit www.character.org.
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