Meadow Elementary School Named 2019 National School of Character
Meadow Elementary School in the Baldwin Union Free School District has been named a National School of Character. Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in communities including schools, families, workplaces, and sports, designated 88 schools and 3 districts in 24 states as National Schools of Character as well as 1 school as a China School of Character for 2019.
“Congratulations to all of our Meadow administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents who have helped Meadow Elementary School achieve the notable distinction of National School of Character,” said Dr. Shari L. Camhi, superintendent of schools, Baldwin UFSD. “Meadow is an outstanding K-5 school who continues to raise the bar in elementary education. This prestigious designation has been made evident by all of the hard work and dedication to ensuring there is a strong focus on character development amongst our children. Creating a caring and inclusive environment within our schools is critical to our students’ academic success and future. We are so proud of our Meadow family!”
Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state and national level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. Schools and districts were announced on Friday, May 10th and join the ranks of Character.org’s highest distinction – National Schools of Character.
“We are pleased to announce the 2019 National Schools and Districts of Character today,” said Doug Karr, Character.org’s President & CEO. “These schools’ representatives, including educators, parents, and students, are working together to create stronger communities focused on character. We are honored to validate their efforts and continue coaching them along their journeys. ”
Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership, and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.
“Being recognized as a National School of Character is a great accomplishment for our school and community,” said Echele May, principal of Meadow Elementary School. “I am extremely proud of our Meadow students and faculty. We have worked together to create a caring and inclusive learning environment where our students are empowered to be the stewards of our character education initiative. We will continue to work hard at Meadow to provide the kind of culture that will foster growth, learning, and excellence.”
In addition to attaining the School of Character designation, Meadow’s club, “Character C.O.U.N.T.S.,” was recognized as a 2019 Promising Practice. Character.org certified 232 Promising Practices to organizations and schools from across the United States – as well as from Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, and Uganda. Meadow is the only school in New York State to receive this distinction.
Character.org will honor Meadow Elementary School and other schools and districts at the 2019 National Forum to be held Oct 24-27, 2019 in Washington, D.C., where Meadow administration will also present about their Character C.O.U.N.T.S. club during the Promising Practice Exhibit.
About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with communities including organizations, schools, families, workplaces, and sports to inspire, educate, and empower people to be ethical and compassionate citizens. Character.org is a membership organization dedicated to growth and success through the advancement of quality character development in schools and communities through programs and resources. Visit www.character.org to learn more.