Schools Recognized for Character Education
TOPEKA—May 7, 2010—Several schools were recognized for their character-building programs Thursday morning at the Brown vs. Board National Historic Site.
The Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program acknowledges schools for their support of character education as demonstrated by various principles of character as well as the successful implementation of effective programs in the school. The Department of Education in partnership with the National Park Service award these schools through a grant sponsored by the Character Education Partnership, a national organization promoting character education programs in schools.
Chairman of the Kansas State Board of Education Janet Waugh and Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Diane DeBacker offered a few words to those being honored and congratulated them for recognizing the need for character education in our schools. David Cherry of Kansas State High School Activities Association also remarked on the importance of character, and mentioned several examples of such demonstrated by Kansas students.
Hesston District (USD 460), St. Mark’s Charter School (Renwick USD 267), Iola High School (Iola USD 257) and Starside Elementary School (DeSoto USD 232) were the proud recipients of the Kansas Schools of Character awards for various character-building activities implemented throughout their institutions. Each school displayed highlights from their character education programs for attendees to view after the ceremony.
Other recognized schools were Avondale East Elementary, Bishop Elementary, Highland Park Central Elementary, Quincy Elementary, Scott Magnet Elementary, Williams Magnet Elementary, French Middle School, Robinson Middle School (Topeka USD 501); Berryton Elementary, Shawnee Heights Elementary, Tecumseh North Elementary and Tecumseh South Elementary (Shawnee Heights USD 450); Rossville Elementary and Rossville Jr/Sr High (Kaw Valley USD 321); and Washburn Rural Alternative High School (Auburn Washburn USD 437).
The Kansas Children’s Service League Family Resource Center, The Family Service and Guidance Center, The Safe Streets Coalition, and The Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center were also recognized during the ceremony for their work in promoting character education in Shawnee County.
For more information regarding the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program, contact Kent Reed, KSDE Project Direct for Character Education, at 785-296-8109 or kreed@ksde.org.
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