After an extensive application process, Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS) was named a National District of Character by Character.org (formerly known as the Character Education Partnership) this past May.
This award honors schools that promote core ethical and performance values to positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of the students. According to their website, students in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially and give back to their communities.
LTPS representatives were honored at the 2014 National Forum on Character Education in Washington, DC on Nov. 1. Amy Amiet, Eldridge Park Elementary music teacher; Jay Billy, Slackwood Elementary principal; Alyson Fischer, Lawrence High School assistant principal and newly appointed Athletic Director as of January 2015; Mindy Milavsky, Lawrence Middle School principal; and Cindy Westhead, Lawrence Intermediate School assistant principal attended the two-day conference. They presented a session entitled “Begin with the Basics” on October 31. Crystal Edwards, superintendent; Andrew Zuckerman, director of instructional services; and Lana Mueller, operations manager attended on November 1 for the award ceremony.
LTPS will retain the National District of Character status for five years. The distinction also carries a responsibility to assist other schools and districts in improving their character education programs.
As defined on their website, the Character Education Partnership (CEP) is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. Based in Washington, DC, it is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals committed to fostering effective character education in our nation’s schools.
“I’m thrilled and so proud that our district received this recognition for our character education program that is so deeply ingrained within our schools,” related Superintendent Crystal Edwards. “Working with students on traits like citizenship, caring, responsibility, kindness, respect, and ethics is not something we do to attract awards. It’s just what we do.”