Missouri Schools of Character Announced

Twelve schools from the St. Louis metropolitan region have earned distinction as a 2012 Missouri School of Character. They are Blades, Hagemann, Point and Rogers Elementary Schools in the Mehlville School District; Blevins and Ellisville Elementary Schools from the Rockwood School District; Brentwood Middle School in the Brentwood School District; Hollenbeck Middle School in the Francis Howell School District; Ladue Middle School in the Ladue School District, McKelvey Elementary in the Parkway School District, Northview High School in Special School District and Plattin Primary in the Jefferson R-7 School District.

This group continues a trend of record-setting gains among Missouri schools, with 20% more schools than last year completing the most rigorous award process in the field of character education. CHARACTERplus®, a division of Cooperating School Districts, conducts the award process for the state of Missouri with the support of the St. Louis Rams. The two organizations share a commitment to positive youth development.

The process itself is modeled after the National Schools of Character program founded by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) in Washington D.C. in 1998. There are more than 130 indicators assessed, including the reduction of bullying and incivility and the development of intrinsic motivation, meaningful curriculum, student empowerment, staff collegiality, service, and shared moral leadership among staff, students and parents.

“CEP is thrilled to join with CHARACTERplus in recognizing these schools for their dedication to creating caring school climates where all kids thrive,” said National Schools of Character Director Lara Maupin.

CHARACTERplus will honor the 2012 Missouri Schools of Character on June 26 at the Character Education Conference.

After being named a Missouri School of Character, schools serve as models and mentors, helping other educators transform their school cultures and improve academics and student behavior.