FRANKLIN TWP SCHOOL RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHARACTER
The Caroline L. Reutter School in Franklin Township, Gloucester County is extremely proud to announce that it has regained recognition as a National School of Character. Across the nation, Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities, certified 47 schools and 1 district as National Schools of Character.
Each year Character.org certifies schools and districts that demonstrate a “dedicated focus on character development which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.” Criteria for selection are based on character.org’s 11 Principles of 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. The Caroline L. Reutter School was recognized for having earned prior recognition as an ADL No Place for Hate School, State School of Character, Character Development Promising Practice Awards, use of the Connected Action Roadmap Framework for continuous improvement of student achievement, and integration of a Social and Emotional Learning component of their daily advisory periods.
School Principal, Mr. Theodore Peters, commented “Earning the National School of Character recognition is a tremendous honor for our school and community. This symbolizes the commitment that our school and district make towards the academic and social development of our students.”
“I give many thanks to the entire school community, including our administration, faculty/staff, students and parents, for their many efforts while establishing and implementing such an excellent character development program”, exclaimed Mrs. Melissa Haigh, School Counselor.
“We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools and school district that have earned this national recognition,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “The educators at these schools model and reinforce the core values of respect and dignity. They are teaching their students to be honest and trustworthy, to contribute their time and talents to the common good, and when necessary, to show the courage to stand up for what is right.”
“We congratulate these schools for completing the application and review process in a year that has been anything but typical,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “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.”
Character.org will honor the 2021 National Schools of Character at its next Annual Forum, to be held virtually, October 20-22, 2021. The complete list of the 2021 National Schools of Character is attached to this release. Learn more about the district and schools being certified today on our website.
Reutter School is a two time recipient of the State School of Character Award. The school has also been declared as an ADL No Place for Hate School for 10 or the past 11 school years.