Canterbury Elementary School recognized as emerging school of character
The Greendale School District announced that Canterbury Elementary School has been named an Emerging School of Character by the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership. The award recognizes Canterbury for excellent work in character education, well established best practices, and strong evidence that they are making good progress in the integration of character education in their school.
Greendale Superintendent William Hughes is pleased that Canterbury was recognized for their efforts in encouraging the ethical, social and academic growth of their students. “This award reflects the work at the elementary level to develop responsible citizens as part of the overall education program in Greendale,” said Hughes. “We know that citizenship and responsible participation in democracy are essential to the future of our community, state and nation.”
Through Canterbury’s school-wide C.A.R.E. Program - which stands for the four core values of community, attitude, respect and empathy - character education is infused throughout the academic curriculum and within many of the school’s routines. The theme of the program, “Students in Greendale C.A.R.E. - even when on one is looking,” is based on the overall goal of building intrinsic motivation in students so that they give of themselves without wanting anything in return. Throughout the school year, students practice the core values through scenarios such as role playing, class meetings, visual lessons, and outreach projects.
Christian Pleister, Principal at Canterbury Elementary School, credits Canterbury staff and students for their dedication to the character education initiative. “This award validates the important work that they have engaged in to make Canterbury the best possible learning environment,” said Pleister. “As the award implies, we are still refining our approach to character education, but I feel we are making significant progress toward our goal of students exemplifying positive character traits – even when no one is looking.”
Canterbury Elementary School will be honored on June 16, 2009 at the Focus on Character Conference in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Character Education Partnership is affiliated with the national Character Education Partnership, a nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals committed to fostering effective character education in the nation’s K-12 schools.
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