Superintendent recognizes 3 schools for strengthening character education
November 5, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dr. Bert L’Homme, Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services, 560-3716 DURHAM—Successful integration of good behavior, respect and integrity into the curriculum has won districtwide recognition for three public schools in Durham. The 2002-03 Superintendent’s Character Education Award for Durham Public Schools has been given to Easley Elementary School, Rogers-Herr Middle School and Jordan High School. This is the second year for the $500 award, which was given to one school each from the elementary, middle and high school levels. It is the second consecutive year for Jordan to be recognized at the high school level. In 1996, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education adopted a policy requiring that schools strive to integrate nine traits of character education throughout their curriculum, school climate and service learning. These traits are citizenship, courage, fairness, honesty, kindness, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. Criteria for the award included that the incorporation of Character Education traits is evident and sustainable throughout the school environment. A committee of parents, students, community leaders, and Central Services professionals reviewed portfolios submitted by each school. Easley was cited for using “Words of Wisdom” in daily announcements to students, as was Jordan, whose administrators also weekly recognize a student and teacher, each of whom have been “caught” doing good deeds. Rogers-Herr was granted the award for incorporating school-wide student club days and for serving as a pilot school for the GREAT (Gang Resistance, Education, Awareness and Training) program. “Now more than ever it is critical for our students, teachers, principals, staff members, parents and community to apply the nine traits of character education to everything we do,” said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. “Congratulations to these schools, which have certainly set high standards for which we should all strive.” ###
