SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER

The Character Education Partnership has named two schools in Independence as Missouri School of Character.

This is the first time that any school on the Western side of the state has received this honor. Nationally, only 45 schools received the State School of Character designation. Having two schools receive this designation in one district clearly demonstrates the Independence School District’s leadership in the area of character education.

Staff and administration at Chrisman High School and Ott Elementary have worked diligently to build the character process in their buildings. Both schools realize that beyond academics, a student’s character may make a dramatic difference in whether he or she is successful in future endeavors.

Both schools showed that character education is engrained in all facets of school life, in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. Classroom lessons can be expanded to include a discussion on character, students can get involved in reaching out to help others, and students can be rewarded for showing good character in and out of school.

“Character education has a very important place in our school district, and William Chrisman High School and Ott Elementary have proven that it is a high priority within their individual schools. I know the focus it has taken to create a real culture of character within those schools, and am proud of the staff and administration,”  said Superintendent Jim Hinson. “The real winner in all of this is the students, who will take what they are learning about character with them their entire lives.”

Recognition as a State School of Character is a step toward being honored as a National School of Character.  Those winners will be announced this spring.