Troy School Designated State School of Character

Troy Schools Named Schools of Character

In January, Character.org--a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities--designated 73 State-level Schools of Character and 2 Districts of Character for 2023--including Leonard Elementary at the State level and Troy High and Martell Elementary as Emerging Schools of Character.

Character.org certifies schools and districts each year at the state level that have developed and implemented an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that embeds character into all aspects of the school life. Schools and districts announced last month will be considered for Character.org’s highest distinction – National School of Character. Since its inception, character.org’s Schools of Character program has positively impacted nearly three million students, staff, parents, and other community members.

Leonard Elementary School is a new State School of Character. They have been working hard for several years to achieve this milestone, and Leonard principal Dr. Erin Detmer credits the “Leonard Kids with Character” students (Leonard’s version of Student Council) and teachers for their leadership in demonstrating character every day. “We are proud to be honored as a State School of Character,” said Dr. Detmer. “Our community has been intentionally cultivating a culture that nurtures character development. The distinction of School of Character is a celebration of our collective commitment to educating the whole child; focusing on our core values alongside world-class academic instruction.” Leonard’s Character pledge is as follows: “Together we practice Kindness, Responsibility, Integrity, Respect and Perseverance, for our selves, community and world.”

Two more Troy Schools—Martell Elementary and Troy High—were recognized as Emerging Schools of Character, meaning they have officially begun the journey to State and National School of Character, which takes several years to complete. TSD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Christine DiPilato was excited to receive the news: “We’re thrilled that 3 more Troy Schools were recognized by Character.org for their continued commitment to creating environments that are inclusive and engaging for all students.”

Character.org’s president, Dr. Arthur Schwarz agrees, concluding: “Each of these schools and districts have put into place an initiative that equips and empowers their staff to reinforce and model a range of positive core values that will shape and form the hearts, minds, and choices of their students,”

Leonard, Martell and Troy High join the following Troy Schools who have achieved Emerging, State or National School of Character designation:

Schools receiving recognition in 2022

• Schroeder- Emerging School of Character
• Costello - State School of Character
• Morse - Emerging School of Character
• Smith - Emerging School of Character

Schools receiving recognition in 2021

• Bemis- National School of Character
• Troy Athens- State School of Character
• Troy Union- National School of Character

Schools receiving recognition in 2020

• Wass Elementary- National School of Character
• Wattles Elementary- National School of Character

Schools receiving recognition in 2019

• Larson Middle School- National School of Character

Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for

Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character. The Framework includes key indicators on creating a caring school community where everyone feels they belong, providing students with opportunities to practice and reflect on their character strengths, and engaging families and communities as partners in the school’s character initiative. The 2023 National Schools of Character will be announced in May 2023 and honored at our 30th Anniversary International Forum next fall in Washington D.C.

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Photos courtesy of Troy Schools:

Leonard “Kids with Character” representatives (with their teachers):

Back Row (L to R): Amanda Perez (3rd grade teacher), Kaitlyn Palma (media specialist), Elliot Gill-Morgan (4th grade), Maria Fernandes-Burin (4th grade), Boaz Liu (3rd grade), Dr. Erin Detmer (Principal), Lisa Carruthers (4th grade teachers),

Front Row (L to R): Anna Want (4th grade), Logan Ibrahim (4th grade), Harith Raheem (4th grade), Richie Warlick (4th grade)