Wass and Wattles Elementaries Named 2020 National School of Char

The Troy School District is pleased to announce that Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in education, has named Wass and Wattles Elementary Schools 2020 National School of Character, joining 84 schools and 7 districts in 15 states to receive this important distinction. The program recognized both schools’ demonstrated use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior and cultural climate. Already having achieved recognition at the state level earlier in the year, National certification is the highest level of distinction bestowed by Character.org. Schools receiving this designation have demonstrated excellence in establishing a school culture that exemplifies and brings to life The 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character.

Wattles Principal Joyce Brasington commended the entire Wattles community for coming together in support of character education, saying: “I am thrilled that our Wattles community was recognized for the special place we all know it is. Our character education journey started five years ago when Troy Superintendent, Dr. Machesky, challenged us to provide a world class education for our students. The first step on our journey was to have staff, students, and parents adopt our anchors (core values)--choosing kindness, pursuing excellence, and working for the common good. These anchors are embedded into the very fabric of Wattles.”

She especially recognized staff members who were integral parts of the Character Leadership Team, led by Sarah Candela, Sarah Ambrozy, Kathryn Knight and Nicole Gloden for working with staff, parents and students to promote character education. “…because we see the positive impact it has on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.”

Wass Principal Matt Jansen was also elated to receive the news: “It reaffirmed all of the hard work, collaboration, and teamwork that have gone into our nine-year journey incorporating character into our learning community. I’m happy for our students, staff, and parents. Each group has played an extremely important role in living out our core values of responsibility, respect, integrity, and perseverance, known as the Wass Wolves Way.” Jansen acknowledged Wass teachers Mark Cavataio (Physical Education) and Sarah Clos (Art) who have co-chaired their Character Education Team in our continuous improvement plan for the past nine years. “Their leadership has been instrumental in the implementation of our character education practices. The reality is that our entire staff has played a part in the Wass Wolves Way and carried out our practices on the front lines each and every day. ”

The Schools of Character application process is an opportunity for schools and districts to receive thoughtful feedback for growth and excellence in the area of character development through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education framework. It is also a method of recognizing exemplary schools and districts in the nation. According to Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org: “Each of these schools and school districts has put in place a comprehensive approach to help their students understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”

Where do Wass and Wattles go from here? Brasington says their journey isn’t over: “This distinction does not mean we are perfect or that we have arrived at our destination--we know our commitment to promoting positive character is never-ending. Our character education program is a journey and this recognition will inspire us to do even more. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, as we are physically separated from our community--our staff is working even harder to model our core values.”

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