Lawrence Recognized As National School Of Character

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Lawrence Township Public School District has been named a 2020 National District of Character, the district announced. It received the designation from Character.org, a national advocate and leader in character development in schools and communities.

The designation means Lawrence Township has been recognized as a district that has demonstrated its use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and climate throughout the district.

“We are pleased to announce and celebrate the schools and school districts who have earned this national recognition,” Character.org President Dr. Arthur Schwartz said. “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.”

Lawrence Township is one of seven districts throughout the nation certified as a National District of Character in 2020. This is the second time the district has earned the five-year distinction. The first time was in 2014.

The district qualified for consideration as a National School of Character after it was first recognized as a State School of Character in February. Subsequently, its application automatically was forwarded to Character.org for national consideration.

Amy Amiet, Eldridge Park Elementary School principal, and Alyson Fischer, Lawrence Intermediate School principal, led the district’s Character Education Committee in the extensive re-application process. Teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, support staff, and librarians composed the committee.

The district has almost 4,000 students in seven schools, many of which have worked with Character.org, previously known as the Character Education Partnership, for at least 13 years. Eldridge Park is a National School of Character.

“Character education is woven throughout our district,” Amiet said. “It is not simply an initiative that is touched on occasionally or something done to receive an award. One sees character education in the classroom, the lunchroom, the hallway, the nurse’s office, and the custodial office. It thrives on the stage, on the soccer field and at the bus stop. It is evident during PTO and Board of Education meetings and is reflected in school and district communications and interactions with stakeholders. We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our staff and students’ dedication to living and modeling our values and to being mindful to do the right thing.”

Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and school districts who apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools. Each school/district is evaluated by a team of trained educators and includes a site visit to assess how a school’s “shared values” are motivating students to do the right thing.

Character.org will honor Lawrence Township Public Schools at its next National Forum. Dates for the forum will be forthcoming. They are not set yet due to the coronavirus pandemic.