In Livingston: Hillside Elementary Earns 'School of Character' Title For 2016

Livingston, NJ – If there’s one thing that Hillside Elementary School in Livingston has, it’s character.

Hillside was recently named as one of 68 schools nationwide to earn the designation of “State Schools of Character” for 2016.

The annual designations highlight schools that “demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.”

Additional New Jersey schools to earn recognition for 2016 include:

• Alan B. Shepard Elementary School
• Carl Sandburg Middle School
• Carusi Middle School
• Central Elementary School
• Clara Barton Elementary School
• Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center No. 51
• E.A. Bogert School
• Hillside Elementary School
• Maple Road School
• McGalliard Elementary School
• Nicholas S. La Corte-Peterstown School No. 3
• North Plainfield High School
• Woodmont Elementary School

“You can feel the positive climate in these schools the minute you walk through the door,” said Nina Kemps, New Jersey Schools of Character Coordinator. “The students, staff and community are respectful and care about each other, and the academics scores improve.”

“Hillside has long had H.E.A.R.T., the acronym standing for ‘helpful, empathetic, accepting, responsible, and working together,’” LHS Principal Carlos Gramata stated. “But this past year, the school took part in an intensive self-improvement project to look at how it puts those ideas into practice.”

Read more about the 2016 designation at the Livingston school district website here.

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