What Is ‘NED?’ West Orange Students Learn ‘Character’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Hazel Elementary School welcomed “NED” on Jan. 24 for an assembly that helped students address challenges through character education.

The 45-minute assembly featured a character named “Ned,” whose name represents the three components of the type of mindset that can help students overcome obstacles:

• N: Never give up – understand the power of yet
• E: Encourage others – spark courage in other people
• D: Do your best – always be learning and growing.

The ways to develop a healthy mindset were illustrated through humor, yo-yo, magic tricks, puppetry, and storytelling.

During the Zoom assembly, students watched “Ned” follow clues that helped him scale Mt. Everest, discover treasures in the Caribbean, and repair a spaceship. As “Ned” finds his mindset, so do the students, learning to overcome social, emotional, and academic challenges.

The assembly was organized by Hazel Elementary School Counselor Delisa Jackson in conjunction with NED’s Mindset Mission. Visit their website to access more information and activities.

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