ICYMI: Salk Middle School Receives National Awards for Character and Inclusion Programs

During the National Forum on Character Education held in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 13-14, Character.org, formerly known as the Character Education Partnership, presented the Salk Middle School’s faculty in Levittown with the National School of Character Award and the Best Practice Award.

The National School of Character Award recognized that Salk Middle School demonstrated that character education has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate. The R.I.S.E Program, an in-house character education program, stands for respect, integrity, safety/staying healthy and empathy, and has evolved over the past decade. Assistant Principal Patrick Mulligan, chairman of the school’s R.I.S.E. Committee, explained that prior to receiving the national status, the school was named a New York State School of Character in May.

Mulligan said the program teaches students to embrace each other’s differences and to treat others with kindness. “The program should not be confused with an anti-bullying program,” he said. “Instead, it is a program that teaches students the right way to behave and treat others.

The Best Practice Award recognizes the school’s implementation of the Challenger League, which consists of secondary-level students from the district’s ADA (autistic) program and others with physical disabilities who compete in athletic competitions against districts with a similar program. Jeff Aiello, Levittown Challenger League coordinator, said the league is not only about the competition, but about the community coming together to support these students.”

Principal John Zampaglione said Character.org is looking to use Salk Middle School’s program as an example for schools across the country. “We were not looking for the recognition,” he said. “But this has been such a great honor for all of the faculty and students.”

Photos: Levittown School District