Yorktown Schools Honored for Character Education

YORKTOWN, NY — Yorktown Central School District members were honored recently in Washington, DC, at the 23rd National Forum on Character Education.

According to information on the district’s website, Yorktown was one of four public school districts in the nation—and the first one in Westchester County—to be designated as a National School District of Character by Character.org.

Character.org is a Washington-based nonprofit that supports the advancemen of character development in school, workplaces and communities.

From the press release:

“This has been and continues to be a big honor for everyone at YCSD,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Napolitano said. “Our district and our staff have a strong commitment to character development for all our students in all our schools.”

Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates select schools and districts that demonstrate a focus on character development efforts “that show positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate,” explains the organization.

The district was notified that it was recognized by this group in May after an extensive application process and follow-up site visit. Dr. Napolitano, Superintendent of Schools and Mrs. Jackie Carbone, Board of Education President, along with other members of the District staff have been invited to be honored this month at the organization’s national forum in Washington. Additionally, Dr. Ralph Napolitano and Marie Horowitz, principal at Mildred E. Strang Middle School, will make a presentation at a forum entitled “From One School to a District of Character.” Mrs. Horowitz and Library Media Specialist, Dr. Donna Baratta are being trained at the conference to become evaluators and site visitors at other Districts seeking state or national recognition.

Photo credit: Yorktown Central School District.