Chestnutwold Elementary Named A 2019 PA State School Of Character

HAVERTOWN, PA — One of the School District of Haverford school was recently honored for its outstanding character by a national group.

Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in communities, designated 87 schools and three districts in 18 states as State Schools of Character for 2019.

The School District of Haverford Township's Chestnutwold Elementary School was among those to be named a 2019 Pennsylvania State School of Character.

The program recognizes Chestnutwold as a school that has demonstrated its use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and the school climate.

Chestnutwold Elementary School has forged a very strong and comprehensive character initiative by drawing upon the influence of current best practices in education and local resources, according to the assessment from the team of state evaluators concluded that

This dynamic work is built around the school's Chestnutwold Character Kid (ChCk) Traits of Responsibility, Respect, Empathy, Trustworthiness, Positive Attitude, and Integrity. The school is very proactive in their approach to character as evidenced by daily classroom meetings that specifically focus on their core values and real-world problem-solving.

“The Chestnutwold School community's focus on and commitment to the whole child is evident in this honor," said Joel DiBartolomeo, Principal at Chestnutwold Elementary School. "This recognition is both motivating and gratifying and the honor validates much of the work we have done to build a community school. Each student, family, teacher, and member of our faculty deserves a great deal of credit for their contributions; they make our school an amazing place - by any measure. I am privileged to be the principal of Chestnutwold Elementary."

Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.

Character.org is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with communities including organizations, schools, families, workplaces, and sports to inspire, educate and empower people to be ethical and compassionate citizens.

Character.org is a membership organization dedicated to growth and success through the advancement of quality character development in schools and communities through our inspiring, empowering and certifying programs and resources. Visit www.character.org to learn more.

Image via School District of Haverford Township