Haverford Elementary School Named National School Of Character

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — Chestnutwold Elementary School was recently named one of just 88 schools in the United States to be named a National School of Character.

The School District of Haverford Township school earned the honor for the fifth year from Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in communities including schools, families, workplaces, and sports.

Chestnutwold was among 87 other schools and three districts in 24 states to earn the distinction.

The application process brought together a comprehensive group of people to work in a collective manner toward a common goal. We believe this honor underscores the trusting relationships shared by each person who is working in the interest of our students - school faculty and staff, administration, School Board of Directors, families, community organizations, our parent-teacher organization, and more.

"To be named 1 of only 88 schools as a National School of Character is a testimony that Chestnutwold Elementary School and the School District of Haverford Township are committed to the well-being of the whole child," Chestnutwold Principal Joel DiBartolomeo said. "It is a credit to each person working at our school, in our district, and in our community, who support our work."

Since Character.org’s School of Character program’s inception, the process has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff, parents, and other community members.

"Thank you to the Chestnutwold School community for providing the resources needed to make our school the amazing place it is today,” DiBartolomeo said.

Each year, Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state and national level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. Schools and districts announced today are joining the ranks of Character.org’s highest distinction – National Schools of Character.

“We are pleased to announce the 2019 National Schools and Districts of Character today,” said Doug Karr, Character.org’s President & CEO. “These schools’ representatives, including educators, parents, and students, are working together to create stronger communities focused on character. We are honored to validate their efforts and continue coaching them along their journeys.”

Character.org will honor Chestnutwold and the other schools and districts at the 2019 National Forum to be held Oct. 24 through Oct. 27 in Washington, DC.

Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective 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 was founded in 1993 as a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

It is dedicated to growth and success through the advancement of quality character development in schools and communities through programs and resources.