News Archive

Larson Middle School Named 2019 National School of Character

JUN 10 2019 5:33 AM

The Troy School District is pleased to announce that Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in education, has named Larson Middle School a 2019 National School of Character, one of only 88 schools across the country to receive this important distinction. The program recognized Larson as a school that has demonstrated its use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior and Larson’s cultural climate.

Principal Joe Duda commended the entire Larson Community for coming together in support of character education.  “This recognition is a result of a shared commitment to character and involves everyone at Larson: our students, our parents, and our staff.   They clearly believe promoting and growing character is an important responsibility that has numerous positive effects on our school. Our staff have worked tirelessly over the past 6 years to deepen our understanding of character education and have improved our practices each year based on the valuable feedback we have received from School of Character Application Process.”  Larson was designated a State School of Character back in 2018.

Mr. Duda offered special acknowledgement to Larson teachers Nancy Lining (retired), Charlie Tull, Jen Rogers and Laura Garver.  These teachers served as committee leaders and designed school-wide character-based lessons which were recognized as innovative by the judges.  Lastly, Duda commended all LMS staff for integrating Larson’s 4 pillars (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Relationships) into their curriculum and daily classroom practices.  “Our staff strives each day to grow and maintain strong caring relationships at Larson Middle School.  This recognition is a testament to that effort.”

The Schools of Character application process is an opportunity for schools and districts to receive thoughtful feedback for growth and excellence in the area of character development through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education framework. It is also a method of recognizing exemplary schools and districts in the nation.  According to 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. ”

“While this is certainly wonderful recognition, we know our commitment to promoting positive character is never-ending,” concluded Duda. “We are grateful for Character.org for their efforts to create a state and national discussion on the importance of character in education. We are eager to carry this distinction for years to come and are hopeful our example will encourage other schools in Michigan and across the country to participate in this program in order to enhance students’ lives statewide.”  Character.org will honor these schools and districts at the 2019 National Forum to be held Oct 24-27, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Since its inception in 1998, Character.org has recognized less than 500 schools with the distinction of National School of Character. For more information or to learn more about Schools of Character.org, visit www.character.org.