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Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876

2012 Kansas Schools of Character named

TOPEKA -- Iola High School, USD 257, and the Hesston School District, USD 460, are being recognized through the 2012 Kansas Schools of Character program. Each has been named a Kansas School of Character by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Character Education Partnership (CEP).

 The program annually recognizes a school and school district that has improved academic achievement, student behavior and school climate as a result of focusing on character education. Schools and districts are required to demonstrate these improvements through a rigorous application process.

 “Kansas school leaders understand that building a culture that supports both excellence and respect is essential for success in school and in life,” said Sue Kidd, coordinator of the Kansas Character Education Initiative. “The 2012 Kansas Schools of Character put that belief into action in a highly effective way.”

 State and National Schools of Character serve as models and mentors, helping other educators transform their school cultures and improve academics and student behavior.
The 2012 Kansas Schools of Character will be formally recognized at a ceremony May 3 at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka. As state winners, both Iola High School and the Hesston School District are eligible for the national awards. The Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C., is considering state applications now, with National Finalists to be announced in early March.

 “CEP is thrilled to join with the Kansas State Department of Education is recognizing this school and district for their deep commitment to creating caring school climates where all kids thrive,” said National Schools of Character Director Lara Maupin. “We also appreciate the work of our partner, KSDE, to develop networks of character educators who help spread the word about the very real benefits of high quality character education.”

 For more information about schools of character, visit www.character.org, or contact Sue Kidd at 785-863-3425. 

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