Independence is 2013 State School of Character

The Character Education Partnership has named Independence Elementary in the Francis Howell School District a Missouri State School of Character.  Independence Elementary is one of fifteen schools in Missouri to receive this designation. State Schools of Character have demonstrated that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate. 

Emily Allen, Independence Elementary principal, says character education at Independence is a journey that has helped change the culture of the school and receiving this award is a testament of the hard work of the Independence community.

“Receiving this award feels absolutely incredible. I am so proud of all of the hard work by all members of our community. It truly requires buy in and commitment by the entire community,” says Allen.

Nationally, only 45 schools received the State School of Character designation. One-third of those schools come from Missouri, clearly demonstrating the region’s leadership in the area of character education. The State Schools of Character program for Missouri is administered by CHARACTERplus and is generously supported by the St. Louis Rams. 

“We are extremely proud of the schools that have achieved this honor,” said Liz Gibbons, director of CHARACTERplus. “The staffs in these schools have created a positive environment in which students feel safe and connected to adults and each other.  These schools are truly able to focus on learning and academic achievement thanks to the cultures they have created.”

State and National Schools of Character are expected to serve as models for other schools, by helping them to achieve the same results. State sponsors will recognize their applicants and winners in state-level awards ceremonies. CEP will announce finalists for the national award by March 1, and national winners in early May.

Recognition as a State School of Character is a step toward being honored as a National School of Character. 

The mission of CHARACTERplus is to develop positive character traits in young people by providing a high quality character education process and resources to schools, homes, and communities.  For more information, visit www.characterplus.org.  CHARACTERplus is a program of Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis.

The Francis Howell School District encompasses over 150 square miles in the southeast corner of St. Charles County, and is one of the largest school districts in the State of Missouri, with an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students and approximately 2,200 employees. The Francis Howell Learning Community works everyday to provide the best learning practices for enhancing student achievement. 

From the Francis Howell School District