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No. 15 Vol. 3
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Frank J. Smith School Receives 2017 NJ School Of Character Award
By Ainsley Layland n January, Character. org honored Frank J. Smith School by naming it one of the 2017 NJ Schools of Character. In order to qualify for this award, applying schools must demonstrate the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education. These principles, established with the foundation of Character.org in 1993, are the cornerstone of Character.org’s philosophy on effective character education. For the staff and students at Frank J. Smith School this award presents an opportunity to share what they have learned. “When we were told that we would receive the honor of being a NJ School of Character, I was most happy and excited that we would be able to share all of the good things that we do through this platform,” said Kerry Quinn, principal at Frank J. Smith School since 2008. “The staff at Frank J. Smith School works tirelessly for our kids. Making sure that the kids feel happy and safe at school is more important than anything else. We are all in agreement that if kids aren’t feeling good about school, their minds can’t be fully open to learning. This culture ex-
isted long before I arrived, but as a personal priority for me, it was my pleasure to cultivate and support it.” Each of the 11 principles outlines what Character. org says are “vital aspects of character education initiatives that should not be overlooked in program implementation.” The topics range from parent and community partnerships to curriculum integration to extra-curricular activities and staff development. Frank J. Smith School has found success by taking an approach that is specific
to its school. “Our character development program is led by our awesome guidance counselor, Mrs. Laura Gorcica and behind her is an entire team of people that make it happen,” Quinn said. “We don’t subscribe to one particular program or curriculum. We brainstorm what works for us and then we do it. Our school boasts two Climate and Culture Teams - one comprised of adults and another of students. Our second grade leaders have become some of the biggest initiators of change
and character development in our building.” According to Quinn, one of the Character.org 11 Principles has played a vital role in integrating the others into the school environment. “All of the principles are important but I think one of the keys to our success is Principle four - creating a caring community,” said Quinn. “We want our students to really know that there are many people in our school community who care about them. In addicontinued on page 4