GCS Schools Recognized for Character Education

Re-emphasizing Guilford County Schools’ passion for preparing students to not only succeed in their future careers but to also be forces of positive change in their communities, the Guilford County Board of Education recognized several schools that received awards for their dedication to teaching character and service.

Three schools, Brooks Global Studies, Joyner Elementary and the Middle College at Bennett, were each named North Carolina State Schools of Character for their use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate.

The Middle College at Bennett was also one of only 67 schools in the country to be named a National School of Character by Character.org.

The board also recognized Gibsonville Elementary, Haynes-Inman Education Center, Dudley High, Jefferson Elementary, Johnson Street Global Studies, Montlieu Academy of Technology, Southeast High, Southeast Middle and the Academy at Central for receiving honorable mentions from the state.

Finally, 19 schools were recognized as Promising Practices winners, including Christine Greene Education Center, Grimsley High, Erwin Montessori, Guilford Elementary, Nathanael Greene Elementary, Southeast High, Southern Middle, Sumner Elementary, Vandalia Elementary, Washington Montessori, The Middle College at GTCC-High Point, Oak Hill Elementary, Oak View Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Johnson Street Global Studies, Southern High, Jefferson Elementary, Brooks Global Studies and Southeast Middle, which received two awards. 

GCS’ Character Development initiative is credited with reducing out of school suspensions by 24 percent between the 2007-08 and 2012-13 school years and increasing the perceptions of students who feel safe in their schools. GCS is also one of only three Districts of Character in the nation.

“We are proud to serve a district that makes character a priority and equally proud to see our schools recognized for it,” said Board Chairman Alan Duncan.

Each of the schools will be recognized at the National Forum on Character Education in October, where they will earn about additional strategies and ideas to enhance character education in schools.