Three Guilford County Schools (GCS) have been named 2015 North Carolina Schools of Character by Character.org, a national advocate and leader for the character education movement, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Brooks Global Studies, Joyner Elementary and the Middle College at Bennett were recognized as schools that stand out in their use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate.

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 all received honorable mentions. 

“We celebrate all of our schools and their efforts to build safe and caring learning environments by fostering character development in their everyday practices,” says Charlos Banks, executive director of student services and character development. “Character development initiatives foster those important and sought-after skills like teamwork and interpersonal communications that will help them stand out and be successful as they enter colleges and the professional world. GCS is proud to be leading the way in these efforts in the state and country and applaud these schools for their dedication to this mission.”

GCS’ Character Development initiative is also 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.

Seven GCS students will travel to Washington D.C. as presenters for the National Service-Learning, “More Powerful Together” Conference, where they will inform other students, educational leaders and policy-makers from around the country on how their efforts have made a positive change in their community.