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NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
Pemberton Township Schools is proud to have eight of our nine schools named as National Schools of Character. This prestigious designation is valid for 3 years, after which schools must undergo the rigorous process to apply for recertification.
According to Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, “Each of these schools has put in place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the character strengths that will help them flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”
Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted over three million students, staff, parents, and community members. The schools and districts that apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools. Each school is assessed by a team of trained evaluators.
“There is an ethic of care at these schools,” said Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “Working together with students, parents and community members, these schools are creating stronger communities focused on character.”
Current National Schools of Character:
Samuel T. Busansky School
Denbo-Crichton Elementary School
Howard Emmons Elementary School
Fort Dix Elementary School
Marcus Newcomb Middle School
Pemberton Township High School
Pemberton Early Childhood Education Center
Joseph Stackhouse Elementary School
STATE SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
Before achieving the coveted National School of Character designation, schools must first attain the State School of Character designation. Character.org certifies schools each year at the state level that have developed and implemented an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that embeds character into all aspects of school life. Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Character.org’s president, stated “Each of these schools and districts have put into place an initiative that equips and empowers their staff to reinforce and model a range of positive core values that will shape and form the hearts, minds, and choices of their students.”
All nine Pemberton Township Schools are currently State Schools of Character:
Samuel T. Busansky School
Denbo-Crichton Elementary School
Howard Emmons Elementary School
Fort Dix Elementary School
Helen A. Fort Middle School
Marcus Newcomb Middle School
Pemberton Township High School
Pemberton Early Childhood Education Center
Joseph Stackhouse Elementary School
