School Site Visits

School site visits will take place on Thurs., Nov. 1, 2012 in the morning (approximately 8a.m.-noon).

Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Alexandria, Virginia
Lyles–Crouch, a 2012 National Schools of Character Finalist and the elementary school for the African-American children of the city of Alexandria, VA during the segregation era, is seen today as the jewel of its Old Town Alexandria community. Residents did not always have such high regard for the school. In the decades after desegregation, the school entered a period of decline and the building fell into disrepair. However, with the city-wide adoption of the Character Counts six pillars and a new principal who put more emphasis on character education and community involvement, the Lyles–Crouch transformation was under way. Parental and community investment and involvement are now a vibrant force here. Parents, for example, recently turned the glass-strewn playground into a beautiful outdoor education garden. The behavior and achievement of students is now a point of pride for parents and the community, and the beautifully maintained and upgraded building embodies its important historical significance. Website: http://www.acps.k12.va.us/crouch/
Site visit fee: $40, including a continental breakfast at the school

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School
Washington, D.C.
Beauvoir, a 2011 National School of Character, is located on the grounds of the National Cathedral. Head of School Paula Carreiro came to Beauvoir 19 years ago and began exploring school culture based on shared core values and individual character. A focus on the whole child and each child’s moral and social development now pervades the Beauvoir program. The school invests time and resources into both social and academic curricula. Beauvoir also emphasizes responsiveness to the needs and concerns of students, parents, and staff. The school’s associate teacher program provides two teachers in every classroom. Since about 85 percent of Beauvoir students are from dual-working-parent families, parent schedules are accommodated in many ways. Parents attest that Beauvoir’s approach lets them “push back” many of today’s negative influences. Website: www.beauvoirschool.org
Site visit fee: $40, including tour of the National Cathedral

Yorktown High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Arlington, Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia
This two-for-one site visit will take you to two Virginia high schools that exemplify the impact of character education in the high school years. You will be inspired by these
schools’ emphasis on creating leaders of integrity as well as excelling academically.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ), a magnet school, has been ranked #1 in the country numerous times. TJ emphasizes ethics as well as academics by having everyone in the school community consider the social responsibilities of educated people. During its highly competitive application process, one of the two essay questions asks applicants to grapple with an ethical issue. Once enrolled, students are encouraged to –and given opportunities to—engage in community service and service learning projects ranging from tutoring to finding a way
to install solar panels on the roof. Shared leadership is emphasized among both
students and staff. Website: http://www.tjhsst.edu/

Yorktown, a 2004 National School of Character and a Blue Ribbon School, places an emphasis on social emotional learning. Yorktown grounds its efforts in its SEL handbook, promoting SEL during the school day with the ROCS program (Respect Others, Community and Self)—which includes posters displayed prominently around the school, goal setting activities and school-wide events—as well as during extra-curricular activities. Even the building’s recent renovation reflects this focus. You will be sure to notice the student paintings that decorate the building, demonstrating the respect students have for one another and the building. Yorktown also has a Center for Leadership and Public Service that offers students a place to gather and plan projects that benefit the community. Yorktown publicizes service opportunities for students on their website and has a Leadership and Diversity class. Website: http://www.apsva.us/Page/10583.
Site visit fee: $40

Site-Seeing Tours

Educators’ Tour of Mount Vernon
George Washington’s greatest legacy may very well be his bravery, leadership, and character. During this half-day visit to Washington’s home at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA, take a step back in history to understand why Washington is an unparalleled leader of integrity who remains relevant today. First during this “teachers not tourists” tour, listen to a talk on George Washington’s powerful leadership by Dr. Peter Henriques, George Mason University Professor. Next, tour the Mount Vernon mansion and take a guided, 45 minute walking tour of the grounds. Finally, enjoy lunch at the estate before heading back to the 21^st century and the Forum!
Tour fee: $95. Includes lesson plans and other resources for educators, plus lunch.

Monuments by Moonlight Tour
Experience Washington, D.C. by moonlight for a site unlike any other. Visit historic national monuments and federal buildings flooded in light. An experienced tour guide will describe the deep, rich stories behind each site, stopping the bus at the White House and the Martin Luther King Jr., Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam, and Pentagon Memorials so you can explore on foot. View the city in a completely new light while gaining a new understanding of U.S. history and the lives of past presidents. More sites will be visible from the bus, including the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and the Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial.
Tour fee: $40.  The bus will pick up and drop off participants at the Renaissance Hotel.