For 10 years, the Lynnwood faculty has tackled the challenges of working with a truly diverse, Title I population. Because their students represent numerous countries from around the world, the Lynnwood staff has intentionally created a school culture steeped in universal core ethical values. Students at Lynnwood understand that they are part of a world community; within the school the sense of family and belonging is clear as students from differing cultural backgrounds socialize, play, and learn together. English Language Learners blend seamlessly into their classes, supported not only by their teachers but by their peers as well. New students cannot be distinguished from those who have attended for years. Lynnwood’s faculty monitors their school culture with an annual review of their character education efforts. Their willingness to be reflective and student centered has helped the character education initiative to grow and to incorporate service learning and student leadership. For example, all students in grades 4–6 must take their turn in a leadership role in the Kids Character Committee (a 2007 Promising Practice) by teaching character lessons to younger students. Staff and students at Lynnwood track their annual success by attempting to accumulate 90 or more Peace Days in which no acts of physical or verbal violence are reported to the office. Lynnwood continues to meet its annual AYP goals as well as their Peace Day goals.

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