In the year 2006, after a long history of poor academic achievement, low morale, unimpeded behavioral issues and negative school culture, Cleveland Elementary, in the Central Square School District, was characterized as a failing school. Among the lowest performers on NYS standardized assessments, CE and the Cleveland Community experienced both a self-imposed and culturally assigned stigma. At the center of the illness, a climate of negativism and frustration, existed a flame of hope unwilling to extinguish yet unable to flourish. So was the story of Cleveland. Five years later, following a sweeping culture change, adherence to the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education and the belief in the power of positive attitude as a core value system, CE is now among the best results in the central NY region on NYS standardized assessments. Indeed, CE has recently been named a 2010 USDOE Blue Ribbon School – the highest honor for academic excellence bestowed by the federal government and made the NYS “Highest Performing Schools” list. Our success, particularly the transformation of our school culture and the re-writing of the Cleveland story, has been made a reality by embracing the children and families of our community by building a climate of character one relationship at a time. The sense of pride, trust and love cultivated in our school community directly correlates to a powerful positive culture and core belief that together WE ARE CLEVELAND!

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