When Mary B. Neal opened in 2008 the principal planned for the school to be known as a school of character with the ultimate goal of being designated as a National School of Character. During the first year one of the biggest challenges was meshing students from four different elementary schools into one cohesive learning community. Students were coming from multiple neighborhoods that had varied demographics. We had to develop trusting relationships with the parents and community. Both staff and students spent the first year learning the expectations and developing new policies and procedures for Neal to become the best school it could be. One of the things that made the first years easier was the character foundation that was set from the beginning. The main character traits were identified right away and even the hallways were named after the traits. From day one students, staff, and parents were taught what good character looks like in all areas of the school. As the years have passed the foundation of character has helped the school make both academic and character education achievements. Our state test scores continue to rise and we have been acknowledged as having a strong character education program. Although we do not use a specific “program” – we use CEP’s 11 principles to guide the development of our character education. Mary B. Neal is a great place to be for all students, staff, parents and visitors because of the character education efforts.

Printer Friendly