Character.org, a leading advocate for cultivating the importance of character throughout American society and worldwide, recently certified 199 Promising Practices in schools and organizations, including Farragut Elementary School. Promising Practices can elevate relationship building, service learning, academic growth, improved behavior, student voice and leadership, parent and community engagement, and help students feel a sense of belonging.
“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org. “Each of these programs and initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”
Some of this year’s character development practices include peer mentoring, service-learning, student voice and leadership, intrinsic motivation, and student behavior and academic growth. Many of the Promising Practices also involve parents and the local community.
Farragut Elementary School Principal Joy Hopkins and social worker Megan Palka were recognized during the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors meeting on June 12, 2024 for their winning “Preparing our Students, one Cope Ahead Videos at a Time” promising practice.
“We are so proud of the growth we have seen at Farragut School, “said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “Thank you for leading the school in this transformation.”
Farragut Elementary School was the only honoree to be selected as a 2024 Promising Practice School and Organization in the state of Illinois. The 2024 Promising Practices will be recognized throughout 2024-2025 on Character.org’s website, social media accounts, and in weekly newsletters. Learn more about Character.org’s Promising Practices program by visiting character.org.
Founded in 1993, Character.org is widely known for its 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character, a comprehensive framework developed by school leaders and character education researchers. During the past 20 years, more than 1,000 schools have been recognized by Character.org as National Schools of Character, including Forest Park Individual Education (I.E.) School.