Lawrence Township Public Schools received character education accolades at a state conference on March 19.
In January, the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional and Character Development named Lawrence High School and LTPS 2014 New Jersey School of Character and District of Character, respectively.
As such, both entities will maintain this status for three years and their applications were forwarded to the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. for consideration in the National Schools/Districts of Character program.
In mid-March, the CEP notified LTPS that it is one of 50 schools and districts named as a national finalist in the 2014 National Schools of Character program.
The NSOC program recognizes schools and districts that have demonstrated, through a rigorous evaluation process, that character development has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate.
In March and April, LTPS will undergo an intensive screening process that includes site visits, conference calls and analysis of the impact of their character-related efforts on academics, student behavior, and school culture as part of the consideration to be named a National School of Character.
The 2014 National Schools and Districts of Character are scheduled to be announced in May.
LHS assistant principal Alyson Fischer led the committee that submitted the high school’s application and Lawrence Intermediate School assistant principal Cindy Westhead led the group that prepared the district application.
LHS and LTPS were honored at a special recognition ceremony during the NJASECD Annual Conference at Rider University.
LHS joined the district’s other six schools that are New Jersey Schools of Character. Additionally, Lawrenceville Elementary and Eldridge Park School are National Schools of Character.
