Vestavia Hills Elementary East recently became one of 29 schools across the nation recognized by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) as a National School of Character (NSOC). Each school or district is recognized for its commitment to character education and for fostering a positive environment for social and academic learning.
“Schools of Character are places that foster more than just academic growth — these are nurturing educational communities that support parents in their most important job — raising good kids,” said NSOC Director Lara Maupin.
Most of those selected as National Schools of Character demonstrate growth in terms of academics (increasing or high test scores), behavior (reduction in disciplinary actions), and climate (survey results show students feel safe and respected).
Vestavia Hills Elementary East Principal Mark Richardson credits this partnership among school, parents and community for the school’s success.
“Our students come to us with outstanding character from the beginning,” Richardson said. “Parents, preschools and churches have been integral in teaching our students from the time they’re born how to work and play well with others. Our secret to continued success is to purposefully continue to teach values that have already been instilled. This starts for us with The Golden Rule.”
All staff at East focus on the idea of treating others that way you wish to be treated in all aspects of the school. There is also a focus on four core values, which include kindness, responsibility, honesty and service.
“The number of service projects that our students take place in during their four years at East numbers in the dozens,” Assistant Principal Cindy Echols said. “These include such activities as adopting Angel Tree families during the holidays, writing letters to our military men and women, and donating blankets and newspapers to the local animal shelter.”
“It’s so gratifying to see young students reaching out to help their classmates who may be having a bad day,” said Guidance Counselor Judy Stoppelbein. “We also are regularly invited to after-school fundraisers such as bake sales that are initiated by students to raise money for worthy causes. Seeing kids internalize this character instruction in this way means the world to us.”
East was recognized as Alabama’s first State School of Character in January of this year. The school is the second Alabama school to achieve the distinction of National School of Character. Shades Cahaba Elementary in Homewood received the honor previously.
