Three CCSD Schools Earn National Awards for Character Education

Three Cherokee County School District schools have earned national awards for character education, the district announced.

Indian Knoll Elementary, Liberty Elementary and Sixes Elementary all have been honored with Promising Practices Awards by Character.org, a national nonprofit that promotes developing positive character among students.

They are among only 155 schools honored nationwide and three of only five in Georgia to receive the awards.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said 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.”

Sixes Elementary School earned two awards: one for its “Five Flights, One Mission: Reach for the STARS!” initiative and the other for “A Community Circle of Stars.”

The “Five Flights One Mission: Reach for the Stars” initiative incorporates the school’s four STAR Matrix core values — Safety, Teamwork, Attitude and Respect — into school operations and activities encouraging positive character.

Examples of the ways student positive behavior in these four areas is recognized include “Positive Office Referrals” for students and monthly “Red Wagon” shoutouts.

“A Community Circle of Stars” encompasses Sixes Elementary’s use of “restorative circle” classroom meetings to creating community and promote the STAR Matrix core values.

This practice encourages student active listening, empathy and understanding, allowing students to articulate their feelings, resolve conflict and build positive relationships.

“Our whole school community has been impacted by our STAR Matrix positive character recognition,” Principal Ashley Kennerly said. “We are a family, and because of this intentional, foundational work to make character a part of who we are, our culture is one that is known through the entire school district.”

Indian Knoll Elementary School earned the honor for its “Caring Collaboration within the Community” service-learning project.

Led by the school’s instructional lead strategist, Lauren Abrams, the Positive Behavior and Interventions and Supports program project focused on supporting local senior citizens. Students are assigned to one of six “Birdhouse” groups for the PBIS program.

For this project, each Birdhouse sponsored a holiday and provided special treats for the seniors for that holiday.

“Service learning is part of the IKES school motto, and all stakeholders believe we should intentionally teach our Firebirds good character,” Principal Kim Cerasoli said.

Liberty Elementary School achieved the award for its “Liberty Elementary Thanksgiving Basket” service-learning project.

Led by a parent, Kristie Duncan, in partnership with Liberty’s Student Leadership team led by teacher Stacy Campbell, the project began to provide Thanksgiving meals to Liberty students in need and their families.

The initiative since has grown to a collective service project between Liberty Elementary School, Freedom Middle School and Cherokee High School that has extended beyond the school communities to engage local businesses and individual community donors.

“This year, over 100 families were blessed with overflowing Thanksgiving baskets to bring joy to their holiday season,” Principal Sandi Harrison said. “We look forward to continuing to bless our community through this promising practice.”