Russell Middle School earns national honor

The Colorado Springs School District 11 officials and school board members honored Russell Middle School on Wednesday for being named a 2012 National School of Character.

Russell Middle School is one of 24 schools being recognized nationwide, and is the only public school to be recognized.

Each year, Character Education Partnership selects schools and districts that demonstrate that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools.

“These schools have built strong communities that bring people together around shared goals,” said Lara Maupin, NSOC Director. “Nobody feels alone or unwelcome in these schools. Adults are all on the same page about what’s important and, as a result, kids thrive.”

Russell is one of two schools in Colorado receiving recognition.

Schools and districts from over 30 participating states are named State Schools of Character (SSOC) before advancing to the national level for review. Russell Middle School has received the Colorado SSOC award for the last three years.

CEP honored the national winners at the National Forum on Character Education in Washington, D.C., earlier this month Nov. 1–3.

Russell Middle School received a banner and a small grant as part of the award.