Chestnutwold Elementary School designated a 2019 National School of Character
HAVERFORD >> Respect, responsibility, empathy, trustworthiness, positive attitude and integrity. These are the traits that Chestnutwold Elementary School staff tries to foster in the pupils. The school was recently recognized as one of 88 schools as a 2019 National School of Character by Character.org, an organization that has promoted good character since 1993.
Guidance counselors Jennifer Munch and Jaclyn Huston meet with all classes biweekly and emphasize these good character markers and teachers also promote them every morning in during class morning meetings. Even the Parent Teacher Organizations talks about the character traits.
“That’s whole school, every year,” said Munch. “It’s the foundation of what we do here.” There are signs with those qualities posted around the building and they are mentioned frequently in academic and social lessons.
In 2006 when the Havertown Township School District redistricted and Chestnutwold opened as a new school with students from other schools, “our principal (Tim Bickhart) took it upon himself to establish a new community,” said Huston. “We wanted to make sure there was a sense of belonging and community. He worked on promoting community.”
Joel DiBartolomeo, who became the principal in 2010, built on that foundation and began the character trait program.
“We believe this honor underscores the trusting relationships shared by each person who is working in the interest of our students school faculty and staff, administration, School Board of Directors, families, community organizations, our parent-teacher organization, and more,” DiBartolomeo said in a press release. “Thank you to the Chestnutwold School community for providing the resources needed to make our school the amazing place it is today.”
DiBartolomeo “is an amazing leader and has initiated, supported, and promoted many of the programs we provide here including cross-grade reading buddies, homeroom delegates, the Chestnutwold character traits, community service projects, and many more,” said Munch.
“As Jaclyn and I mentioned, we are fortunate to be able to provide a developmental guidance curriculum to all students here, K-5, on a bi-weekly basis as part of the school experience,” she said. “We also run a conflict mediation program where older students are trained to assist younger students with minor conflicts during recess.”
“We feel the kids really embraced the character traits,” said Huston. “If there is a conflict on the school yard and we take it to mediation they say, ‘This
is not Chestnutwold-like,’ said Huston. “They embrace the traits and know what our expectations are.”
Huston added, “When we had to do the application and write down what we do, it was difficult, at first. All of this character education is embedded in what we are as a school. To
think about all the things we do is eye-opening. You don’t realize it when it’s part of your nature. It’s who you are. Character education comes in so many forms.”
For example, the staff members model it in their interactions with each other, she said. Also, studies
have shown that having a good character is important for success in later life.
Chestnutwold officials applied for the recognition for the 650-student school last year and after winning at the state level had a day long visit from Character. org judges, said Huston.
Character.org honored
the chosen schools at a forum in October.
A national nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C., Character.org works with communities including organizations, schools, families, workplaces, and sports to inspire, educate, and empower people to be ethical
and compassionate citizens. Character.org is a membership organization dedicated to growth and success through the advancement of quality character development in schools and communities through programs and resources. Visit www.character.org to learn more.