RIVER FALLS – The School District of River Falls (SDRF) has again distinguished itself as a district that cultivates character education. Four schools in the district have been recognized in Spring 2022 as Schools of Character.

Wisconsin Character Education Award Meyer Middle School, Rocky Branch Elementary, and Westside Elementary have been designated Promising Practice by Wisconsin Character Education Program (WCEP). Promising Practices, issued through the Wisconsin Character Program, is based on a selective application process, and recognizes schools that exemplify euective, ongoing character education based on distinct criteria. Out of 16 applicants, four were chosen, and three of the four are from the School District of River Falls.

Character.org Award

Greenwood Elementary has been named as a National School of Character by Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities. National Schools of Character are schools that have demonstrated through a rigorous evaluation process that character development has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and school climate. Greenwood Elementary was one of 50 schools across the nation chosen. As a National School of Character, Greenwood will hold that designation for five years and serve as a model and mentor to other educators.

“Our district is proud of our students and stau who have earned these recognition awards through their moral and performance character. There is no district in the state of Wisconsin that has been recognized more than RF for our successful commitments to character education," saaid Jamie Ben son, superintendent of SDRF. “We also appreciate the support of parents as we work together to raise not only smart kids but also good, servant, and caring young people. Character education is a reflection of our district and community values.

About WCEP

WCEP is the sponsor for the State Schools of Character (SSOC) award program for Wisconsin. This award program, in partnership with Character.org, gives state schools recognition for their exemplary character education programs.

About character.org Founded in 1993, Character. org empowers people of all ages to practice and model core values that shape our hearts, minds, and choices. Since 1993, Character. org has inspired, recognized, and celebrated thousands of people in schools, organizations, workplaces, communities and families across the world. Character.org is widely known for its 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character, a comprehensive framework developed by school leaders and character education researchers. During the past 20 years, more than 1,000 schools have been recognized by Charater. org as a National School of Character.

About SDRF

The School District of River Falls, innovative leader in personalized learning, ensures the development of every student’s unique potential in order to excel as responsible, productive, global citizens, facilitated by for- ward-thinking stau in a safe, nurturing, and collaborative environment.

Submitted by School District of River Falls