Eureka, Ridge Meadows Elementary Earn 'Promising Practices' from Character.org

Eureka Elementary and Ridge Meadows Elementary have been recognized for enacting “Promising Practices” by Character.org, a national organization that advocates for character education in schools and communities.

The two Rockwood schools' initiatives are among 230 from around the nation and 37 from the state of Missouri certified by Character.org as “unique, effective initiatives that inspire ‘goodness in action’ and contribute to the field of character development.”

"We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org, in a press release. “Each of these programs and practices have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Eureka's practice, the "Little Wildcat Welcome Kit," allows student leaders at the school the opportunity to create fun welcome kits for new students.

Fourth- and fifth-graders on the Student Why Team came up with the idea to fill the kits with maps of the building, affirmation books, student-designed welcome bags and school-branded gifts.

"At Eureka Elementary, allowing our students to have voice and choice and shared leadership is a priority," Eureka school leaders wrote in their application. "Knowing that we are a growing school community, we asked our students to brainstorm ways to help ensure ALL students feel a sense of belonging. During a schoolwide buddy day in April 2024, the Student Why Team created a video explaining the buddy activity, and then buddy pairs worked together to create parts of the welcome kit. Kindergarten and third-grade buddies created the welcome bags, first- and fourth-grade buddies colored a school map, and second- and fifth-grade buddies made affirmation books. Students then put the kits together, and these kits were given out at our Summer 2024 New Family Welcome event."

Ridge Meadows' practice, the "Inclusion Snack Cart," fosters a sense of belonging and positive interactions between students with communication challenges and staff, creating fun, collaborative engagement opportunities.

The students who operate the snack cart get the opportunity to deliver treats to staff members as they work on their social and communication skills.

"Ridge Meadows is committed to fostering an inclusive school community for all students," school leaders wrote in their application. "This bi-monthly initiative provides students with high needs opportunities to practice communication, build relationships and develop functional work skills in a natural setting. As they bring around the snack cart, students initiate conversations with staff, offering snacks while utilizing a learned script or individual communication routine using multimodality communication (including gestures, signs, augmentative communication and voice). Staff members prioritize creating a positive interaction by providing students with ample time and space, thereby strengthening relationships and a sense of belonging throughout the school community.

"While staff appreciate the treats, the true reward lies in witnessing the enthusiasm and celebrating these students as they accomplish their task."