May 25, 2023
Kehrs Mill and Wild Horse elementary schools and LaSalle Springs Middle have been named 2023 National Schools of Character by Character.org.
The three Rockwood School District schools are among 36 schools and two districts nationally that have been designated as National Schools and Districts of Character for 2023. Kehrs Mill, LaSalle Springs and Wild Horse are also among 10 schools and one district in the state of Missouri to earn recognition this year.
Kehrs Mill and LaSalle Springs previously earned National School of Character twice, and this is the second time Wild Horse has earned this distinction. Schools of Character earn their designations for five years.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a National School of Character!” said Kehrs Mill Principal Dr. Beth Sciarratta. “This incredible honor would not have happened without the endless energy, skills and devotion of the Kehrs Mill staff. Thank you to the amazing Kehrs Mill parents for your countless hours of volunteering, chaperoning, reading, organizing, donating and doing whatever it takes to support our kids - both at home and at school. Special thanks to our PTO, who went above and beyond to provide whatever was necessary to add to our students’ already rich school experience.
“Kehrs Mill Knights: Thank you for all of your hard work throughout the school year and for showing your sweet souls each and every day. You illuminate character! I am so honored to be your principal; you make me proud to be a Kehrs Mill Knight. Congratulations to the Kehrs Mill Family!”
In all, 21 Rockwood schools and programs have been named National Schools of Character. The program recognizes schools that demonstrate a focus on character development that has positively impacted academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.
This recognition is given to schools who have achieved a standard of excellence in character development through their exemplary implementation of Character.org's 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, a framework for whole-school improvement. A team of trained evaluators assess each school based on these principles.
“We are honored to be recognized as a National School of Character for the third time,” LaSalle Springs Principal Aaron Wilken said. “This level of character education does not happen by accident. It is a reflection of the hard work that our teachers and students do every day as well as the commitment that our parents and community have made to be part of our school.”
Character.org will honor the 2023 National Schools and Districts of Character at its next International Forum, which will be held in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 6-7.
“Wild Horse is honored to be named a National School of Character,” said Wild Horse Principal Dr. Shawn Riley. “This would not be possible without a dedicated staff and supportive school community. We stress to our students each day that character is not just something we do at school, it is a lifelong skill. This designation reaffirms the commitment of our school community to the development of good humans.”
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