FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has recognized the Joseph J. Catena School in Freehold Township as a “2013 Promising Practice” for its “Calling All SuperKids” program, according to a press release.
CEP is awarding 262 Promising Practice awards to schools, districts and youth-serving organizations from across the United States, as well as from Canada, China, India, Mexico and New Zealand.
The Catena School has focused on character education for many years, according to the press release. The character development team wanted a new and exciting way to reinforce the core values their students have learned and demonstrated over the years. That is when the SuperKids were created.
These “superheroes” became the new mascots who were displayed around the school to remind students to build a strong mind, body and character in everything they do. In September, the students were introduced to the new theme and mascots during an assembly where some of the staff dressed liked superheroes to show they are Catena Strong. Students learned what it means to be strong in mind, body and character and pledged to be a SuperKid at the Catena School, according to the press release.
The “Calling All SuperKids” program allows Catena administrators to keep character education infused into the daily academic curriculum and to use technology to keep ideas relevant to children in the 21st century.
The SuperKid mascots deliver “instant messages” similar to the idea of “tweets” on Twitter focusing on the pillars of character education.
The SuperKid instant messages focus on the core values and foster student connections to being “Catena Strong” in mind, body and character. The pupils look forward to the weekly instant messages and the announcements of the monthly character SuperKids. The children who are recognized as monthly SuperKids are viewed as true character heroes by the students, faculty and parent community, according to the press release.
The SuperKid mascots show the students that having strong character is a “cool” way to conduct oneself.
Principal Jeffrey Huguenin believes that “this theme and its message were successful because they were embraced across all facets of the school; buses, lunchroom, classrooms, related arts settings, extracurricular programs, and parent-sponsored events. Being selected for a Promising Practice award is humbling and validates the consistent and genuine efforts of everyone, students and adults, at the Catena School.”
This year’s winning practices include unique anti-bullying programs, creative ways to integrate character and academic subjects, effective strategies for developing student leadership, and activities that build community – within the school and beyond.
“These best practices offer educators and others working with young people practical ways to develop empathy, conflict resolution skills and good citizenship,” CEP Program Director Lara Maupin said. “CEP is excited about being able to recognize these educators and share their work with others around the world.”

