By JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Principal Peter Varela began the school day on May 10 by sharing exciting news with the students and staff at South Brunswick High School.
The school has received official notice that it has been designated a National School of Character again.
“This was possible through an extensive re-certification process that was led by staff and students,” Varela said in a letter to parents. “We are very proud of the strides we have made to embrace our five core values, along with our continued efforts to teach students that doing the right thing matters and appreciate all of the support from our parents.”
Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates select schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development programs and a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, school climate and their communities, according to information provided by Character.org.
Through an in-depth and rigorous evaluation process, the schools were found to be exemplary models of character development. Criteria for selection are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, a framework to assist schools in providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort, according to the company.
South Brunswick High School is one of 17 schools that are former National Schools of Character reapplying for the national designation.