OLD BRIDGE — Six schools in Old Bridge have been designated as National District of Character schools this year.
The schools include Old Bridge High School and five elementary schools — M. Scott Carpenter, Memorial, William A. Miller, Walter M. Schirra and Southwood.
Superintendent of Schools David Cittadino, along with Assistant Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Hoeker and Old Bridge High School Vice Principal Sally Fazio, attended a press conference in May at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., where the recipients were announced.
“The recognition as a National District of Character places Old Bridge under the national spotlight as a premier school district in preparing our students as promising leaders of the future,” Cittadino said.
After an extensive application process, the district was given the designation by Character.org, which supports character education. The district now has 13 State or National Schools of Character.
Christopher McCue, principal of Carpenter Elementary, said the entire school and community have worked together as a team to instill and reinforce the schoolwide expectations to develop social, emotional and academic skills in youth.
Various service learning programs were organized, including a Play-Doh drive for children in hospitals; food and coat drives for families in need; and fundraising activities for a number of charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, UNICEF, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
Raymond E. Payton, principal at Memorial Elementary, said the school he oversees is one of Old Bridge’s best-kept secrets.
“It’s a culturally and economically diverse gem,” he said. “Located in the Laurence Harbor section of the community, many refer to us as a family.”
Payton said a character initiative began on a small scale five years ago, which included bulletin boards, murals, class lessons and community events that promoted good character. He said it has blossomed throughout the school of 400 students.
“Now, when walking the halls of our beloved Memorial, you can see that character counts,” Payton said.
Karen Foley, principal at Southwood Elementary, said the national recognition is a tremendous honor for the school.
“Students, staff and parents work collaboratively to ensure that good character is embedded in all that we do,” she said.
Southwood School had been named a State School of Character in 2014. Foley said, based on feedback from the application, the project “Sustainable Southwood,” which led to the creation of a school garden, was strengthened.