Trautwein Earns National School of Character Recognition

is one of 24 schools that have been nationally recognized for integrating character into their everyday learning.

On Thursday, the school found out they were a National School of Character through the Character Education Partnership.

“I got a phone call from the local coordinator and when I announced it through the whole school, you could hear it up and down the hallways,” said Principal Donna Wagener.

The school went through an extensive application process that included behavior and academic data, and testimonials from students, parents and teachers.

“The whole thing, from the time you first apply in December to when we found out in May, it’s a pretty long process,” Wagener said.

The school was one of 28 finalists selected for a site visit to see if kids are internalizing the lessons on good character in the classroom.

Wagner said the school has a buddy system that meets once a month and created a character club for fourth and fifth-graders.

“I think we’ve done our best to put it in the hands of the kids,” Wagener said. “We’re never not talking about character education.”

Trautwein’s mantra, “Tigers of Integrity,” incorporates the school’s mascot.

“The kids now, they’ll say to each other, ‘Now that’s being a Tiger of Integrity,’ or ‘That’s not what a Tiger of Integrity would do,’” Wagener said.

The school also created a bond with Orchid Terrace Retirement Center. Students frequently visit residents in the home, reading and participating in a garden club.

The principal reads to the kids every week, focusing on a different character lesson. The teachers expand on that lesson in the classroom.

“We are incredibly proud of the students and staff at Trautwein Elementary for their continued character education efforts,” Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost said in a district release. “The National School of Character award is the highest honor a school can earn for its character education program, and by simply walking through the halls at Trautwein, you know they absolutely deserve this recognition.”

Teachers and chairpersons Karen Stuckmeyer and Julianne Kurz have been the backbone of character education for the last few years, Wagener said.

The two were instrumental when .

The school has already started thinking about improving for next year. Wagener said she wanted to get more parents involved in the program.