Levittown School Named 'School Of Character'; Among 4 In NY

LEVITTOWN, NY — A Levittown middle school is one of just four New York schools to be named a "school of character" by Character.org. Jonas E. Salk Middle School was recently selected as one of 81 state schools to earn the distinction this year, its second time receiving the honor.

The middle school demonstrated a clear focus on character development that the organization said improves academics, student behavior and school climate. Character education has been integrated into the school environment for years under its so-called RISE program, an acronym for respect and responsibility, integrity, safety and staying healthy and empathy. The program aims to foster each students' social-emotional development and create opportunities for academic excellence, civic education and develop moral character.

The last time the school earned the national honor was in 2016.

This year, Salk began having a RISE Day once per quarter where students focus on a theme for an entire school day. On this day, staff members form a welcome line and cheer them on when they enter the building.

"We put curriculum aside for the day entirely and the teachers do all sorts of team-building, problem-solving and social-emotional activities throughout the day," Assistant Principal Amy O'Grady said in a statement.

Salk also started a quarterly RISE newsletter based around each quarter's theme. Students who demonstrate the theme receive an award and are highlighted in the newsletter. Outstanding students also receive a postcard in the mail from their teacher acknowledging them for their excellent character.

Additionally, students participate in the push-in program Middle School 101 to give them the tools they need to succeed, while some participate in a book club. The club allows students to reflect on social-emotional learning through literature. Salk also continues to host its Challenger Athletic League in partnership with General Douglas MacArthur High School. The league provides an opportunity for secondary students with special needs to participate in competitive athletics.

The school's character education program grows each year with the goal of spreading the program to the elementary schools so that students know what to expect when they enter the middle school.

"What’s nice is that the district is starting to adopt a RISE program so that by the time the students come here they already know the language," school psychologist Barbara Monteiro-Grady said.

A Character.org representative will visit Jonas E. Salk Middle School to get a closer look at the school's program by pushing into classrooms and speaking with students, staff and parents. Schools will learn in May whether they earned the national distinction.