MVR-II School District Earns Two National "Promising Practices" Awards; Five District Schools Also Recognized for Character Education Excellence
The MVR-III School District is proud to announce that it has been recognized with two Promising Practices by Character.org, a national leader in advocating for the cultivation of character. In addition, five schools within the district have also earned national recognition for their outstanding character initiatives.
Character.org's Promising Practices program highlights unique and effective character education strategies being implemented in schools and organizations. The awards recognize innovative programs that demonstrate a positive impact on student growth and align with Character.org's 11 Principles Framework for Schools.
“We are honored to receive this national recognition from Character.org,” said Dr. Ketina Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our teachers and staff and the dedication of our students, parents, and community members. It reflects our collective commitment to not only academic excellence but also to fostering the development of strong character in every student.”
District-Wide Promising Practices
The MVR-II School District’s two nationally recognized practices were designed to serve students and families across the district.
Special Education Field Day: This annual event brings together K-12 special education students from across the district for an inclusive field day. The initiative was created to ensure every student, regardless of ability, has an opportunity to participate in and enjoy field day activities, fostering equal opportunity and success.
Together We Grow Night: A welcoming community outreach event that connects families with vital academic, social, and community resources. To make the evening even more engaging, attendees can enjoy a shared meal, win prizes, and meet with a wide range of vendors who offer critical services for our community.
School-Specific Promising Practices
The district celebrates five schools for their individual contributions to character education:
Coleman Elementary: The school was recognized for two distinct practices. Veterans Honor Flight involved students writing letters to veterans, an activity that fostered gratitude and civic pride. The Character Buddies initiative brought the district’s character pillars to life by having students illustrate and practice the eight pillars of success.
Zitzman Elementary: The school's award-winning practice, "Rooted in Collaboration, Rising in Creativity," is a year-long, school-wide mural project. Every student contributes a unique craft representing roots, blooms, or soaring elements, fostering unity and a shared sense of belonging.
Nike Elementary: The Scout Shout Out Wall is a community wall in the school's foyer where photos of students, staff, and families are displayed. This simple yet popular practice builds a sense of community by encouraging conversations and shared connections.
Pacific Intermediate: The "Piece by Piece: Building School Community" initiative is a year-long, school-wide project where students and staff use building bricks and collages to symbolize personal and collective growth, serving as a visual representation of the school's commitment to continuous development.
Pacific High School:
The school was recognized for
Project Holiday Cheer,
a program where students delivered over 300 holiday cards to residents of local assisted living facilities. This simple act of kindness provided an opportunity for students to positively impact the lives of others in the community.