The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has named Newport Mill Middle School a 2007 National School of Character in its prestigious annual awards program. Ten schools around the nation were honored this year, selected from 113 applicants and 25 finalists.

As a National School of Character, Newport Mill will receive an award, national recognition, and a $20,000 grant at CEP’s 14th National Forum on Character Education on November 1 in Arlington, Virginia.

Winners will use their grants to serve as national leaders and models for other schools and districts seeking to improve their character education efforts.

“We are very proud to announce this diverse group of exemplary schools,” said CEP Executive Director Joe Mazzola. “While their character education initiatives and student populations are very different, these schools are all places where students learn the meaning of core virtues, the importance of service, and acceptance of others.”

CEP characterized Newport Mill Middle School as follows:

Newport Mill Middle School is a wonderful example of diverse students who are succeeding. The school has adopted the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) approach that focuses lessons around essential questions, international understandings, and critical thinking. Led by Principal Nelson McLeod, the school works hard to create a caring environment where all will feel welcome. Character Education is intentionally integrated into the academic program to promote a sense of responsibility, caring, and respect for the community and the environment.

Principal McLeod’s philosophy of inclusion also includes parents who have access to the school’s Parent Resource Center (The Parent Place), a joint school and county agency housed in the building. Parent Catherine Huntress-Reeve said Newport Mill is different from other schools because it has made a conscious effort to be “family-friendly,” “welcoming,” and “customer-service oriented.” The school presents monthly parent workshops in both English and Spanish, students participate in monthly character in action lessons, and participate in weekly “TAKE A STAND TUESDAY” activities.
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The Character Education Partnership, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to developing young people of good character who become responsible and caring citizens. CEP is the nation’s leading advocate for quality character education initiatives. To learn more about CEP and the other National Schools of Character, visit www.character.org.


Character Education Partnership
2007 National Schools of Character Award Winners

Birmingham Covington School (grades 3–8), Bloomfield Hills, MI
Boys Town High School (grades 9–12), Boys Town, NE
Fairbrook Elementary School (grades K–5), Beavercreek, OH
Memorial Middle School (grades 6–8), Fairlawn, NJ
Newport Mill Middle School (grades 6–8), Kensington, MD
Pine Point School (grades PreK–9), Stonington, CT
Pinellas County Schools (grades K–12), Largo, FL
Radix Elementary School (grades PreK–4), Williamstown, NJ
Sacred Hearts Academy (grades PreK–12), Honolulu, HI
Skyview Elementary School (grades PreK–5), Lizella, GA