State Superintendent Visits Newport Mill Middle School to Introduce New Book on Character Education

State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick visited Newport Mill Middle School in Kensington today to unveil a new book on character education at a special school assembly.

The book, Character Education by Design: A Blueprint for Successful District and School Initiatives, was developed by a group of Maryland educators, including Sarah Patterson and Tim Rossini, counselors working in Montgomery County Public Schools. The publication is a how-to guide that school communities can use to develop an effective character education initiative that can enhance student behavior and achievement. It focuses on character education—not as an add-on—but as an integral part of the school curriculum and climate.

Participants in the ceremony, including Newport Mill Principal Penny Tsonis and Montgomery County Board of Education Vice President Shirley Brandman, emphasized the positive effects that character education can have on student achievement. Said Brandman, “We know from first-hand experience how a successful character education program can transform a school—allowing students the comfort and confidence to succeed at the highest levels.”

This visit highlighted the successful character education program at Newport Mill Middle School, a 2006-2007 National Schools of Character Winner. The Character Education Partnership (CEP) award is presented to schools or school systems that demonstrate an array of programs in service learning, bullying prevention, mentoring, and tolerance.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is distributing 2,000 copies of the book to school systems throughout Maryland.