- Highlights from the National Forum
- NSOC lead relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy
- What makes service "service-learning"?
- NSOC application deadline on December 3rd
- CEP conducts first South America training
NATIONAL FORUM
19th National Forum A Big Success
Character educators from around the globe congregated in DC from Nov 1-4 to share insight, ideas and best practices. Though unfortunately, a number of participants were forced to cancel due to Hurricane Sandy, the Forum was still enriching and very productive.
Highlights include:
Inspiring keynote speeches: Bertice Berry, Paul Tough and Scott Taylor each delivered stirring addresses, focusing on the importance of the mission of developing good character in children. Watch videos from the conference here.
A diverse International Summit: The Summit was attended by representatives from more than a dozen countries, and primarily focused on how
participants could leverage a common vision --- along with CEP resources --- to ignite a worldwide call to character education.
The Partnership Meeting: This interactive session brought together many like-minded organizations and explored possibilities of mutually-beneficial relationships to increase the effectiveness of Character Education efforts across America and beyond.
View more highlights from the Forum here and extend your Forum experience beyond Nov 4 by signing in to our online conference community.
NATIONAL FORUM
Forum Lost and Found
The following items were recovered at CEP's National Forum:
- Several flash drives
- Red, spiral notebook
These items were reported lost:
- Small silver hoop earring
- Power cord
- Phone
- Rolling, black square case
Please e-mail mjones@character.org if you think that any of these items may belong to you.
NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
Let Kids Show You the Joy of Helping Others
By Eileen Dachnowicz
Missouri’s Brentwood Middle School (grades 6–8) is striving to take community service to another level, according to Dr. Julie Sperry, its principal. Students are now in the driver’s seat, first identifying community needs and then collaborating on a plan to address them, using skills that reinforce what they learn in the classroom. By including demonstration and reflection, Brentwood now holds the blueprint for converting service into true “learning." Read more >>
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CEP Conducts First Training in South America
On Oct 9 and 10, Dr. Russ Sojourner led a foundational 11 Principles training in Bogota, Colombia, CEP's first professional development activity in South America. In attendance were all of the English-speaking staff members from Nogales, including the head of the school, principals, teachers, counselors, psychologist, and Dean of Curriculum, plus several parents. Read more >>
11 Principles Foundational Training at National Forum
A highly energized group of educators met Sunday morning immediately following the Forum to discuss and cement the 11 Principles’ framework and to internalize the interactive process to develop character through the advancement of a positive culture back at home. At least seven countries outside the US were represented as well as eighteen states and the District of Columbia. Read
more >>
ADVOCACY
Updates from the Nation's Capital
CEP is committed to being your ears, eyes and voice
regarding the latest character education news in our nation’s capital.
Here are some highlights from this exciting month in DC:
• CEP Senior Administrator Megan Jones attended a virtual
briefing led by Jon Terry of Capitol Youth Strategies about the
implications of the recent election on conditions for learning in US
schools. Read more >>
RESOURCES YOU CAN USE
Department of Ed Offers Hurricane Sandy School Recovery Resources
The
Department is offering information and referrals to relevant agencies
and resources for schools affected by the hurricane on its website, as well as a toll-free hotline (1-855-385-9985) for those with questions.
USDA Tips to Establish A School Garden
The USDA, through its People's Garden
website is offering how-to webinars, lesson plans and technical and
financial resources for schools interested in establishing their own
gardens. Garden-based learning is an excellent means by which to
incorporate environmental education and healthy eating into the
curriculum.
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PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
In Sandy's Wake
By Mark Hyatt
President and CEO
"Wow."
In one word, that really is how I would sum up my first National Forum as CEP's President and CEO.
Of course, beforehand, I had thought that I was pretty motivated and deeply driven about CEP's mission. But now that I have actually experienced this month's 19th Annual Forum in D.C., well, "Wow."
After four days of electric presentations, networking, brainstorming, meeting, greeting, and yes, even tweeting, I somehow now find myself more energized than ever about the urgent work that lies before us. Read more >>
NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
NSOC Lead Service Learning Efforts in Response to Hurricane Sandy
By Lara Maupin
Eloisa DeJesus-Woodruff, Principal of 2012
NSOC Richard Stockton Elementary in Cherry Hill, New Jersey was so moved
by the devastation being faced by her fellow citizens in New Jersey and
New York in the wake of Sandy that she returned from the National Forum
ready to act. She had a vision of mobilizing the National Schools of
Character to help those in need – other NSOC communities that were
impacted as well as anyone else who needed help through the Red Cross.
She hoped her students could help others and would have the opportunity
to share stories with other students in other communities around the
country. Read more >>
NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
What Makes Service "Service-Learning"?
By Lara Maupin
Every school engages periodically in volunteer efforts and community service. Think of the many canned food drives, used book collections, beautification efforts, and community events where the school serves as a central collection point for serving community needs. Such efforts are inspiring, community-building, and much needed -- but they are not necessarily service learning. What makes a project service learning? Why engage in service learning? Read more >>
NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF CHARACTER
NSOC Deadline: December 3
There are only 2 weeks left to complete your application! Visit CEP’s website
for more information and resources for applicants. The Schools of Character program, in addition to providing an elite distinction to qualifying schools, offers an excellent opportunity for free, professional feedback for all schools engaged in character education.
PROMISING PRACTICES
Promising Practices Application Opens December 17
Do you have a specific, unique, and effective character education strategy or program to share with others? Apply for recognition as a 2013 Promising Practice.
PROMISING PRACTICES
Promising Practices in Service-Learning: Make a Difference!
By Lisa Greeves
Coming off of the dynamic 19th National Forum on Character Education and preparing for the Thanksgiving holidays is a fantastic time to harness your team’s energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for giving and sharing with others. Below is a sample of the rich service-learning practices from our 2012 Promising Practices that are easy to implement and emulate:
For the past year the students, staff, and parents at Vandalia Elementary School in Greensboro, North Carolina have dedicated one Saturday a month to serving the homeless in their community through their practice Center City Saturdays. Read more >>
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Nov 2012-May 2013
Children's Safety Network Webinar Series: Focus on LGBT Youth
Series of four webinars focusing on bullying prevention legislation. Learn more >>
Dec 13 2012
CEP Webinar: Reverse Integration, Student Empowerment and Incorporating a New Leadership Model
3:30p.m. ET; Price: $49 Learn more >>
Presenter: Michael Moretta, President, MJM Consulting
Dec 15 2012
Starbucks Youth Leadership Grants
Grants from $10,000 to $30,000 available for non-profit organizations that equip people with qualities necessary for effective leadership. Learn more >>
Feb 15 2012
Papers and Proposals for "Educating for Intellectual Virtues" Conference
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
This conference will bring together education theorists, psychologists, and philosophers to discuss intellectual virtues and their role in educational theory and practice. Learn more >>
Feb 29 2013
United Nations Painting Competition
Children will submit paintings around the theme, "Water: The Source of Life" Learn more >>
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