Betty Kiefer Elementary Named 2017 Idaho School of Character by Character.org
The following press release was distributed through the Lakeland school district.—Brian
February 27, 2017 – Rathdrum, ID. – Lakeland School District is pleased to announce that Character.org, a national advocate and leader for the character education movement, named Betty Kiefer Elementary a 2017 Idaho School of Character. The program recognized Betty Kiefer as a school that has demonstrated its use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and Betty Kiefer Elementary’s climate.
Betty Kiefer Elementary is in the Lakeland School District, and is home to about 500 K-6 students. The school has been implementing several programs over the past few years to stress the importance of good character. 6th grade teacher, Corey Friis, stresses the importance of leaving a legacy to her students. At the beginning of the school year, she asked her students what they thought they would like to do. The answer was, win an award for how awesome our school is. Friis sought out and found Character.org, and began the long application process for being recognized.
The Schools of Character application process is an opportunity for schools and districts to
receive thoughtful feedback for growth and excellence in the area of character development through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education framework. It is also a method of recognizing exemplary schools and districts in the nation.
Since its inception, Character.org has awarded more than 500 schools with the distinction of State School of Character. Criteria for the designation are based on Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, which includes providing students with opportunities
for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in character-building efforts.
“Utilizing components of character education is a large part of our student and staff’s daily routines.” said Lynn Paslay, Principal at Betty Kiefer Elementary. “We are grateful for Character.org and for its efforts to create a state and national discussion on the
importance of character in education. We are eager to carry this distinction for years to come and are hopeful our example will lead other schools in Idaho to participate in this program in order to enhance student’s lives statewide.”
About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org, is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with schools and districts to inspire, educate and empower young people to be ethical and engaged citizens. It is led by education leaders who are dedicated to
youth learning how to be both smart and good through the advancement of quality character development in all schools. The impact of this is seen through improved academic achievement,
decline in behavioral problems such as truancy and an increase in an overall positive school climate. Visit www.character.org to learn more about the National Forum and the Schools of Character program.
Betty Kiefer Elementary is the only school in the state to be named with this honor. They will now move to the national level. The national evaluator will be doing an assessment of the school on February 27. The announcement of national schools will be made in May. Friis and her 6th grade class are hoping they can leave a legacy with a nod at the national level.
The Rathdrum Sun 
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