The Academy for Character Education 2015 Newsletter

Stand Up for Character: The Journal of The Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges Volume 10, Issue 1: Fall 2015 Editor: Dr. John Walko Asst. Editor.: Lexie Phillips

2015 Theme: One Can Count Empowering Youth to Make a Difference

Educational Vistas Inc. PRIME SPONSOR Scott Crowder CEO

This year’s “It Only Takes One to Make a Difference” theme One Can Count, w ill launch several exciting character based events encouraging school district and community cooperation throughout New York State. The New York State School of Character recognition program for schools will complement the statewide bullying awareness campaign and the annual Youth Leadership Summit.

Public Declarations of Support The Academy for Character Education will focus on the One Can Count call for action to sponsor a call for "declarations of support” from schools districts, governments and civic organizations working together to support the National October Bullying Awareness month. In the past, activities ranged from school teach-ins to resolutions passed by local governments. This year we are issuing a call for action uniting students, families and communities to take the effort to another level.

October 21 State Wide Reading Day One, by Kathryn Otoshi.

This year, the Academy for Character Education challenges teachers and students to step forward to make a positive difference in the life of another. We are embracing a wonderful children’s book titled One, by Kathryn Otoshi, that we believe will inspire us to bring this positive change to our children’s world. One has been used over the past several years in many classrooms K-5. It is both modest and profoundly powerful. It will set the stage for discussions that can be as simple or complex as the audience allows. This book is a call to action. Participants please inform us to be listed on our web “One Can Count” Honor Roll.

How Do I Become a Part of this Exciting Initiative?

On October 21, 2015 we invite every elementary school to read this book to their students.

Awareness of bullying will be front and center. Elementary schools can have classroom teachers read it aloud, or they can invite middle and high school students, or even other members of the educational community such as bus drivers or cafeteria staff, or parents to be the readers. We envision the empowering of adults and students to realize the power they have as individuals to influence others to stop bullying. It is hoped that all adults and students alike will take an active role in creating a positive environment in their school.

Participation will help fulfill DASA requirements.

Order copies of One, study guide, and PowerPoint HERE Meet Kathryn Otoshi, Author of One

As a special treat, in conjunction with the Esteves School of Education, The Academy is delighted to host the author of One for both a special reading and book signing on Thursday, October 1st, at the M.O.S.S. Book store on the Troy campus at 6:oopm.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pg. 2: Spotlight Leader ship Board, Kimberly Macica Pg. 3: Spotlight Advisor y Board, Randy Hall Pg. 4: New Y or k State Schools of Character Application Pg. 5 –8: Success stories: 2015 National Schools of Character Pg. 9: 2015 Cham pions of Character Honorees Pg. 10: Nomination Form Champions of Character Banquet Pg. 11: Character Edu cation Youth Summer Program Pg. 12: 2015 Y ou th Sum m it Pg. 13: Becom e a par tner Pg. 14: Suppor t The Academ y Pg. 15: Academ y Pr ogram s

Dec. 3rd: Teens Exemplify “Power of One” at 14th Youth Leadership Summit

POWER

“The Power of One” theme will launch our 14th Annual Youth Leadership Summit CLICK HERE. This promises to bring together junior and senior high student leaders from several dozen Northeast schools. This year’s kick off event features Holocaust survivor, Kati Preston, as she tells her story of how the power of one can make the difference in life.

OF ONE

New York State Schools for Character Application: Dec. 1st Deadline School districts are once again encouraged to apply to be named a New York State School of Character by demonstrating an exemplary level of implementation of The Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education (CLICK HERE for application and details).

TEENS SPEAK! Holocaust Survivor speaks See page 12 for details

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SPOTLIGHT: KIMBERLY MACICA, EDUCATION LEADERSHIP BOARD

Mission Statement The Academy for Character Education is a voluntary, not for profit organization whose mission is to promote positive character development within schools and the greater community by raising awareness, educating, motivating, and facilitating the infusion and development of positive moral, performance, intellectual, and civic character traits that become lifelong habits.

Kimberly Macica was formally introduced to character education after applying for a graduate assistantship with The Academy of Character Education at the Sage Colleges during the pursuit of her Master’s degree. She worked with The Academy of Character Education for a year and continues her dedication to character education as a current member of the Leadership Board. Kimberly volunteers her time by contributing to the many programs The Academy offers and regularly attends meetings to give input and discuss future endeavors The Academy is pursuing.

Kimberly holds a B.S in Educational Studies from the SUNY Empire State and will obtain a dual certification from a M.S. in Childhood Education and Literacy from The Sage Colleges after completion of her student teaching experience this fall. This change for Kimberly comes after a very successful career as a network engineer with a major telecommunications company for over 15 years.

Kimberly feels blessed to have been inspired by both the birth of

her daughter and the tremendous support and encouragement of her husband to pursue her dream of becoming a classroom teacher. Kimberly has always gravitated towards the role of a teacher/ trainer within the various positions she held within her engineering career. For her it has always been a priority to help others. Whether her title was training manager, supervisor, or project manager, she was consistently asked to take on a leadership role wherein she had the opportunity to assist her peers or associates in learning functions that enhanced their own responsibilities.

Dr. Kathleen A. Gormley, who supervised her in a year long practicum in an urban school, remarked, "Kimberly has a thirst for learning and always has her students' needs foremost in her mind when teaching literacy to at-risk children."

Jerry, her husband, and Anna Grace, her daughter, play a central role in her life sharing, among other things, her love of adventure, travel, art, music and reading.

The Academy feels very fortunate to benefit from Kimberly’s enthusiasm and efforts towards the character education initiative.

The Academy’s Boards The Community Advisory Board consists of community leaders and assists The Academy leadership to broaden relationships with business, not- for profit, education, and governmental organizations in becoming active in promoting the mission and achievements of The Academy. The advisory board meets 3-4 times a year to provide advice on major policy matters.

The Education Leadership Board consists of educators and is responsible for establishing and implementing policies that serve the interests of the organization. The board meets monthly during the school year to develop specific objectives and strategies for The Academy’s major programs and to provide volunteer assistance at Academy events.

If you are interested in becoming involved with one of the boards, please contact The Academy at (518) 244-2336 or charactered@sage.edu.

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SPOTLIGHT: RANDY HALL, COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

Community Advisory Board Members George Goodwin, Board Chair Randy Hall, Commissioner of Social Services, Rensselaer County, Vice Chair Dr. Hanns Meissner, CEO, The ARC of Rensselaer County, Vice Chair Anthony Leva, Creative Advantage, Inc. David Brown/Kerri Dicaprio, YMCA John McDonald III, Assemblymember, 108th Assembly District Justin Buchanan, Vice President, First Niagara Bank Kathleen Jimino, County Executive, Rensselaer County Kathy Pelham, KPelham Associates Dr. Lori V. Quigley, Dean, Esteves School of Education, The Sage Colleges Dr. Marie Wiles, Superintendent of Schools, Guilderland CSD Peter Sleasman Agent, State Farm Insurance

Randy Hall has provided much enthusiasm and important leadership for the Academy for many years. He has served in different roles as a member of the Academy’s Community Advisory Board., most recently in the position of Vice Chair. He has served as chair of several committees and most recently as cochair of the annual Champions of Character Awards Banquet.

Randy is currently the Commissioner of Social Services for Rensselaer County. He has been with the Department of Social Services and has held a variety of positions there since graduating from Keene State College in 1974. As Commissioner, he oversees the provision of such services as child protective, adult protective, public assistance, foster care and adoption, Medicaid, food stamps and several long-term care programs.

Over the years, Randy has had a positive impact in many ways on the lives of the people he serves. Randy’s professional career has engaged him in the development of several employment initiatives for people receiving public assistance, programs related to the protection of children, and the re-entry into the community of people recovering from substance abuse and incarceration. He is presently responsible for administering programs and services available to thousands of households throughout Rensselaer County.

In addition, Randy has also been active for many years in the New York Public Welfare Association, (the association of all 57 county Departments of Social Services), and currently serves as a Vice President.

Randy has resided in Rensselaer County for almost his entire life and currently resides in Johnsonville, NY. His outside interests include reading, volleyball, golf, and spending time with his three grandchildren.

The Academy applauds Randy’s continuous efforts and commitment to the character education initiative and appreciates all he does for The Academy for Character Education.

Dr. Philip Fusco, ACE Dr. John Walko, ACE John Wands Sacca, Ph.D., ACE Education Leadership Board Members John Wands Sacca, Ph.D.. General Secretary Kimberly Macica, Hoosic Valley Bernice Herbert, The Sage Colleges Joan Monk, Yorktown Heights

Dr. John Walko, ACE Josef Markowski, NYS Kevin Buess, Hudson Valley Community College Mary VanVliet, Schodack CSD Mary Yodis, Wynanstkill UFSD Maureen Flanigan, Averill Park CSD Mel Horowitz, Menands Nadine Cunningham, West Sand Lake E.S. Nick DeCaprio, The Sage Colleges Dr. Philip Fusco, ACE Ralph Singh, Wisdom Thinkers Roseann Jackling, Saratoga Springs Roseanne Mokey, Cohoes CSD Sharon Domine, Cooperstown

Dr. Steve Birchak, College of St. Rose Thearse McCalmon, Schenectady Tina Smith, Troy Housing Authority Dr. Bruce Crowder, Educational Vistas Dr. Tom Reardon, Voorheesville CSD Ken Facin, Superintendent Hoosick Falls CSD Kathy Barlow, Wildwood Programs Lynne Arnold Peg Brady, Ballston Spa CSD Linda Brennan-Pagano, Shenendehowa CSD Kathy Fuller, HERSTORY

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December 1, 2015 Application Deadline To fill out the application, visit character.org OR Complete the Application CLICK HERE Has your school or district developed an outstanding character education initiative? Have you… 

Created a caring culture among students, staff, and parents?

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Integrated core ethical and performance values into your curriculum and extracurricular activities?

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Provided opportunities for students to initiate and reflect on their service to others?

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Involved parents and community members in your initiative?

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Used data to show that you are making a difference?

If your answers to the questions above are “yes,” The Academy for Character Education and our national character education affiliate character.org wants to recognize your outstanding work in character education. Schools and districts that can demonstrate an exemplary level of implementation of character.org’s The Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education should apply to receive a National School or District of Character award.

The Academy for Character Education at the Sage Colleges, in collaboration with character.org coordinates the selection of the New York State Schools of Character (NYSSOC). This program recognizes schools or districts that excel in exemplifying an outstanding character education initiative that yields positive results in student behavior, school climate, and academic performance.

Contact the Academy for Character Education Assistant Director, Dr. Philip Fusco philipfusco@aol.com (518)244-2337 www.sage.edu/charactered

Champions of Character Award Nomination Many individuals and organizations make a major difference in the quality of life of our youth and communities. Each year we honor outstanding citizens, civic, and business organizations. Please take the time to nominate a deserving person or group to be recognized as a Champion of Character by clicking HERE. Contact the Academy of Character Education for more information.

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We are proud to introduce to you our 2015 New York State and National Schools of Character: What follows is a highlight of each of their programs.

Bridgeport Elementary School; Chittenango CSD Courageous Conversations are character education focus group meetings comprised of small groups (typically 12-14 students) in grades 3 - 5. These meetings are facilitated by a staff member. Facilitators include paraprofessionals, teachers, custodians, and special area teachers.

Groups read and discuss a story. The stories naturally cause students to make connections to their lives and help the facilitators of each group focus on the characters in the story to teach our pillar words.

As the small group discussion comes to a conclusion, group members are asked to think about how they are going to implement something that they discussed in their small group when they leave the meeting. This provides a chance for them to think about how they will generalize what they learned from the story and from their peers and apply to their own lives.

Teachers often refer to a Courageous Conversations session when teaching a lesson or during morning meetings.

Byron-Bergen Central School District “What can we do to help the kindergartners know what being responsible looks like?” was a question asked by a 6th grader during a student led character education team lunch meeting. This powerful question led to a group of 40 5th and 6th grade student leaders planning, preparing, and teaching lessons for each of the 29 classrooms in Byron-Bergen’s elementary school. Students in classrooms from UPK to 6th grade were taught by peers about a habit from the Leader in Me Program, which is a component of the district’s character education curriculum.

This student centered approach has proven to be successful in realizing the district’s vision to, “Challenge, engage, and nurture students to pursue a life-long commitment to personal and academic achievement and strong character.” Empowering faculty in decision making and collaboration around character education allows for students to develop positive character habits, as well as social emotional skills that benefit them in their interactions with peers, adults, and family members. Through maintaining small class sizes and recognizing the powerful relationships with our families and community, the faculty and staff in Byron-Bergen know the importance of the individual as well as the team.

As a small, rural district, the learning community demonstrates commitment to the success of every student through teams, such as the 5th and 6th grade character education team, but also taking time each week to explicitly instruct students throughout the dis-

Byron-Bergen students engage in a student-taught lesson.

trict in core values such as responsibility, empathy, trustworthiness, and teamwork.

Developing relationships with each student, “validates each member of the community by being attentive to the each person’s strength” as one parent described the practice of character education in our district. Beginning in the earliest of grades and continuing into students’ senior years, Byron-Bergen ensures character education is explicitly embedded in the curriculum of each level by anchoring classroom instruction to the district’s values and mission to developing graduates that are of strong character and moral fiber.

Mildred E. Strang Middle School; Yorktown Heights UFSD MESMS classrooms are rich with cross-age mentoring, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and mutual respect in an inclusive digital environment. We saw the need to develop intrinsic motivation in our students. Lessons were developed to create an environment that focuses on the positive aspects of behavior rather than the negative. Students are required to reflect on their actions and learn strategies to make better decisions. During our classroom meetings, students are given lessons and examples of a person doing the right thing without reward.

They demonstrate understanding by teaching others, participating in Acts of Kindness, and showing respect to peers and staff.

Digital Citizenship lessons are integral to students’ understanding of privacy and appropriate Internet use in technology enriched classrooms. Students research a social issue of their choice with ELA teachers with the goal of helping students to develop a sense of social justice and understand challenges that face our global community. The PTA brings in authors who present themes in their writing which address academic and social emotional obstacles that adolescents have to overcome. Students come to recognize how an author’s life experiences shape his or her work and personal growth. Students experience history and study individuals, cultures, events, and turning points in America and the World. They have the opportunity to celebrate cultures with parents and staff during International Night as our school community shares food, music, dances, and oral tradition. Science curriculum includes lab activities, stream studies, demonstrations, guest speakers, and independent research. Students serve as “Little Doctors” during our blood drive.

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Continued: 2015 National Schools of Character St. HOPE Leadership Academy; NYC Nutrition, healthy living, composting, and urban farms are just a few of the topics that lead 5th grade scholars at St HOPE Leadership Academy to Harlem Grown, a local organization whose mission is “to inspire youth to live healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition,” each year for the past three years. It was not until recently that this partnership blossomed and became more than an annual field trip or list of trending topics to be covered in a science classroom.

In 2014, St HOPE scholars took their knowledge of composting and began composting as part of the NYC Department of Education’s Sustainability Initiative. However, our “Composting Captains” began to question whether or not the scraps from their school breakfast and lunch was actually being used for their intended purpose, as they saw bags with items they had put in the composting bin being taken out with the trash.

It was during this annual field trip that one of our scholars approached a representative from Harlem Grown and asked if they could donate our composted materials to their organization. They were thrilled and even offered to provide the necessary materials and pick up our composted items each day. Our scholars excitedly shared this news with their teachers and administration and demanded that we begin.

In 2015, we hope to further cultivate our relationship with Harlem Grown, as these opportunities to contribute to the larger community are directly aligned to Principle 5, “The school provides opportunity for moral action.” With the help of a local organization, nutrition, healthy living, composting, and urban farms will become more than just trending topics, as the marriage of content and experience will set the stage for true learning and, more importantly, for continued opportunities to engage in positive, responsible action within and outside the school.

William H. Barton Intermediate School; Queensbury UFSD The William H. Barton Intermediate School’s (WHBI) Positive Behavior Code exemplifies our building. Our core values of be respectful, be responsible, be cooperative, be safe, and be a problem solver can be heard every day among all of our stakeholder groups. This code defines expectations for students and staff in terms of observable and expected behaviors and is the foundation of our school’s efforts to build good character. We strive to incorporate curriculum integration where students have authentic opportunities to tie the learning content to our Positive Behavior Code. Our teachers have found multiple ways to do this within their classrooms, especially in our reading and writing workshop curriculum. One example of a learning activity included students writing argumentative essays on bully prevention. Students held a debate, developed thesis statements, and then provided evidence of antibullying measures to defend their point of view. Additionally, students are en-

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couraged to take on leadership roles with academics by being role models for other students. Peer review and peer coaching are evident in every classroom. This type of collaborative learning used throughout each classroom helps students to model and practice the expectations of our Positive Behavior Code. Each grade level uses powerful books such as Tiger Rising by Kate Dicamillo and Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan to enhance their ELA curriculum. Students are taught strategies of empathy and compassion for the characters in these books, and use these learning activities to draw from when doing their own narrative or memoir writing. As a school, we understand the difficult situations that are present across our community, and we know that teaching the whole child - mind, body, and spirit will help all students be successful in life. The WHBI prides itself on the team effort it takes to teach our students empathy, acceptance, respect, and compassion, and we feel that our character based instructional program strives to do that each day.

St. HOPE students

Wolcott Street School; LeRoy, NY The Wolcott Street School includes a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, develops character, and helps students succeed. We feel strongly that character education based curriculum needs to live in the classrooms at all grade levels.

At any time you can observe cooperative learning in both whole group as well as small group instruction fostering students’ ability to work together to complete a variety of tasks. Teachers at Wolcott Street School continue to utilize research-based instructional strategies to build collaborative skills among our students. Through these models, we address each student as an individual with different needs and social understandings.

Students also play a significant role in supporting one another and building character education. For example, our older students pair up with younger learners as part of our Reading Buddies program. We also arrange opportunities for the importance of including others.

Continued: 2015 National Schools of Character

Lawrence Road Middle School; Uniondale UFSD Lawrence Road Middle School is proud to be recognized as a New York State and National School of Character. Lawrence Road faculty and staff prepare our students for the global society we live in by treating each person as a member of our family.

Just as we learn our values and faith from our parents, the Lawrence Road touchstone, “Striving for Excellence with Courtesy, Kindness, and Respect” is the foundation of our Character Education program and the cornerstone of academics. Faculty, students, parents, and visitors feel the meaning of this touchstone within our halls, classrooms, and day-to-day interactions. It is part of each member of our family.

Academic lessons reflect student interest, engagement, and differentiation. Interactive Whiteboards, iPads, and computers are utilized in all disciplines to engage our students and demonstrate how responsibility for our actions can help us to make good decisions. We analyze decisions of the past, allowing for difference of opinions and looking for answers to tough questions. All students are encouraged to take part in the various extracurricular activities offered at Lawrence Road.

There is no single formula for success, but when students’ needs are the basis for all decisions made, good character and high performance are the outcome.

La Cima Elementary Charter School; Brooklyn, NY La Cima’s vision is to develop scholars who have the intellectual capacity, the emotional strength of character, the social capital to be individually successful, and to act as effective change-makers in their communities. To that end, we have rooted our humanities curriculum in units focused on social justice. At every grade level, lessons integrate history with current events and community studies to teach our scholars that they are impacted by what occurs in our society and they have a voice to make change in their communities.

For example, each year, our fifth graders study the civil rights movement, famous activists, and immigration, examining the experiences of those who are often suffering at the hands of injustice.

Then they select a current social justice issue and develop a plan to solve the issue. This year, our scholars examined police brutality as it relates to racial bias and developed ways in which they can be activists to resolve this issue. Our scholars created petitions for local police precincts asking them to get more training around implicit bias and how it impacts the way the police treat AfricanAmericans. They also developed a blog to share their concerns about police treatment of Black youth.

We firmly believe that character education must be active and rooted in service. It should also be rigorous and academic.

Our humanities curriculum allows for this important balance. After the grand jury decisions in Ferguson and Staten Island, our fourth graders wrote essays that were aligned with the Common Core, explaining why their lives mattered. They used their own words to give voice to the Black Lives Matter movement in an academic context. By empowering them through this experience, they learned that strong character is more than being good; it is working hard and taking a stand against injustice.

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Continued: 2015 National Schools 0f Character Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School; Valley Stream UFSD During the past five years, the staff, students, and parents have taken ownership of the shared vision of Memorial JHS. We firmly believe that an effective middle school has four main attributes. These attributes have helped shape Memorial’s motto of “Excellence in Academics and Ethics”.

1) Academic rigor and instruction that is relevant, integrative, and exploratory: This will help students be prepared to meet the demands of 21st century skills. It promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration/communication, and how to be successful in high school and college.

2) Social Emotional Development: Middle school adolescents are undergoing significant changes and this is a critical time for them to feel confident and meet academic success. A school that is able to support the social emotional learning of a student typically sees an increase in academic achievement. We have created an atmosphere where the “heart and mind” are developed equally.

3) Structure: A fair and consistent disciplinary policy that provides a safe and secure learning environment for every student has been established. Memorial has set not only high standards for academic achievement, but for student behavior as well.

4) Parent involvement: Parents have an enormous impact on student attitude, attendance, and academic achievement. The entire staff have embraced this philosophy through emailing parents, using Edmodo, and meeting with parents. In addition, we conduct Saturday Parent Coffee Talk meetings to keep parents informed on numerous issues such as the danger of social media, CCSS curriculum changes etc.

Memorial continues to experience a large decrease in out of school suspensions during the last five years (40%). This decrease is a result of students and staff taking ownership, the aforementioned shared vision coupled with positive behavior intervention systems (PBISs), and student improvement plans (SIPs). The B.R.A.V.E (Believe in the Rights and Values of Everyone) committee plans monthly activities to help reduce bullying, articulate Memorial’s character related goals, and create a culture where students respect each other and learn to deal with conflict in a peaceful manner. Every month the B.R.A.V.E. Committee develops both academic and extra-curricular activities which promote core ethical values.

Northern Parkway School; Uniondale UFSD At Northern Parkway Elementary School we build on the strengths of our new immigrant students and families to improve educational outcomes. Children of immigrant families make up a growing percentage of the American education system. At Northern Parkway, over 30% of our student population are English Language Learners, ELL, and over 50% of our families speak Spanish in their household.

Through the focused and dedicated work of the staff at Northern Parkway Elementary School we continue to support our students and families in improving academic performance.

Northern Parkway has been the highest performing school in the district for student growth for the past three consecutive years and has made adequate yearly progress (AYP) in all subgroup areas during this time as measured by the New York State Report Card.

At Northern Parkway we use strategies to engage students and families that include (but are not limited to): a belief system that all students can and will be successful, use of social media and technology tools to support and enhance communication, and incorporating culturally responsive literature into readings and discussions.

If students are learning geography, they are encouraged to utilize various sized maps as well as Google Earth to help master the content. An instructional differentiation strategy is to have students work on projects based on their strengths and interests. Incorporating technology into instruction as much as possible has served to engage students more effectively.

Providing parents with ELL workshops giving them strategies to assist their children’s learning. These best practices have led to increased parental participation, student attendance, and academic performance.

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Calling upon our graduates to serve as role models of success has proved valuable as motivation for our students. Fourth and fifth grade students at Northern Parkway Elementary School had the opportunity to hear from University of Central Florida football star and Uniondale graduate, William Stanback. The running back spoke to male students about his experiences as a Uniondale student including emphasis on what it takes to be a successful student-athlete, the importance of academics, and building relationships with his teachers and coaches. Stanback is entering his junior year at Central Florida and is projected to be a future NFL pro. William's visit is part of annual work to connect students to former graduates of the school and promote college and career readiness.

2015 CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER AWARDS BANQUET HONOREES

Our annual Champions of Character Awards Banquet celebrates educators, students, business and civic leaders, and schools throughout New York State who have gone above and beyond in the character education initiative. We recognize the New York State Schools of Character, honorable mention, and emerging schools of character in addition to 30 awards presented to individuals, students, educators, and business and civic leaders.

This year’s banquet was held on April 15, 2015 where we recognized 47 individuals, groups, schools, and business and civic leaders. Again, we would like to congratulate all who were recognized in their outstanding demonstrations in bringing the character education initiative to their schools and community. We here at the Academy and our supporters are thankful for your efforts in keeping this very important initiative alive within our community.

Academy Volunteer Award Mary Van Vliet, Schodak CSD Academy Student Volunteer Award Joann Harnden, The Sage Colleges Character Education Advocate Award Dr. Stephen Birchak, St. Rose College Sage College Awards Administrator Champion of Character Award Michael Baumgardner Faculty Member Champion of Character Award Theresa Hand Sage College of Albany Student of Character Khidr Joseph Russell Sage College Student of Character Theresa Hotte Sage Graduate School Student of Character Danielle Lehman Student Awards Peter Aitken, Maple Hill H.S. Schocak CSD Sam Engel, Chatham HS Nick Plouffe, Menands Student Group Awards Interact Club, Catskill CSD (Fabienne Bogardus-Street, Riannon Vincent, Jared Osborn, Skyler Kimmel) Super Troopers, Berlin High School Teacher Leadership Award Dawn Castle, Albany CSD Lauren Lozier, Mayfeild Central School Team Teachers Award Helen Christopher and Jeannine Toney, Milton CSD School Administrator Leadership Awards Jennifer Drautz, Voorhesville Middle School Mary Farber, Principal, Bridgeport Elementary School Daniel Joseph Corr, Superintendent, North Colonie CSD

Schools of Character Awards Emerging Schools of Character Uniondale High School; Uniondale UFSD Honorable Mention NYSSC Jonas E. Salk Middle School, Levittown UFSD Valley Stream North High School; Valley Stream UFSD Valley Stream South High School; Valley Stream UFSD Turtle Hook Middle School; Uniondale UFSD New York State School of Character Byron-Bergen Central School District Bridgeport Elementary School; Chittenango UFSD La Cima Elementary Charter School; Brooklyn, NY Mildred E. Strang Middle School; Yorktown Heights UFSD Northern Parkway School; Uniondale UFSD Valley Stream Memorial J.H.S.; Valley Stream UFSD William H. Barton Intermediate School; Queensbury; UFSD Lawrence Road Middle School; Uniondale UFSD St. HOPE Leadership Academy; NYC Wolcott Street School; LeRoy, NY Community School Partnership Award Law Firm of Certilman, Bailin, Adler & Hyman partnered with the Walnut Street School, Uniondale UFSD Civic and Business Awards Civic Leader Award Perry Jones, Capital City Rescue Mission Civic Organization Award Equinox, Inc., Dorothy Cucinelli, Ph.D., C.E.O. Business Organization Award eBizDocs, Howard Gross, C.E.O. Business Leadership Award Colin DeMers, The Century House

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Plan to Submit Nominations and Attend the 13th “Champions of Character” Awards Banquet Thursday April 14, 2016 •Franklin Plaza in Troy, NY

The Academy for Character Education honors outstanding positive leadership in our schools and communities at our annual Champions of Character Awards Banquet. Achievement in character education comes with hard work and dedication. It enhances the quality of life of youth and adults. This event honors Capital Region and Northeastern United States leadership and dedication to the vision and mission of fostering positive character development in our schools and communities. Educators, students, parents, business and community “Champions of Character” are recognized for their outstanding efforts, programs, and initiatives in positive civic and personal character development.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION The Academy suggests you consider submitting a nomination for an outstanding student, educator, community/ business leader or organization. Only you can make us aware by placing them in nomination to allow recognition as to how they make a difference in our quality of life. The deadline for these nominations is Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Also please consider joining out honorary committee. Visit our website for more information to explore becoming a member of the honorary committee and to download a copy of the nomination form:

Dr. Walko congratulates Catskill Interact Club.

Click here for Champions of Character Nomination Form

Dr. Walko thanks Educational Vistas for their leadership.

L-R: Scott Crowder, Dr. Bruce Crowder, Lukas Crowder

Champions of Character honorees from Mayfield Central School District. Pictured from right to left: Sarah Montgomery (Student), award winner Lauren Lozier (School Psychologist), Rebecca Brower (Mayfield graduate), Wendy Mucica (Occupational Therapist) and Robin Lair (School Counselor).

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Dr. Fusco presents the award to Superintendent Casey Kosiorek on behalf of Byron-Bergen School District.

14TH ANNUAL CHARACTER EDUCATION YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM

Major Sponsors Include: Pioneer Bank

CEO, Tom Amell, Vice President, Jim McGlynn

Educational Vistas

CEO, Scott Crowder

Troy Housing Authority The Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges hosted its summer learning camp during July, 2015. The camp welcomed residents of the Troy Housing Authority Griswold complex in grades one through five. The program accommodates up to thirty children.

The month long, Monday through Friday program consisted of hands-on learning activities designed within a character centered classroom setting. This year’s theme was the “Animals of the Hudson River Valley” with a focus on STEM and exploration of the river valley. This camp sought to improve habits of good behavior and academic skills among youth during their summer vacation. Program activities helped reinforce and instill positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, empathy, excellence and good citizenship.

Children participated in daily cultural and academic enrichment experiences. These included lessons on developing good fiscal responsibility habits that reinforce math and reasoning skills as well as making decisions to maintain healthy lifestyles, such as science learning opportunities. Campers also partook in field trips to WGNA 107.7 for a reading, writing and rhyming exercise, Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a New York City Ballet performance and visit with a NYCB performer, CMOST at the Rensselaer Tech Park for the Living Hudson River program, and Pioneer Bank for a career exploration experience. At the final celebration ceremony, students presented a final performance project that highlighted the them “Animals of the Hudson River Valley”.

Durham School Services

Stewart’s Shops

President, Gary Dake

Dr. Lori V. Quigley, Dean, Esteves School of Education Kathy Jimino, Rensselaer County Executive John T. McDonald, Member of Assembly, 108th Assembly District Lynn M. Kopka, Troy City Council Pfiel Hardware Architecture + Troy Police Benevolence Society Carolyn Bradley

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THE 14TH ANNUAL CHARACTER EDUCATION YOUTH SUMMIT Thursday, December 3, 2015 8:30 am to 2:30 pm The Sage Colleges, Troy Campus 65 1st Street, Troy, NY 12180 Teams of middle and high school students, teachers, and parents participate in an action-oriented program designed by student and teacher teams that empower youth to make a difference. Each team works to develop an action plan which is then implemented in their school. This year’s summit expands upon the theme “The Power of One”, based upon Katheryn Otashi’s book, One. Michelle Bintz and a team of Voorheesville students will provide leadership for the event. Exciting workshop sessions will round out the program featuring kickoff speaker Kati Preston.

What The Students Have to Say “I loved doing this Summit! I learned so much about how I am different in my own way.”

“I learned that I have a bigger effect on th e people around me than I though I did.”

Sign Up Today!

Youth voice and action are powerful! This is an exciting opportunity for middle and high school students to network with peers from school districts around the Capital Region and around New York State to become leaders in their schools. The Summit will be limited to the first 20 districts to respond with a completed registration packet. The cost is $375 for an entire team up to ten members including adults($37 per person for each additional team member beyond ten).

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Register befor e November 1, 2015 for only $300 per team up to ten members ($30 per person for each additional team member beyond ten). ____________________________________________________ Last year, teams from 20 New York State school districts attended the Youth Summit. The Kick off event featured the band “Flame” and the event included workshops centered on suicide prevention, mindfulness, selfactualization, bullying awareness, and more ___________________________________________________ This year’s Summit promises to be another dynamic learning experience.

Check our website for details HERE. But, don’t wait– call to set up a registration TODAY! Would your school like a Leadership role?

Suggestions or questions?

Call The Academy for Character Education at 518-244-2336 or email Lexie Phillips at charactered@sage.edu

“I had an amazing day. It was very informational and the hosts were awesome!”

“My workshop taught me that I am not here for the ride, I am creating the ride.”

_________________

Kati Preston Holocaust Survivor Kickoff Speaker Mrs. Preston will share her story of her Holocaust survival and how the “power of one” made all the difference in the world then and how the “power of one” can make all the difference in your life today.

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Stand Up for Character: Become a Partner with The Academy “Please lend a hand to help build our community of trust!”

-John D. Walko PhD, Director Please allow us to introduce you to the exciting community based programs of The Academy for Character Education. Our programs build character within our youth and address issues of bullying, teen violence, and academic achievement within our schools. We recognize the important of working as partners with educators and community members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributed to cultural and educational programs that support our children. We hope that you will consider the opportunity to join with other community leaders to accomplish our mission. We at The Academy for Character Education would like to invite you to become a Champion of Character sponsor for the 2015– 16 academic year.

Established in January of 2000, The Academy for Character Education (ACE) continues to provide resources for the community’s youth, educators, parents, civic groups, governments, and businesses. ACE is a non-profit organization that promotes positive character development for our youth and for the greater community. ACE positively impacts our youth and community by educating, motivating, and facilitating the infusion of positive character traits that become lifelong habits. These include: having respect for self and others, being responsible, showing perseverance, feeling empathy for others, being trustworthy, developing a hard work ethic, striving for excellence and exhibiting good citizenship.

Five major programs will highlight the character education initiative for this year. These include: Summer Youth Program, Bullying Awareness Month, Youth Leadership Summit, Champions of Character Banquet and New York State School of Character Program. For a an overview programs please see our “2015-2016 Academy Major Program Calendar” (page 15).

As a non-profit organization, we at the Academy fund all of our programs through our affiliated donors and partners. Your contribution, as a Champion of Character sponsor, will allow ACE to strive to continue to cultivate character education within our youth and will help our organization to continue with its mission to affect the greater community of New York State and beyond. Specifically, your generosity with be used to help cover expenses for the training workshops, presentations, books, supplies, materials, mailings, and facilities for the program participants. Character building is a continuous process that requires dedicated support and assistance.

Please take this opportunity to commit to help us continue to make a difference! You count!

Thank you for your time and consideration in familiarizing yourself with the programs of The Academy for Character Education.

Sincerely, Dr. John D. Walko, Director 13

Stand Up for Character: Become a Partner with The Academy Your thoughtful and appreciated contribution will make a huge difference to the mission of The Academy to allow us to continue to serve our community character education initiative.

I Stand Up to become a supporter of The Academy to help create the trust and support needed to carry out the character education mission Champions of Character Levels of Support Supporters of the Character Building Initiative will be recognized at the Champions of Character Banquet and on our website and publications

Friend of The Academy __ $10.00 __ $25.00 __ $50.00 __ $75.00 __$100.00 Academy Partner __ $250.00 __ $500.00 $______ other Champions of Character Program Sponsor __ $1000.00 __ $5000.00 $______ other Check program interested in sponsoring __Summer Youth Camp; __Fall Youth Leadership Summit; ___ Bullying Prevention Program; __Champions of Character Banquet; __NYS Schools of Character: ___other Champions of Character Prime Sponsor __$10,000 (Contact ACE to discuss options) ____I volunteer to donate my time/talent. Please contact me. ____Send me information on how to join the Honorary Committee for

_________________________________ Last Name, First Name _________________________________ Organization Position _________________________________ Address _________________________________ City State Zip Code _________________________________ Phone _________________________________ Email

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Contributions should be sent to and made payable to: The Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges 65 First Street Troy, NY 12180 518-244-2336 www.sage.edu/charactered

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO:



Leadership and Curriculum Teams



School Staff

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Administrators/ Principals

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Parent Groups

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School Counselors



Social Workers

2015-2016 ACADEMY MAJOR PROGRAM CALENDAR Thursday, October 1, 2015: Meet and Gr eet w ith Kathryn Otoshi, author of One, at M.O.S.S. Bookstore, corner of 2nd and Congress, Troy, NY Thursday, October 1, 2015: B u lly Pr evention Month Kickoff Wednesday, October 21, 2015: Statew ide Reading Day Monday, December 1, 2015: Cham pions of Char acter Award Nominations due Monday, December 1, 2015: New Y or k State Scho o l o f Character applications due Thursday, December 3, 2015: 14th Ann u al Y ou th Character and Leadership Summit at Russell Sage College, Troy, NY Thursday, April 14, 2016: 13th Annu al Cham pions o f Character Banquet at the Franklin Plaza, Troy, NY

Contact The Academy for Character Education to learn what we have in common: Director: Dr. John Walko walkoj@sage.edu Assistant Director: Dr. Philip Fusco fuscop3@sage.edu (518)244-2336 www.sage.edu/charactered Graduate Assistants: Jennifer Pias Lexie Phillips Khas Ganbaatar Irene Somerville

July 2016: 15th Annu al Char acter Edu cation Y ou th Summer Program

For further details about Academy events, please visit us on the web: www.sage.edu/charactered Sincere Appreciation for Continued Support to: Dr. Susan C. Scrimshaw, President of the Sage Colleges Dr. Lori V. Quigley, Dean of the Esteves School of Education at the Sage Colleges George Goodwin, Chair of Advisory Board John Wands Sacca, Ph.D., The Sage Colleges Honorable Kathleen Jimino, Rensselaer County Executive Mary Karpiak Foster (Lifetime Benefactor) RSC ‘42 Tom Amell, President Pioneer Bank Dr. Susan W. Beatty, Provost, The Sage Colleges Dr. Steven Birchak, College of Saint Rose Kevin Buess, HVCC CDPHP The Century House, Colin DeMers C.S.Arch, Randolph Collins Dr. Bruce Crowder, Leadership Board Scott Crowder, CEO of Educational Vistas, Inc. Dr. Charles Dedrick, Superintendent of Capital Region BOCES Durham School Services, Maria Kleinhans Franklin Plaza: Michael Fusco, President, Joseph Galuski, Executive President Mel Horowitz Patrick Jacobson-Schulte, Vice President and Treasurer. The Sage Colleges Marra’s Pharmacy, Cohoes Honorable John T. McDonald III, Assemblymember, District 108 Jim McGlynn, Vice President Pioneer Bank Troy Housing Authority Stewart’s Shops : Gary Dake, President

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