Chestnutwald Elementary School in the Haverford School District has been named a “National School of Character” by Character.org, reported Jenn Fred for Fox 29 News.

Character.org certifies schools that focus on character development. The school was honored at a national forum in Washington, D.C.

Chestnutwald’s principal, counselors and teachers have been teaching students to be model members of their community.

The idea is to take the students beyond academics and teach them to get along, to show respect and be kind.

On a recent visit by Jenn Fred, a third grade class was conducting a “just like me” activity, sharing with each other what fall activities they all do in common.  It got the students mingling and sharing, talking to each other without shouting.

The idea is “to build some intuition amongst the kids and the faculty, and the faculty with each other, so that we really get to know each other,” said Chestnutwald Principal Joel Dibartolomeo, “so we can work with each other…to build that kindness, that community, that culture that makes us such a unique learning place for not just the kids and families, but for teachers too.”

Read more about Chestnutwald’s successful character building program here.

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