Two ISD Schools Named National Schools of Character

Christian Ott Elementary and William Chrisman High School have been named 2015 National Schools of Character, two of just 64 schools nationwide and two of only four in the Kansas City area to receive the coveted distinction.

“Having two schools in one district receive this honor clearly demonstrates the Independence School District’s leadership in the area of character education,” said Dr. Dale Herl, superintendent. “Ott and William Chrisman worked very hard through this rigorous evaluation process to exemplify the positive impacts of character development in the ISD.”

Character.org, a national character education advocacy organization, screened Ott and Chrisman intensively, a process that included a site visit and an evaluation of their character programs. William Chrisman was the first high school on the Missouri side of the metropolitan area to ever receive the honor.

“Our students have outstanding moral character and demonstrate it on a daily basis,” said Tim Dial, Chrisman English teacher and the school’s CharacterPlus representative. “It was a journey that lasted many years, but we have finally seen the hard work and dedication of the staff and students pay off with this national award.”

“Our recognition as a National School of Character is the result of everyone’s hard work and dedication to the character.org program,” said Ronnee Laughlin, Ott’s principal. “I couldn’t be more proud!”

National Schools of Character have demonstrated positive character development leads to positive impacts on academics, student behavior and school climate. Ott and William Chrisman will carry the National School of Character designation for five years.