St. Veronica's Spirit Families became close-knit groups and put positive character traits into action throughout the school year.

St. Veronica's Spirit Families became close-knit groups and put positive character traits into action throughout the school year.
The Character Education Partnership has recognized St. Veronica School, 4475 Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road, as a 2012 Promising Practice for its Spirit Family program.

CEP awarded 297 Promising Practices to schools, districts, and organizations from across the United States, as well as from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico.

This year St. Veronica established a new program called Spirit Families, based on the concept of having students from all grade levels work together to create a greater sense of unity.

The theme for this year’s Spirit Family program was “Fruits of the Spirit.” The character traits (fruits) were presented during the first school Mass of each month and developed through both family and classroom activities.

Spirit Families met throughout the year to worship together or to work on school or community outreach projects connected to the theme.

The families were led by St. Veronica’s 8th grade students, who were responsible for generating ideas, planning meetings, and facilitating the activities.

“These practices showcase so many creative and unique ways of dealing with challenges educators face each day,” said Lisa Greeves, manager of the Promising Practices program. “CEP is proud to recognize these educators and to give them an international platform upon which to share their hard work.”

This year’s winning practices include unique anti-bullying programs, successful integration of academics and character, self-motivation and goal-setting strategies, service-learning activities, and community outreach.

CEP’s 2012 National and International Promising Practices in Character Education represent five nations and 30 states and the District of Columbia.

It recognizes 209 public schools, 18 charter schools, 15 private schools, 12 school districts, and four youth-serving organizations.

CEP sponsors the annual program to showcase innovative best practices that are having an impact across the nation and abroad.

CEP encourages educators with similar needs to learn from and even replicate these successful initiatives.

CEP will honor the 2012 recipients at the 19th National Forum on Character Education, to be held in Washington, D.C., November 1 through 3.