WEST MILFORD — Every day at Macopin Middle School after the Pledge of Allegiance, Principal Mary Reinhold states, “Remember that your character counts every day.”
It is getting through. Macopin Middle School was recently named an honorable mention School of Character by the state.
Earlier this year, Macopin Character Education Committee Chairperson and District Anti-Bullying Coordinator Joe Trentacosta applied for State and National Schools of Character recognition. The New Jersey School Of Character Committee received and reviewed many applications from schools and districts with character education programs of exceptionally high quality this year. Macopin Middle School was selected and recognized as an Honorable Mention School of Character. This was a significant step for Macopin as one of its continued goals is to improve school climate and provide an optimum environment for students to learn and grow.
Winning this award has given an opportunity for leaders at Macopin to analyze and reflect on its successes and build upon areas that need improvement. Some of the highlights where students reflected the core values and principles of character were the Make a Change Club’s “Give A Goat Night,” student council fundraisers for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy and the activity night hosted by teachers who volunteered, and “Operation Thank You – Care packages to Troops.” Through its advisory character education program and support from curricula, Macopin will be doubling down efforts to be considered and recognized as a New Jersey School of Character 2013-14.