School No. 51, Hamilton Preparatory Academy among schools recognized by NJASECD

Elizabeth, N.J., February 17, 2021 – Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center School No. 51 and Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy were among 21 schools to be recognized as a 2021 New Jersey School of Character by the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional and Character Development (NJASECD).

Each year, Character.org and its state affiliates select schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. There were 76 schools and one district in 14 states overall selected as state schools of character for 2021.

"We congratulate these schools on achieving State School of Character designation in a year filled with so many challenges,” said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Character.org’s President. “The educators and parents at these schools work together to ensure that every child understands, cares about, and consistently practice the core values that form the heart of each family and school. We are honored to recognize their efforts and share their inspiring work with schools and school districts throughout the United States and internationally.”

The 21 schools selected as 2021 New Jersey Schools of Character have been forwarded to Character.org, a national character education advocate, and are in the national evaluation process for consideration to be 2021 National Schools of Character.

Elizabeth Public Schools can now claim twelve district schools that have been designated as state schools of character, eight of which received national school of character honors as well. Past and present recipients include Nicholas S. La Corte-Peterstown School No. 3 (2016), which also received the National School of Character designation; Terence C. Reilly School No. 7 (2018), which also was named a National School of Character; Jerome Dunn Academy of Mathematics, Technology, and the Arts School No. 9 (2019); Victor Mravlag School No. 21 (2020); William F. Halloran School No. 22 (2020), which also received National School of Character honors;  Juan Pablo Duarte – José Julián Martí School No. 28 (2015, 2020), which also received National School of Character honors; Dr. Albert Einstein Academy School No. 29 (2019), which also was named a National School of Character;   Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center School No. 50 (2019), which received State and National School of Character honors; Donald Stewart Center for Early Childhood School No. 51 (2016, 2021), which also received the National School of Character designation; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early Childhood Center School No. 52 (2020); Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy (2021); and John E. Dwyer Technology Academy (2020), which also received the National School of Character honor.

School No. 51 and Hamilton Preparatory Academy will retain the NJ School of Character status for a period of five years, through 2025.

“With the addition of Hamilton Preparatory Academy, as well as with Donald Stewart School No. 51 being recognized for the second time, nearly one-third of our district schools have been honored as a State School of Character by the NJASECD,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer. “Character education continues to be a hallmark of instruction in our schools as we prepare our students for their college and career endeavors and develop them into caring, reliable young men and women.”

“As the great Dr. King once said, ‘Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education,’” said Elizabeth Board of Education President Jerry Jacobs. “It is vital that we are teaching not only lessons in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, but also in character education so that our students leave our schools with the confidence to succeed and a greater sense of purpose.”