For more information, contact:
Nicole Groody (860) 868-7377
NEWS RELEASE

Continuing to Build Communities of Character© - Devereux Glenholme hosts eighth annual Summer Institute

WASHINGTON, CT (August 24, 2004) - Schools, organizations, and communities are joining forces to combat the negative influences in today's culture by utilizing universal values to facilitate a positive impact on our youth. Character Education continues to be a driving source behind many educational programs. Since 1994, The Devereux Glenholme School has been at the forefront of this initiative with its establishment of Communities of Character©. The Communities of Character program is a comprehensive approach to character education and training based on six principles: Responsibility, community service, respect, kindness, honesty, and fairness.

Communities of Character© has presented to 32 schools in Connecticut alone. They are recognized by the Character Education partnership as a resource and are an approved provider of the New Jersey Department of Education. Additional community outreach has expanded the program, resources, and has provided support to parents, teachers, agency workers, educators, administration, and business leaders.

Through outcome studies performed by Devereux Glenholme, we know children feel more safe and nurtured when character education programs are in place. Self-esteem increases, with children making more positive statements and expressing a stronger desire to perform good actions. Changes in behavior have also been demonstrated. Children's interactions with adults are more positive and they are better able to identify how their actions and decisions effect others.

For the eighth year, the Devereux Glenholme School hosted its Communities of Character© Summer Institute to other organizations and agencies on August 10, 11, 12. The Summer Institute offered participants a three-day seminar guiding them in developing and sustaining an effective values education program. For more information regarding Communities of Character©, please contact Mary Guilfoile at 860-868-7377.