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Sign up for the Character Education Updates to stay informed, and visit our Character Education Website for information on legislation, resources, and State Schools of Character.
UPDATE INCLUDES:
SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTER
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
- Union Academy Charter School Earns Recognition as a 2026 National School of Character
- Student Voices at Topsail High School Lead the Way: Bringing Choose Love to Their Community
- Become a North Carolina School of Character
OPPORTUNITIES & AWARDS
- Laws of Life Essay Contest
- National Schools of Character: Panel Discussion Webinar
- Coffee & Character Chats
- SEL4NC Gather & Grow Session: Building Personal Resilience to Sustain a Culture of Care
- Youth Service Month: April 10 - May 10
- Growing Success for MLs and The Standards Academy 2026 Summer Conference
- RISE Conference
INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS & RESOURCES
- Greater Good Science Center Communities of Practice: Exploring Empathy, Curiosity
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Sandy Hook Promise Programs
- On-Demand Professional Learning
Follow Us On Facebook and Instagram
We’re excited to announce that Character Education in North Carolina now has official Facebook and Instagram pages! Follow us for the latest updates on Character Development, Service Learning, Student Leadership, and more:
Help us show that Character Matters in NC! If your school or district is doing something impactful in character, leadership, or service, we want to hear about it. Send your stories so we can help spotlight the great work happening across the state.
Union Academy Charter School Earns
Recognition as a 2026 National School of Character
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is proud to announce that Union Academy Charter School has been named a 2026 National School of Character by Character.org, a national leader and advocate for character development in schools and communities. Union Academy joins a prestigious group of 94 schools across the United States and 9 international schools that have demonstrated a deep commitment to developing strong culture, ethical leadership, and character growth in students
This recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to fostering character development and cultivating a school culture where students thrive as learners, citizens, and leaders.
Character.org’s National Schools of Character program is grounded in the 11 Principles Framework for Schools, a nationally recognized guide that outlines key practices for creating and sustaining a culture of character. Schools that apply for this recognition undergo a rigorous evaluation by trained reviewers who assess the implementation and impact of character initiatives.
Since its inception, the National Schools of Character program has impacted more than three million students, educators, and families nationwide. Union Academy's recognition is a testament to the school’s intentional and inclusive approach to character education and its ongoing efforts to empower students to make ethical choices and contribute positively to their school and community. This recognition highlights the school’s unwavering dedication to building a strong, caring community centered on core values like respect, responsibility, and integrity. For a complete list of the 2026 National Schools and Districts of Character, and to learn more about the program, visit www.character.org.
 Student Voices at Topsail High School Lead the Way: Bringing Choose Love to Their Community
Students at Topsail High School recently took the lead in bringing a powerful message of healing and resilience to their community by inviting Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, to speak. Inspired to make a difference, these students helped organize an event that brought together peers, families, and educators to reflect on the importance of compassion, connection, and emotional well-being. Lewis’s message reinforced the impact young people can have when they use their voices to promote kindness and positive school culture, demonstrating that student leadership is a driving force in building stronger, more caring communities. To see more highlights from Scarlett’s visit and hear directly from those involved, watch the full story here.
 Become a School of Character
The deadline for this year has passed, but it’s the perfect time to begin your journey so you’re ready for next year’s submission. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to grow, the NCDPI Action Plan will guide your team step-by-step.
Get started:
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Make a copy of the NCDPI Action Plan
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Determine your school’s readiness
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Explore NCDPI Resources aligned to the 11 Principles of Character Education.
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Contact Justyn Burgess to schedule a coaching meeting and walk through your application plan.
The Laws of Life Essay Contest
The Laws of Life essay contest encourages elementary, middle, and high school students to reflect and write about a core value that means the most to them – and why. All essay writers will be recognized by Character.org. They will also recognize the most compelling essays and feature them on their website and social media channels.
Submission deadline: May 15, 2026
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  Webinar: National Schools of Character Panel Discussion
May 13th | 3:00–4:00 PM
Do you want to strengthen your school's climate and culture? Are you looking for proven strategies to enhance character development? Join us for an engaging conversation with State and National Schools of Character. Learn from and be inspired by our National Schools of Character:
- Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership
- Haynes-Inman Educational Center
- North Shelby School
- Patriot STEM Elementary
- Union Academy
Hear directly from schools that are using the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education to build stronger relationships, foster respect and responsibility, and create positive, thriving learning environments. You will walk away with practical strategies and fresh inspiration to begin transforming your own school's culture — one principle at a time.
 ☕ Coffee & Character Chats ☕
Community • Character • Connection
May 20, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 (EST).
Once you register, you will receive an email with the meeting link. Join us each month for an informal virtual gathering where educators across North Carolina come together to share stories, reflect, and encourage one another in this work of building character and community.
Whether you bring a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite morning drink, this is a space to:
💬 Celebrate stories of impact happening in schools
🌱 Share resources, strategies, and ideas
💛 Support one another in sustaining a culture of character
JOIN US — one cup, one chat, one community at a time
SEL4NC Gather & Grow Session: Building Personal Resilience to Sustain a Culture of Care
May 7, 2026 9:00-10:30 AM ET
Join SEL4NC to experience practical self- and co-regulation tools that help educators bridge individual resilience and collective well-being. In this 75-minute experiential workshop with three educator well-being trainers, participants will engage in resilience-building strategies to create structures that support a sustainable culture of care in their schools and districts.
Youth Service Month is April 10 - May 10
As Americans celebrate 250 years of the Stars and Stripes, Youth Serve America is calling on all young people to be the "bright stars" of our democracy and work together for the Common Good during Youth Service Month | Global Youth Service Day 2026 through: Service, Philanthropy, Advocacy, Research, Kindness, Leadership, and Education.
Resources to help you choose and plan a Kindness project.
Youth Service Month Partner Events
 Growing Success for MLs and The Standards Academy 2026 Summer Conference
June 23-25, 2026
In-Person Sessions
Cleveland High School
1892 Polenta Rd.Clayton, NC 27520
July 13-16, 2026
Virtual Sessions
Don't miss this outstanding professional development experience! NCDPI’s Office of Teaching and Learning is once again joining the Growing Success for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and The Standards Academy for one spectacular summer conference!
- Dual Conference Access – attend sessions from both conferences at one location, at no cost. Consider bringing a team to maximize learning and collaboration. Participants choose their own sessions!
- Flexible Attendance Options – Choose from the in-person locations or attend virtually to fit your schedule and preferences.
- Expert-Led Sessions – Engage with best practices, collaboration strategies, and proven methods for elevating multilingual learner success.
- Professional Networking – Connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
 The 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit will be held from Tuesday, Aug. 4 to Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Greenville Convention Center. Sessions include Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, Rethinking School Safety for Exceptional Learners, Mental Health Trauma and Well-Being, and Digital Safety and Emerging Risk.
Registration is open until Friday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m. A special hotel rate is available for RISE attendees. Secure your room now – space is limited at this rate.
Don’t forget to download the Whova app to receive updates and engage with fellow attendees leading up to RISE 2026. Check the Center for Safer Schools newsletter and social media for more details over the coming months.
Greater Good Science Center Communities of Practice
Exploring Empathy, Curiosity, and
Intellectual Humility for the Greater Good
How do we teach the skills of bridging and dialogue in U.S. classrooms and schools? What strengths or qualities can we draw on to communicate across differences? What are the protocols and practices that best support constructive dialogue, and kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs?
This community of practice for educators explores aspirational ways of bringing people together—in the spirit of connection, authentic listening, and healing.
This Summer 2026 the Greater Good Educators is offering seven community of practice(CoP) session, “Bridging for Belonging,” centering on three key qualities: curiosity (“Tell me more; I want to understand”), intellectual humility (“I may be wrong, and I’m open to changing my thinking”), and empathy (“I feel with you–and your perspective”). Participants will have access to three self-paced learning modules on these three qualities, each featuring a mix of videos, short articles, and research-based practices that they can apply in their schools and classrooms.
💚🎗 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚🎗
In preparation, Everfi created a robust toolkit of our Health & Wellness resources to help bolster mental health education and discussions. The toolkit includes a calendar with ready-to-go lesson activities for elementary, middle, and high school classes, featuring fun Pear Decks to introduce topics, digital lessons, and offline extension activities.
Included in the toolkit is Everfi’s Understanding Mental Wellness digital course that addresses the real challenges teens face. Through interactive, research-based scenarios, students learn practical coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions while building resilience and emotional intelligence.
💚 CREATING A SUPPORTIVE MENTAL WELLNESS PLAN
💚 INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH
💚 MENTAL HEALTH COPING STRATEGIES
💚 SEEKING AND OFFERING SUPPORT
💚 STAYING HEALTHY IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY
💚 UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
Sandy Hook Promise Programs
The Center for Safer Schools' partners at Sandy Hook Promise offer additional free programs meant to complement the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. Many of these programs are making an impact in North Carolina public school units:
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SAVE Promise Club: A youth leadership program that advocates student leaders taking an active role in the safety of their school and community.
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Say Something: Trusted Adult Workshop: A supplement of the Say Something program for school staff to enhance their skills for listening, responding, reassuring, and following up when presented with warning signs of violence, suicide, or self-harm.
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Start With Hello: A program available for grades K-12 that encourages students to reach out and support their peers.
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No One Eats Alone: Quick lunchtime activities for grades 5-8 focused on getting to know others and reducing social isolation.
If you have questions about Sandy Hook Promise programming, send an email to Center for Safer Schools School Safety Program Analyst Chris Carey.
On-Demand Professional Learning
Take advantage of recordings of NCDPI Character Education & Social-Emotional Learning on-demand webinars. Watch these recorded presentations to help you enhance your classroom experience and empower your students to become more empathetic, responsible, and caring citizens. These webinars will help you discover practical strategies to help your students regulate emotions, set goals, and demonstrate self-discipline. Character1 is the password for each On-Demand session.
Character Education
The Power of Choosing Love: Watch an Inspiring conversation with Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement. After the loss of her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy, Scarlett turned pain into purpose — spreading a message rooted in three simple, powerful words: Nurturing. Healing. Love. Learn how the Choose Love Formula empowers educators to build stronger, more connected school communities.
Leading With Character: Improve the climate and culture of your school community based on the 11 principles of character education; Gain ideas and resources to improve school climate and culture from a state and national school of character; and understand the impact of character development on teachers, students, and overall school climate and culture
Intrinsic Motivation: Foster intrinsic motivation in students; develop a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach to character education at your school
Integrate Social-Emotional Learning in Your Classroom
Self Management: Discover practical strategies to help your students regulate emotions, set goals, and demonstrate self-discipline.
Responsible Decision-Making: Discover strategies to empower your students to think critically, make ethical choices, and contribute positively to society.
Self and Social Awareness: Discover strategies that help students build a deeper understanding of themselves and others while fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and meaningful social connections.
Relationship Skills: Discover strategies to help your students cultivate strong interpersonal connections, communication skills, and conflict resolution
Would You Like To Learn More About
Character Education?
Are you eager to create a culture of character in your classroom, school, and district using the 11 Principles of Character Education? NCDPI has professional learning opportunities to assist your school or district with your character education journey. If your school or district is interested in hosting a Character Education Professional Learning Opportunity, please take a moment to complete this survey to help our NCDPI team understand your needs. Contact Justyn Burgess, State Coordinator for Character Education, if you have questions.
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