News & Announcements
- Board Approves Temporary Pay Increase for Substitute Teachers & LPNs
- Architects & Construction Managers Approved for Construction Projects
- Planning for the Opening of Northport Intermediate & Reconfiguration of TCHS Feeder Pattern Schools
- 2021 TCSS Educator Recognition Awards
- TCHS Celebrates Mars Rover Landing & Classmate's Role in Historic Event
- Regular Operations to Resume Wednesday, February 17
- Schools & Central Office Closed Tuesday, February 16
- Schools & Central Office Closed Monday, February 15
- Monitoring the Weather for Monday, February 15
- February 12, 2021: Latest Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Neighborhood Bridges Tuscaloosa County Launches Friday, February 12
- Mr. Bill Squires Takes Oath of Office as District 7 Board of Education Member
- February 1-5 Is National School Counseling Week
- Tuesday, March 9: E-Learning Day for 9th, 10th, 12th Grade Students
- TCSS High Schools to Move to Block Schedule for 2021-2022 School Year
- TCSS Adds Mental Health Services Coordinator
- TCSS Adds New Digital Library Resource, SORA
- Thank You, Board Members!
- January 30, 2021: Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- 2021 High School Graduation Dates Set
- Brookwood Middle Named 2021 State School of Character
- Commission Recognizes TCSS Career Technical Education Programs
- Celebrating 50 Years of Service to TCSS & Our Students
- Board to Hold Interviews January 21 for District 7 Board of Education Seat
- January 15, 2021: Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- TCSS Seeks Candidates for Position of Chief School Financial Officer
- TCSS to Implement Two-Hour Delay Tuesday, January 12, 2021
- Pre-K Pre-Registration Opens Friday, January 15, 2021
- TCSS to Implement Three-Hour Delay Monday, January 11, 2021
- TCSS to Return to Five-Day On-Campus Schedule Monday, January 11
- December 19, 2020: Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- TCSS to Implement A/B Schedule for On-Campus Students January 5 - 8, 2021
- Application Period Open Until January 7 for District 7 Board of Education Seat
- Photo Gallery - Celebrating the Holiday Season
- TCSS Educators Receive Tuscaloosa Education Foundation Grants
- Statement on the Passing of Board of Education Member Mr. Bill Copeland
- Board of Education Approves Extraordinary Compensation for Employees
- TCSS CSFO Announces Upcoming Retirement
- ADPH Updates Guidelines for Schools, Regarding Quarantine Period
- TCSS Teachers Receive Nick's Kids Teacher Excellence Awards
- Sipsey Valley Celebrates Addition of Athletics Facilities
- 2021-2022 TCSS Academic Calendar Approved
- TCSS to Shift to A/B Schedule Beginning Monday, December 14
- December 4, 2020: Latest Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Board Members Begin New Terms in Office
- December 3: Update from the Office of the Superintendent
- Choose Your Learning Option for Third Nine Weeks
- Provide Feedback on Proposed 2021-2022 TCSS Academic Calendar
- November 20: Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Meet Our Education Heroes
- November 17: Update from the Office of the Superintendent
- TEF, Jalapeno's, & TCSS Celebrate Our Education Heroes
- November 12: Information Regarding COVID-19 & Our Schools
- November 10: Data Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Photo Gallery: Vocabulary Parade
- TCSS Celebrates Red Ribbon Week
- Celebrating Decades of Service to Our Schools
- TCSS Receives $389,000 Grant for Career Technical Education
- October 26: An Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Unity Day 2020 - Photo Gallery
- Alabama College Application Week 2020
- October 15: An Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- CRMS Tigers Celebrate Championship Win & Undefeated Season
- Second Nine Weeks: Important Upcoming Dates
- TCSS Goes Blue for World Day of Bullying Prevention
- Celebrating Homecoming Traditions
- TCSS Promotes BRAVE Bullying Prevention Initiative
- October 1: An Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- TCSS E-Learning Day Set for Friday, October 16
- Schools Receive Tuscaloosa Education Foundation Grants for Character Education
- Big Sandy Receives Visit from National Organization to Mark Achievement
- TCHS Wind Ensemble Receives National Recognition
- Join Our Team as a Substitute
- September 17: An Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- TCSS to Implement Edgenuity Online Learning Solution for Remote Learners
- TCHS Student Named National Merit Semifinalist
- An Update on COVID-19 & Our Schools
- Breakfast and Lunch Available to All TCSS Students, at No Cost to Families
- Continuous Improvement Planning
- Photo Gallery: Welcome Back to School!
- Welcome Dr. Johnson!
- Leaders Are Readers
- Celebrating Service to Our Students - Photo Gallery
- Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
- Thank You, Dr. Davie! - Photo Gallery
- Preparing for Our Return to School
- Holt Elementary Selected as 2020 Promising Practice School
- A Message to Our TCSS Community & Resources for Families
- Big Sandy Named First "Model PLC at Work" School in Alabama
- 2020 - 2021 Transportation Information
- Board Selects Candidates to Fill Superintendent and CSFO Positions
- Class of 2020 Graduation Celebrations on WVUA 23
- Two TCSS Schools Chosen as 2020 National Schools of Character
- Board Approves Revised 2020-2021 Academic Calendar
- 2020-2021 Kindergarten Registration
- New Principal Named for Lake View Elementary
- TCHS Junior Names NASA's Mars Helicopter
- Storm Shelter Information
- Superintendent & CSFO Update
- TCSS Reads Across America!
- Information on Search for TCSS Superintendent and Chief School Financial Officer
- Waiver Requested for February 11 Weather Day
- TCSS Students Spread Kindness
- National School Counseling Week 2020
- February Is Career Technical Education Month
- TCSS Schools Chosen as 2020 State Schools of Character
- School Board Member Recognition Month
- Fighting the Flu
- TCSS 2020 Educator Recognition Award Recipients
- TCSS Student Chosen as Finalist in NASA Contest
- Honors for TCHS Wind Ensemble
- Pre-K Registration Information for 2020-2021 School Year
- TCSS Superintendent and CSFO Announce Retirements
- Honors for Holt High Carpentry
- Nick's Kids Teacher Excellence Awards
- TCSS Celebrates Alabama's Bicentennial
- TCSS Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
- Holiday Book Drive
- 2020-2021 TCSS Academic Calendar Approved
- TCSS Students Honor Veterans
- Commission Provides Funding for Projects at Schools
- TCSS High School Students Participate in Reality Check
- Pumpkins Become Book Characters
- May 2020 Graduation Ceremonies Announced
- Alabama Education Report Card
- TCSS Teams Up Against Bullying on Friday, October 18
- TCSS Launches BRAVE Bullying Prevention Program
- TCSS Launching New Community Engagement Program
- TCSS Schools Selected as Bicentennial Schools of Excellence
- TEF Celebrates Superintendents & Supporters of Education
- Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Sipsey Valley Middle School
- TCSS Teacher on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"
- 2019 TCSS Summer Meals Program
- TCSS Names New Administrators
- TCSS Celebrates Alabama Bicentennial
- Tuscaloosa County School System
- Two TCSS Schools Chosen as 2020 National Schools of Character




Two TCSS Schools Receive National Recognition for Commitment to Character Education
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May 15, 2020
On May 15, Character.org, a national advocate for character development in schools and communities, announced Huntington Place Elementary School and Walker Elementary School are both 2020 National Schools of Character. Only 84 schools across 15 states received this distinction.
“Each of these schools and school districts has put in place a comprehensive approach to help their students understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens,” Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, said.
The schools and school districts who apply must meet the rigorous standards articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools. Each school is evaluated by a team of trained educators and includes a site visit to assess how a school’s “shared values” are motivating students to do the right thing.
“These schools and school districts serve as an exemplary model for all schools and districts across the nation,” Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program, said.
“The educators at these schools are inspiring their students to treat all people with respect and dignity. They are teaching their students to be honest and trustworthy, to contribute their time and talents to the common good, and when necessary, to show the courage to stand up for what is right.”
In a letter notifying HPES faculty and staff of the honor, HPES Principal Andrea Hamner thanked the educators for their commitment to their school community.
“This is a testimony to your hard work and dedication to our students,” Hamner said in the announcement.
“You have always worked so hard for our students, but the past two months I have seen you go above and beyond to work hard to meet your students' needs. You have found so many creative ways to continue to connect with your children.”
Walker Elementary Assistant Principal Ben White also thanked staff and parents for their dedication to character education.
“We are honored that this commitment is being recognized by Character.org and are excited to continue in this pursuit of excellence for years to come!” White said.
Earlier this year, both Huntington Place and Walker were selected as 2020 State Schools of Character.
Both schools have partnered with The Hope Institute at Samford University to develop and implement their schools’ character education programs. In developing these programs, both HPES and Walker surveyed their school communities to determine their school’s core values. At Huntington Place, the Wildcat Way reinforces the school’s core values of kindness, respect, compassion, honesty, and responsibility. At Walker, the RAMS Way is respectful, accountable, motivated, and self-controlled. At both schools, these core values are everyday language and woven into all aspects of a student’s learning. Also at both schools, students, staff, and faculty become part of character education groups that go across grade levels and home rooms, to create a greater sense of community and new relationships within the schools.
Character.org will honor the 2020 National Schools of Character during its next National Forum.
Founded in 1993, Character.org is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. The organization’s mission is to provide the voice, visibility, and resources for educators to build nurturing and supportive school cultures that focus on core values and character strengths vital to student and school success.