June 9, 2021

For the second year in a row, Holt Elementary School has been recognized as a Promising Practice school by Character.org. Holt Elementary is one of just 170 schools and organizations across the country, and one of just four in Alabama, selected for this honor in 2021. Promising Practices represent creative approaches to help children and teens 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.

The Promising Practice recognized by Character.org is Holt Elementary’s partnership with Wings of Grace Relief Center. Wings of Grace is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to families. The partnership began when students on the Holt Elementary yearbook staff began volunteering with Wings of Grace. The students wrapped Christmas gifts, sorted clothing and shoes, and restocked the food pantry. When Wings of Grace was in need of food during the pandemic, Holt Elementary held a community food drive to help restock the pantry. In addition, Holt faculty and staff signed up to work at Wings of Grace after school throughout the year.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented a Promising Practice,” Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, said.

“Each of these programs and initiatives have demonstrated significant impact and strongly align with the principles that help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of character.”

Character.org will honor Holt Elementary at its National Forum later this year.

Character.org, previously known as the Character Education Partnership, began in 1993, when a group of educators, researchers, and civic leaders formed a national organization to foster character development in our schools and communities. Ever since, the mission of Character.org has been to provide the voice, visibility, and resources for educators to build nurturing and supportive school cultures, which focus on core values and character strengths vital to school success.

Last year, Holt Elementary’s launch and implementation of its parent engagement program was selected as a 2020 Promising Practice by Character.org. Also in 2020, both Huntington Place Elementary and Walker Elementary earned the distinction of Character.org National School of Character. The Tuscaloosa County School System is proud of the work our schools are doing to help students build strong character and to develop positive school culture.