The Deer Path Middle School Core Values Attendance Campaign program has been selected by Character.org as a 2021 Promising Practice. 

Promising Practices are unique, effective, and replicable initiatives that inspire “goodness in action” and contribute to the field of character development. Each Promising Practice aligns with one or more of the principles articulated in Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework.

This year, Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character in schools and communities, certified 170 Promising Practices in schools and organizations; Deer Path Middle School is the only school receiving this recognition in Illinois.

Deer Path Middle School Principal Thomas Herion said, "We are honored to be the only school in Illinois to receive this recognition from Character.org. Through the Core Values Attendance Campaign, the Deer Path Middle School community recognized the importance of student attendance not only for its academic benefits but also its direct connection to social emotional wellbeing. This honor is a reminder that school attendance is about more than just showing up. It is about being there for each other." 

"We are so thankful for the teachers, students, and parents who have partnered with us to make our Attendance Campaign a success, increasing the participation and engagement of our students this year" said Megan Eigenrauch, Deer Path Middle School Associate Principal.

"Our goal as a school is for all Deer Path Middle School Braves to embody our Core Values: Perseverance, Integrity, Compassion, Curiosity, and Funtastic," said Sam Paulsen, Deer Path Middle School Associate Principal. "In an effort to teach to the 'whole child,' our educational team builds in opportunities throughout the year for all Deer Path students to learn about those critical characteristics and strive to grow as individuals."

Character.org will honor each 2021 Promising Practice recipient (schools and organizations) at its National Forum to be held October 20-22, 2021. Learn more about Promising Practices on their website.