Sperreng Middle School and Lindbergh Schools are among the CHARACTERplus schools and districts leading the country in recognition this spring as State Schools and Districts of Character by the Character Education Partnership.

Fourteen schools and districts were recognized throughout the state earlier this month, demonstrating that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.

“Sperreng Middle School values character education through a shared vision that the school community will ‘promote an atmosphere of respect for self and others by establishing a caring, responsible, and cooperative attitude among students and staff,'” Lindbergh Character Education Coordinator Amy Richards stated in a news release. “That vision valuing staff and student voice is very evident in everything they do. We are so proud to add Sperreng to our long list of Lindbergh Schools that have been recognized for their outstanding character education programs.”

Recognition as a Missouri School of Character is a step toward being honored as a National School of Character. Those winners will be announced this spring. Sperreng is the sixth Lindbergh school to earn the state honor. Crestwood, Kennerly, Long and Sappington elementary schools are all National Schools of Character, as is Lindbergh High School.

In addition, the school district’s state recognition reflects on character education efforts that span Lindbergh’s student body, from early childhood through Lindbergh High School, according to the release.

“Lindbergh Schools is proud to be recognized as a State District of Character,” Richards stated in the release. “Our district, ranked No. 1 among Missouri K-12 districts for student academic achievement, believes that the academic success of our students is a direct result of the strong emphasis placed on sustaining a strong foundation of character development throughout our school community.”