From body to mind to soul, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence is being recognized for educating the entire student. Last September and October, the elementary school received two physical fitness grants—one for selection as a Healthy Zone School in Training, and the other for receiving an ING Run For Something Better School Award. The campus was also chosen as one of seven Texas finalists in the National Title I Distinguished Schools Recognition Program.
Now, Kimberlin has been named a 2013 State School of Character.
“This award means that we are on the right track in terms of helping our students understand and exhibit the traits of good citizens and good people,” said Principal Mida Milligan.
Recognized by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), Kimberlin is one of three campuses to receive this year’s State School of Character honor. Other recipients include North Pointe Elementary in Clear Creek ISD and Peterson Elementary in Northwest ISD.
TEPSA’s Schools of Character program recognizes PreK-8 campuses and districts that demonstrate outstanding character-education initiatives, yielding positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. Applicants are measured by the Character Education Partnership’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, which include promoting core ethical and performance values, creating a caring community, offering meaningful and challenging academic curriculum, and engaging families and community members.
In Kimberlin’s application, Counselor Tammy Sullivan described the school’s many initiatives to grow service-minded students who show courtesy, kindness, compassion and respect for others.
“Doing the right thing has become the foundation of who we are at Kimberlin Academy,” she said. “Students have unique opportunities to improve the lives of others both in school and in the community through HERO (Help Everyone Respect Others) week, Sandwiches for the Homeless, Safety Patrol, Kiwanis-Kids (student-led community service club), Sunshiners (students using recess time to help others), Book Buddies (students reading to their peers), Salvation Army Angels, Special Olympics, Conspiracy of Kindness, Rachel’s Challenge, and March of Dimes. Through service, our students see change in the world around them, but the biggest change happens within themselves.”
Sullivan also illustrated the success that Kimberlin has seen as a result of the campus’ character-education initiatives.
The school has received exemplary ratings from the Texas Education Agency for many years. It has also been named a Higher Performing School by the National Center for Educational Achievement, a Best School in the Metroplex by D Magazine, and a nominee for one of the Best Public Schools by Texas Monthly. Kimberlin continues to hold one of the highest attendance rates of all Garland ISD elementary schools while experiencing very little turnover of students. And, the campus collected nearly $10,000 for March of Dimes last year.
“The mission of Kimberlin Academy is to foster excellence among the students, faculty, and parents to provide an enriched learning environment that gives all students the best opportunity to reach their full potential academically and creatively,” said Milligan. “We tell our kids all the time that success and money are great, but this is not what will make them happy in life. Being good people will give them lives that are truly rewarding and satisfying. This award underscores the importance of that message.”
As a Texas School of Character, Kimberlin will hold the distinction for three years and serve as a model to other campuses that wish to implement character-education initiatives. The school’s application will also be considered for a National School of Character award.
