Ellis Middle School received a 2009 Promising Practice Award at the second Minnesota Schools of Character and Promising Practices Awards Ceremony last Sunday at the state capitol in St. Paul.

The awards program was sponsored by the Center for Academic Excellence in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education.

EMS was honored for three separate promising practices:

Art Department Connection

In an effort to involve their students in a service-learning project, the art instructors developed two opportunities to make connections to the community: Valentines for donors at a local Red Cross Blood Drive and bookmarks for the public library children’s department.

Mind Mapping

In this practice, students associate themselves personally to character traits and present their ideas and experiences in a spatial manner with color and pictures to build visual connections and insight into their character.

Young Citizens of the Month Awards

Feelings of pride and respect are felt by many that receive this prestigious award. At the end of the year, the most deserving of the monthly winners are honored as Young Citizens of the Year. Ellis brings a community connection to its character awards through a unique partnership with a local business owner. Students may redeem an award certificate at the business and their name is announced over the business loud speaker as a citizen of the month. The businessperson also hosts a luncheon for winners where character in the workplace is discussed.

A reception followed the ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol Great Hall.