Norris School District has embraced the CharacterStrong program to foster students' social-emotional learning and character development across all grade levels. CharacterStrong is a comprehensive, multi-tiered curriculum designed to support the “whole child” by equipping educators with the tools needed to teach essential life skills—from empathy and respect to responsibility, emotional regulation, and perseverance characterstrong.com+9characterstrong.com+9wssd.k12.pa.us+9. 

The program offers vertically aligned lessons from Pre‑K through grade 12, featuring distinct goals categorized under “Be Kind” (social connection and empathy), “Be Strong” (focus, organization, goal‑setting), and “Be Well” (healthy emotion management and stress resilience). Implemented through engaging activities, community-building rituals, and monthly “Character Dare” challenges, it encourages students to apply what they learn beyond the classroom. CharacterStrong aims not only to improve school culture and student wellbeing, but also to reinforce academic success and foster stronger educator-student relationships.