Fostering a Culture of Self-Reflection in “We Starts With Me” Earns 2025 Character Award

For the sixth year in a row, Smallwood Drive Elementary School earned a Promising Practice award from Character.org for its “We Starts with Me” character initiative. Smallwood Drive was one of 13 schools in New York State and 230 nationally and internationally to achieve the recognition from the national organization that fosters character development in children and teens. 

Smallwood Drive’s “We Starts with Me” is rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) and brain-based strategies, to empower students and staff to recognize their unique strengths and how they contribute to the school community. The "We Starts with Me" initiative was developed as an extension of Smallwood’s award-winning practice in 2024, "Our Community, Our Plan." While last year’s focus emphasized collective responsibility, the building saw an opportunity to deepen self-awareness and individual accountability. The idea was born from collaborative discussions with the school’s mindfulness and Smallwood Strategic Planning committees, parents and faculty.

The initiative’s foundation lies in self-reflection and personal growth. To symbolize this, mirrors were placed throughout the building, serving as daily reminders that each student and staff member contributes uniquely to our school’s success. The goal was to ensure that every individual saw themselves as an integral part of the community.

Each classroom teacher received “The Best Part of Me” by Wendy Ewald, a book that encourages children to embrace their unique qualities. The book was also read to all 700 students in the library, where they completed an activity identifying the best part of themselves on a brick. These bricks symbolized that they are the foundation of Smallwood, reinforcing that each individual contributes to making the school a special place.

" ‘We Starts with Me’ has transformed into a culture shift at Smallwood, where students actively reflect, recognize their strengths, and build a community rooted in empathy, inclusion, and personal growth,” said Smallwood Drive Principal Rich Crozier. 

Actions taken this school year included:

• Daily Reflections & Community Circles which encourage conversations about personal strengths and goal-setting.
• Tiger Leader Club is a student-led initiative that runs the Community Circles, ensuring that reflection remains a cornerstone of our school culture.
• Skill-Streaming Videos each week featuring Mrs. Noe, Roary, and students modeling emotional regulation strategies.
• Community Day Rotations are immersive experiences that teach SEL skills, mindfulness, and emotional regulation in engaging ways.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Character.org for the sixth year in a row,” said Mr. Crozier. “By integrating reflection, self-awareness, and SEL into daily practice, "We Starts with Me" has transformed Smallwood into a school where individuals thrive, relationships strengthen, and the community grows together.”

Previous Promising Practice awards earned by Smallwood Drive were:

• 2024 - “Our Community, Our Plan”
• 2023 - “Lend a Paw”
• 2022 - “Use Your Voice” 
• 2021 - “Mantra Monday”
• 2020 - “Power of a Puppet”