Great comments so far. This group can seize the momentum created so far and help make positive changes at MMS. Keep reading and thinking and prepare to be leaders!!
What are some common characteristics of the process English Estates, Chestnut Grove, Adams County, and the others took in implementing the Seven Habits? What are the most important lessons to be learn from them that we could apply to MMS?
In our discussions on rewarding students we have differing thoughts within our staff sometimes. What are your thoughts on what Crestwood Elem did with its "catch somebody doing Covey" program?
These schools took the 7 habits and made it work using the unique charateristics of their schools. They did not all implement the habits the same way or create the same leadership roles. They examined their school and came up with activites that would benefit their population. As we think of doing this at our school we need to think about our strengths and weaknesses and use the 7 habits to improve and compliment our school.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the "catch someone doing Covey" program I have mixed feelings. I don't see our students handing out tickets to each other. I think it would become a popularity contest. However, I do think it would work if teachers, admin,lunchroom ladies, custodians.... gave out these tickets to students when they were caught exhibiting one of the 7 habits. These tickets could be drawn once a week during lunch honoring the students who had been caught exhibiting one of these behaviors. The students whose name had been drawn could be given a special priviledge like eating at any lunch table for that week.
I agree with Traci that these schools took the Habits and made them work for their own unique situations. The one commonality that I see among all these schools is that some one person had the training in the 7 Habits and wanted to see what good could be done with it in regards to training young people to be prepared for the future. I think the most important thing we can learn from this in respect to our situation is that we need to discern in what manner we can best use this with our population and best gain the support of both our staff and our parents. The biggest challenge we will have is to convince all of our staff how great this could be for our students (and parents)!
ReplyDeleteI think that the ticket idea would not work initially with our students, but like the staff approach. As we mentioned in yesterday's meeting, this won't happen overnight; middle school takes 3 years to cycle through and change a trend, and it may take that long before we can effect enough attitude change among the students that we COULD let them hand out "caught-you" tickets to each other. Maybe we could use that bulletin board by the front door to list students "caught in the act" of doing the 7 habits would be a great way to highlight these students, too. I like the idea of a space on the report card, that allowed for feedback on Habits' progress.
I agree with Mrs. C on the tickets! Each school had their own way. I think we will need to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Mrs. Cecil summed up my thoughts perfectly!! Each school had great success, but each implemented the program in a unique way that best complemented their school and environment. I see so many positive growth opportunities for our school and especially our students, if we work together to incorporate these leadership skills. Additionally, I also agree with the tickets needing to be distributed by members of the faculty, staff, and administration.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comments.
ReplyDeleteWe as a school have to make the 7 habits our own. I also think that we need to make sure we do not rush into any of this. Like Mr. Highfield said "It will take time", we as the faculty need to be sure to have patience as we merge toward this level of solidarity. We can do this! We can spark this positive growth in our students along with ourselves!
ReplyDelete