Traditions and Celebrations
Traditions and celebrations can make a school feel like a community. Unleashing a Culture of Leadership is about how we each individually contribute and connect with those traditions and celebrations. What are some traditions and celebrations at David E. Smith that make us special? What are some traditions or celebrations that you would like to see started?
Rippling Across the Globe
As I read about various schools implementing in The Leader in Me, I am reminded that David E. Smith is already a special place. We want to take the elements that are already working and build on them. The Leader in Me is not about starting something totally new; it's about becoming great in every way a school can be great. We have so much talent and so many good ideas. I see the Leader in Me as a process that will enable us to bring these talents and ideas together. What are your thoughts after reading all of these success stories?
66 comments:
I too agree that we are already special and our doing this to enhance what we have and bring us together. I'm not sure about the tradition and celebration part- I feel like we are in a transitional period with that. The kids see Camp El Tesoro and the 4th grade Austin trip as tradition and the K graduation is one as well. But school wide, I'm not sure. I think the PTA coming back will be a huge plus and the garden is a wonderful oppurtunity to begin new traditions- The planting day last Friday was great.
Up until this year Grandparent's Lunch in Sept. had been a big tradition. Again without the PTA it was hard to do. The school choir, running/walking clubs, Talent show, Battle of the Books are also traditions in a sense, but not something that the entire school is involved in. I would like to see some sort of tradition that goes across grade levels where upper grade students help the lower grade students integrate into our school. Not sure exactly what, but someone else might have a more concrete idea.
Lisa, you beat me again.
I agree with Darla about getting older students more involved with the younger students. I was really thinking about the way Jacob in fourth grade got so involved with the garden project. He really was involved with helping other students. I can see the potential for older students to really latch onto something that involves younger students. I can also see the potential for our awards at the end of each semester growing into something very meaningful.
I think the awards at the end of last semester would be a very good tradition to continue. My students were very proud of their awards. My students who got the "all A's" award have been motivated and working toward that goal again this semester.
Being the newbie on staff, I have been quit impressed as to the extent of children’s involvement at D.E.S. With the addition of the “Real Garden,” we brought families and neighbors together working for a common cause. It showed in the faces of the children how proud they were on both work and planting day to see what they had accomplished. We did also see leadership emerging with the children.
As for traditions; it seems to me that there are many years of repeated activities. Camp El Tesoro and the 4th grade trip to Austin are wonderful experiences for the students. With the addition of PTA next year; parent involvement may inspire new traditions at D.E.S.
I think that the Kindergarten transporation parade is a tradition and the school wide science hat parade is on its way to becoming one too.
One thing that sets these apart from other events at school, is that everyone gets to see the parade. I think we should continue with the awards ceremony and bring more celebrations into the school that happen during school hours. I know we are on our way to getting more family and community involvement, but it is nice for the students whose parents can't or won't get them here after hours to still fill connected to the traditions and celebrations.
I think that the Real School Garden has been a great way for the school to become one as well as the families of the students. Often I see children looking out the window at the garden, and you can tell they feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment about what they are doing. This will be a great tradition for years to come.
Amanda Callahan
Woo Hoo....Look at me blogging!!!!!
I think traditions are important for all of us, staff and students alike. Unfortunately, at school we have just a few and those are in the upper grades. I think we are on the right track with the garden and involving the parents. Maybe they will enjoy and see the value of a traditional
"planting" day(s).
I also liked the awards ceramony. I think this would be a great tradition for all grade levels.
Donna Barker
For me, the choir and talent show have become a tradition. It's neat to see how excited the third graders are at the beginning of the year when they know they can be involved in both. I love the kindergarten transportation parade - and I heard the kids in the hall this year talking about what they did when they were in K!
I also think we need to bring back the school carnival and family night when we grill outside. One year we had an Exemplary Cook out night and just grilled in the back of the school and families came out. It was really fun. I think things like this that involve our community is great for the school.
Kim Smith
Since this is my first year at DES, I am not really familiar with all of our traditions. However, I have enjoyed learning about the different things we do at our school and am looking forward to being part our new traditions that we will start that have to do with our book study.
DeeDra Fry
I like where Darla is going with the Tradition. I think I would be great if we could match a Kindergartener up with a fifth grader and start a mentor tradition. They could have lunch once in a while and read together. I think that would make Ks feel more comfortable around big kids, as well as soften some of the fifth graders hearts.
I also agree with Kim - having family get togethers may make everyone feel more welcome and encourage families to be more involved.
-rachel
I too believe that carrying on traditions is a great way to connect and engage people. I really, really liked the awards assembly. Next year I want us to emphasize it more at the beginning of the year because it really seems to motivate the kids. I would like to do the college door decorating that was mentioned in one of our meetings. I think that it would create a purpose for why we all are here. I would also like to start the student greeter. We could make it easier if we limited it to one student every Friday or something like that. However after reading The Leader in Me I already saw how we were creating a huge tradition that the whole school could be invoved in and enjoy, the GARDEN!!! Way to go David E. Smith!! We are already headed in the right direction!! Oh and I also really like the idea of having the older kids interact with the younger kids:)
Erin
When thinking of the many talents at DES it reminded of the "Real School Garden" that everyone has been working on for months. I thought how much working in the garden is like working in a school. It takes lots of love, attention and action to keep the garden alive and flourishing. It's the same with children. Anyone can work in a garden and be productive. If the garden is tended to then it will flourish but if ignored weeds will take over and it will soon be fill with ugliness. Same with the children and the people that tend to them, thier parents, friends, teachers and anyone else that tends to them.
Gina Giacomarro
I like how we had the planting day in the garden. I would like to continue that each year. I would like to see the younger grades create a tradition like the 4th and 5th graders have with the Austin trip and camp. I would like to have something that my kids look forward to each year. I would like to mark TAKS off the tradition list for 3rd grade.
Wow! Reading through this I realized that we have a lot of wonderful traditions already established at DES. Your blogs mentioned K graduation, and transportation parade, trips to Austin and Camp El Tesoro, many choir activities, and the R.S.Garden. Adding a cookout would be a super idea in the garden area! We also have Eagles of the Day and Soaring Citizen celebrations. The past two years the 4th and 5th graders have been the art teachers at the tables with every grade level to mentor each child during the celebration. It would be so neat to have "Book Buddies" with all grade levels so kids can mentor each other. They love helping each other and they learn so much about compassion, caring, responsibility and leadership. It is nice to see all of these compiled in one blog because I am certain that these are only the tip of the iceburg as to what traditions are already in progress at DES!
Written by-Paula Keller
The other tradition we do have is field day.
I think we have a lot of traditions, some just starting and some that have been around, at DES that involve a lot of the students, maybe we just need some creative ways to get more involved, like the garden.
I like the ideas that have been brought up. When I was at Birdville we had a "Buddy Program", it was with the spec ed classes and reg. ed, this was before inclusion. The kids loved this and it really brought the kids together more. Now we have inclusion and the students here are more included with all the students so that paticular program isn't needed but "Buddies" would be a good way to get upper and lower grades together.
Another thought I had is a Dad and Daughter dance, or just a Parent/ Child dance around Valentines day.
I love that Kindergarten has several traditions. It can be a hassle to plan for the Transportation Parade and our Graduation, but we love seeing the end results. We have always had great "Family" participation with both. I also like the tradition of, "I Brush My Teeth", this seems to be very beneficial for our students. We also walk to the Fire Station every year and we like to have a color week, with everyone wearing a specific color. Kindergarten loves tradition! I am ready to add some more.
Wow! So many great ideas. Maybe the whole school could take part in the K color day. Why not? One year we had Clown Burger come out & grill hamburgers for a nominal price. Sallye Shaw even printed the tickets. Of course, we have seen that we have some good "grillers", so we could do our own. Anyway, this is fun to think about.
Darla, Christie is 40 now. She can't grill anymore, she is too tired and we only bought her one pack of depends. We will have to call Clown Burger.
I wrote a post and hit submit, then the whole screen went blank. So...if my first post shows up, then this is a bullet point repeat!
I am not familiar with all the traditions at DES. My kids love Eagle of the Day and listen for their names and classmate's names. They also like to listen to what the older students like, etc.
Grilling outside--perfect idea!
Garden--legacy of traditions!
K Transportation Parade - my kids loved this and we talked about what they will do next year.
My own college age students still remember their K transportation parade, their 4th grade living museum and being a reading buddy.
Reading buddies, mentors--younger students want this, older students want and need this!
I had a plan this year, but I didn't quite get it off the ground: Admin/support staff and K to write letters to my PK students telling them what they could expect next year, expressing encouragement, etc. This could be part of a buddy relationship, grade level pen pals in a way. Incorporate writing, social skills, lots of cross curricular material...and relationship building.
Courtney--let's hear it for removing TAKS across all grade levels! Since that won't happen, let's develop pre and post TAKS traditions to ease the pressure.
PTA-vital for life of school. I've been on both sides of this fence. Have even been involved in PTAs where members were power hungry, but...it is obvious that we need, parents and students need, parent involvement!
Favorite quote from Chapter 6 -- we don't always remember a specific lesson a teacher taught, but we remember how that teacher made us feel. That is what traditions are about. Traditions are necessary for sense of stability, sense of belonging, and to some extent a sense of purpose.
Our traditions need to be relevant and genuine.
Rene Grimes
I have been in many schools throughout North Texas for various reasons and one thing always amazes me; Each school has a "feel" a "personality". When I was subbing for BISD four years ago, in my transition time, I took a job for Mrs. Hewitt, half day afternoon. I lived in Haltom City at the time and had driven past this "sad" little school almost daily! WOW...when I crossed the treshold that day I was so suprised! Even four years ago this place had a great vibe!
Anyway, that is the foundation we have to start with...a GREAT one! It is already there! The traditons, no matter how small, are meaningful. I think my favorite new one is Mr. G in the street directing traffic after school! That little effort makes our DES families know we ALL care!
As for the question about sucess stories...duh! We are just a sucess story in the making! ;)
We definately have a few traditions already in place for specific grade levels and "clubs". It would be interesting to ask the students this question to get their perspective. We are creating new traditions as well, especially RSG. Parents are an intregal part in acheiving any traditions that will transend time, so all the work to re-build PTA will also play a major role. I would like to see DES have a school wide function/activity/fundraiser that the parents/students/teachers/community looked forward to each year.
Camp El Tesoro has become a fifth grade tradition at David E. Smith. Not only does camp extend and enrich our curriculum, but it provides the students with memories that will last a life time. So many of our students return year after year and tell us how much fun they had at camp and ask if they can go back.
Karen Nores
A JONES
WOW! You guys are awesome! Look at all the things we already do here at DES! I personally love doing butterfly release in first grade. The kids really enjoy getting to name their caterpillar, watch it get big and fat, and then form a chrysalis. Ms. Long says they still talk about it in second grade. I hope first grade continues to do this. As for school traditions, I agree with Lynn, the awards assembly was a very special thing for my students. They all felt proud and appreciated for their efforts. I also really enjoy the Talent Show! I think it's a great way for the kids to gain confidence, and for us teachers to find some of their hidden talents.
I think we need an awards assembly every six weeks!
T.Henry
I really like seeing the kids doing field day events. Having friends and family enjoying a event like that is so exciting.
Sherri
I'd like to see our school have something that shows unity - such as one day a week where we all wear our black spirit shirt on a certain day.
I believe Clown Burger is a positive model for community service. However, it is also my belief that Sallye needs a little more time to realize just how important their involvement. Keep reading!!!
My sucess story is I brought my son to this school because of the reputation it had, of good teachers. I stayed and started working. I would not go anywhere else. THis is my home. We have a tradition of troubled students moving to our school and becoming sucessful. I hope to see our success and this moving up to the Middle school and then the High School. That would be such a success.
SAllye
WOW you all are so awesome. Thank you Glenda and ALL your helpers to make field day such a great day once again. Thank you PTA for all your hard work to feed all these great kids and help keep this wonderful tradition in place.
A Pre-K tradition that I can think of is at the beginning of the school year, we read the book The Gingerbread Man. Just before he gets gobbled up, I close the book and ask the kids if they have seen the Gingerbread boy, that he just jumped out of the book and that we have to find him. We take a tour of the school building visiting the cafeteria, gym, library, BEARS lab, Paula, Nurse Traylor, Mr. Gregory, Mrs. Upchurch, as well as the office gals, Judith, Christy and Sallye asking if anyone has seen the Gingerbread man. Sallye is always our last stop and we visit in front of the kids until one of them spots the Gingerbread boy hiding. We go back to the classroom and all partake in a little gingerbread that the Gingerbread boy left for everyone. This is something the kids love doing and I know will not forget.
A new tradition I would like to start is for some of the older students that are Spanish speakers to take turns hanging out in the Pre-K classroom during the first 1-2 weeks of each new school year. The kids are scared out of their minds having this blonde headed white lady speaking to them in a language they don't understand at a place that is not familiar. I would be scared too if I were in their shoes. It would make for an easier transition with some of the older kids just sitting in a chair or on the floor next to them, saying an occasional translation to them in Spanish.
I have to admit that I loved Teacher Appreciation Week this year. Everyday had a special twist to it. I know it happens every year and is recognized at every school, but I really felt more pampered and appreciated than I have ever felt in my entire teaching career. Just being pleasantly surprised with sweetly written student notes, being surprised with my favorite drink and candy made my year. I also loved wearing jeans and eating the most tastefully thought out luncheon, and being treated to a cup of sherbet mid-afternoon. For all of the people that were behind the scenes on pulling this week off, thank you! Let's definitely keep this tradition rolling and repeat how teacher appreciation week happened this year! It definitely has put a spring in my step in getting me through to the end of the school year.
Karen Tassone
Karen Tassone
I have noticed more traditions and recognition in place now than when I first came to DES. I think it is wonderful. Traditions and celebrations add to the relationship piece becuase we are making students and families feel like they are a part of the school family.
We do have a lot of traditions in kindergarten and I can see so much in the future with the real school garden. Exciting!! :)
jenn
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to this post. Traditions and celebrations are critical to lasting success.
I don't know if anyone is still checking our blog. but I have just watched Remember the Titans and it brings one thought to mind.. expectations... keep them high and they will meet them! Nothing like a little football movie to keep you motivated!
OK I have jumped off the cliff. I bought the 7 habits for Happy Kids, and Teens plus workbooks. The 3 grandkids seem to be taking to it nicely. It's not a total change just using the same language is nice. I also bought the 7 habits for me. The first day the girls wanted to make a poster and they took all day and worked great together and made the 7 habits tree. (The TV was off all day, amazing!!)The parents are also buying in. I think the clue is using the same language,
Sallye
It's a pleasure to read this book and see that Porter is already doing so many of the things mentioned such as traditional events and the newscast every morning.
The students in our room chose responsibilities and it's working beautifully. As an example, one girl is responsible for sharpening pencils at the end of the day. We no longer have kids wanting to get up throughout the day to sharpen their pencils. We also have one child responsible for posting a picture of lunch each day and putting the old picture away. We can tell the kids love having 'jobs' which help us and keep the room organized.
I can't imagine any school district not wanting to start working on the habits and leadership in middle or high school. It's so much easier to start in kindergarten when everything is new and fresh.
I think the thing that stuck out to me the most in chapter 5 was how they discussed how the teachers, staff, and administration, constantly told the students they loved them...I believe one observer said "how can a student hear this everyday and not feel good about themselves?" I really see the importance of this, knowing that so many of our students have a lack of this at home. Everyone has the innate desire to be loved, and I am trying to make sure and tell my students that each day.
I also really liked the quote by Muriel in the 6th chapter (when giving advice to another school district implementing the Habits): "Do not water down the 7 Habits. Trust that the students will understand." How true this is after seeing it in action. When we first were learning the habits, that is the first thing that occurred to me...how will my hearing impaired, language deficient students understand these concepts? However, I taught them just as everyone else did, and true to the quotation, all of my students understand. It makes me realize that I need to put more trust in them more often to learn things I often think are unattainable to them.
I really liked chapter 5 because I felt like it really gave us a clear picture of what this looks like at A.B. Combs. I liked reading about all of their traditions and how they have their school decorated. It also showed us how much they care and respect every child in their school. Reading all of these things helps me when I'm coming up with ways to implement the 7 habits in my classroom. I think we are already doing a lot of the things they talk about in chapter 5, and it makes me proud to be from Porter!
In chapter 6, I also liked reading about the ways schools around the world are implementing the 7 habits. Everyone does it differently, and it's interesting to look at the similarities and differences between all of the schools. Even though no one does it exactly the same, everyone seems to be seeing similar results!
Dede Schaffner, a member of the Seminole County School Board, makes the comment that "In a day where we hear so much about bullying going on in schools, what a great process and moment this is to see kids respecting each other." I'm constantly amazed at the age when children begin trying to "dominate" their "friends". Obviously this is not something that children outgrow. It simply becomes adult behavior. This book is so refreshing and reaffirms that good habits started in childhood will prevail in adulthood.
I felt that one of the important comments in Ch. 5 was: "We focus on what they can do, not what they can't do." I really feel it is important to look at children from this perspective. It seemed to me that a few years ago with NCLB, we were so focused on what a child could not do that we lost sight of the incredible progress that each child had made. I feel that implementing/integrating the Baldridge tools has helped us refocus on the child instead of just test results.
Marcia
I love the respect, love and traditions that A.B. Combs has fostered in their students. Their staff models leadership and compassion and expects it from their students.
As a teacher of young students I always wonder how well they will be able to grasp new things that we are expecting of them. I am always amazed at how quickly they pick it up and not just go through the motions, but internalize concepts and use it throughout their day. I think when we expect great things and model these things and revisit it in everything we do (not just "teach" it and then check it off our list) we will always be wonderfully surprised.
It is exciting to know that schools around the world are implementing the 7 habits. No matter where we live I think the quote in A.B. Combs faculty room is appropriate..."In years to come, your students may forget what you taught them. But they will always remember how you made them feel." That is a big burden on my shoulders that I hope never to take lightly.
Angela
I loved that our principal encouraged us to focus on the 7 habits the first week of school and not academics. It really helped us to focus on the habits in our classroom and set a positive tone right away. I agree with Mindy that it is so important to tell our students that they are loved, respected and important. As it states in chapter 5, "How can a child walk away from this school after six years of hearing daily messages like that and not feel somewhat special or loved?"
I enjoyed reading about the different ways various schools implemented the 7 habits depending on the needs of their students in Chapter 6. I would like to hear/share more ideas about how our teachers at Porter implement the habits.
Heather K
I enjoyed Ch. 5 and 6. It reiterated the positive path that Porter's on as well as the importance of our culture within the school. I liked how Stephen Covey suggested creating a culture of leadership from the approach of an anthroplogist. I thought of Porter Elementary's behaviors, language, artifacts, traditions, and folklore while I read about A.B Combs. I believe that the discussion of a campus culture should be an important part of campus staff development. Moreover, I think parents and students should be part of it as well. What a great way to ensure a culture of leadership within our schools! I know Jaimie did something similar a couple of years ago with Porter's history and my students loved it. I did too. However, hearing Pam Almond's story reminded me how much deeper our school culture is than just it's history. I love this book!
I am thankful to be part of a school that, like A.B. Combs, is implementing the 7 Habits. By doing this we are creating a common language, establishing traditions and helping students feel connected. It was interesting to note that A.B. Combs' first week of school was spent reviewing the 7 Habits and writing mission statements, just like we did at W.A. Porter. This allowed the expectations to be clearly set at the beginning of the year, thus eliminating some of the problems we might have otherwise encountered.
I also agree that our students know they are loved, respected and valued at W.A. Porter. Our AWESOME culture at Porter is attributed to our principal, faculty, staff, students and parents.
I really enjoyed Chapter Five and reading about how the culture of a society, or school, is a result of behaviors, language, artifacts, traditions, and folklore. The part that was most interesting to me was traditions, as these are events that students remember for years to come and younger siblings anticipate being part of. We have many wonderful traditions at W. A. Porter, both old and new, but my favorite is our annual third grade tribute to the veterans. I always love to see the expressions on the faces of the children at the end of the program as the veterans stand and come to the front of the cafeteria. That is when I know that the time spent in preparation has been worth it. Traditions give our school a feeling of family. I am so proud to be part of a school that is reading this book and using the 7 Habits.
These two chapters were a good reminder to me that as a school, we can't focus only on academics, but we have to educate the "whole child", and that includes educating the affective domain as well as the cognitive and physical domains. Although I know we have done this for the past few years with our Porter Panther virtues, it is nice to see that as a school we are very consciously taking a stand that says we are teaching our students to have qualities that will make them a responsible and ethical student and later a responsible and ethical adult. I've read so much lately in TEMPO and other publications about how we have very bright students in the US, but we've failed to provide "EQ", the emotional quotient, or the tools to help them become responsible and ethical adults. In the end it doesn't matter how many answers you can get right if you don't know how to accept responsibility for yourself and know how to get along with others around you. And learning those skills has to be as much a goal of schools as learning any academic skills.
One particular part of Chapter 5 that struck me was, "The world needs more models and fewer critics; less focusing on what is wrong with today's youth." I feel as if we have taken such a positive turn in this direction with our school-wide discipline plan. Instead of focusing on the negative, we focus on positive ways to act using the 7 Habits. Discipline issues have truly become teachable moments, and like A.B. Combs, I feel that we truly care about our students and look for the good in each of them.
I like focusing on procedures the first week. I've always tried to do that but felt pressured to "get started' with academics.
Arifacts-student issue bin?
Traditions-Monster pareade. The look on the K's faces when they saw the big kids waiting for them and cheering was priceless!
Culture- A big part of Porter is knowing there's always someone to help with whatever anyone needs.
I'd love to see Snow White and the 7 habits!
I agree with Marcia on the comment in chapter 5 "We focus on what they can do, not what they can't do." Our school has implemented and put into place some of the best programs I have ever witnessed in the past 25 years of teaching, and they all focus on what our children can do and NOT what they can't do. It is amazing to watch students take on leadership roles seriously and with excitement even in kindergarten.
I know it could be a bit time consuming but I also liked the idea that each morning a student shares a brief lesson on one of the habits, and others are recognized Leaders of the week.
Even though we just started this year with The Leader in Me and the 7 Habits, Porter has come so far yet, we have just begun.
I am so proud to be a Porter teacher.
When we begin to list all the great traditions at Porter, it is heart warming. We just need to be sure that each one has meaning. When you ask a student that is in middle school or high school what they remember most about Porter?; they say that special teacher or that special tradition like 50's day or monster parade. We are touching lives everyday and we can mold them into better citizens for our world. A huge task but doable with guidance from the 7 habits. I am excited to be apart of this shift!! Lisa
Chapter 5 talked about focusing on the positive and emphasizing a "can do" spirit. I think this is essential for any endeavor to be successful. When we show our students that we believe in them without reservation, they will believe in themselves as well and they will achieve.
Chapter 5 also mentioned displaying positive quotations around the school. We recently did this at W.A. Porter, and I read them over and over. They inspire me and uplift me every day.
Nancy, I too love the quotes in the hall. Just last week a new quote was put on the wall by restrooms near my room. A student noticed the new quote and asked me what it meant. We had a nice little chat about it. He was truly thinking about what the quote meant. That's wonderful! He was spurred on toward excellence by reading the writing on the wall!
As a "newbie" here at Porter, I am really enjoying some of the school traditions. Just last week, I loved the Monster Parade and Sock Hop day. I think the Science Hat Parade and College Day are becoming traditions as well.
Lisa L.
Chapter 5 talked about how the whole school was told that they are loved everyday. You hear it in their voices and see it written on the walls. Porter has been this way a long time, not just this year. The kids here feel loved. Children at Porter are expected to be leaders and are given leadership roles. Chapter 6 explains how the positive influence of this leadership approach has spread like a wild fire across the globe. Many schools have seen tremendous growth in their academic scores. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, you will accomplish great things in your life.
I am so proud to be a Porter teacher. It is so exciting to watch my students take ownership of their new leadership roles. They feel important and proud. I had a student who knew he was going to be leaving early. He asked if he could "train a friend" to do his role that afternoon. He came to me with a plan! As I read, I also thought of all our Porter traditions. We already have so many. I love these habits and this book!
It was encouraging to hear that A.B.Combs success did not happen overnight! We need to be patient with the kid's and ourselves. It's important that our kid's not only hear these words about leadership from our lips, but see that we "behave and treat each other" in a way that exemplifies the leadership skills that we want them to develop. Actions really do speak louder than words! Also, it was so inspiring to read about so many different places and people that have embraced these 7 habits. Each has taken the basic "formula" and put their own unique spin on how they implement it in their own school or even in their personal lives. -Susan Anderson
It is exciting for me to see these celebrations and traditions for the first time. I really got a kick out of the science hat parade! It was great to see the excitement from the students from the 1st time that I mentioned it in class. It was obvious to me that they looked forward to this and were excited each year. I can't wait to see the Panther Race and many more traditions to come.
I truly see that Porter is a special place. I have seen the students grow and become more and more involved in practicing the 7 habits. I see them using it in their vocabulary on a daily basis and I really am seeing some of the leadership develop in the students. I believe that the students are learning and internalizing these 7 habits. It is an exciting time at Porter!
-Katy Gott
There were three things that really spoke to me in Ch. 5. First was that "culture is how people actually behave and treat each other on a consistent day - in and day - out basis"...Porter has a great culture. Next, was when no one would take credit for the success of A. B. Combs, but that "everyone was passing credit". Isn't that just like the saying "there is no I in TEAM"? Everyone works together! Finally, like Paige, I highlighted and starred "the world needs more models and fewer critics". How nice it is to hear what we're doing right. I'd love the news to be that positive just one night!
In Ch. 6 I enjoyed reading about the different schools and how they approached implementing the 7 Habits. My favorite though was the "talking stick". I've done that before somewhere, but think it would be a great idea to try in the classroom.
Heather B.
Being a new teacher to Porter last year I was very impressed with the amount of school wide activities that take place. The fall carnival is a huge celebration for the students and their families and demonstrates the great teamwork between the PTA and staff.
Working with Kindergarten I get to see our students experience many of these things for the first time and it is exciting to watch and the support we are offered by all other grade levels is awesome. Reading these chapters reminded me of the Corduroy hunt we did at the beginning of the year. When we were in the gym one of the older students told me quietly that he remembered doing the same thing when he was in kindergarten and he knew where we would end up but he didn’t say anything to the students he wanted them to discover it for themselves.
I think we are continually looking for ways to create new traditions and to find ways to celebrate our students and their talents. Just last year three new events took place and they were all a success; The Panther Race, Science Hat Day and the Step it up Day at the end of the year.
Mindy I loved your point about how your students embraced and understood the 7 habits and how this has given you a new view of them. I can’t wait to see the greatness they achieve this year!
I liked in chapter 5 how it talked about a schools "culture", that it is not something that is just talked about but is how people behave and treat each other on a daily basis. I think Porter has a great "culture" that will only improve with the use of the 7 habits.
Ginger Griffin
At Porter we already have many traditions in place that are exciting for kids, parents and teachers. I can tell that by using the 7 habits in my classroom this year that we are developing a culture of respect and the feeling that we can solve problems and reach our goals together.
I too found the part about traditions very endearing. Specifically, I appreciate a new tradition here at Porter, the science hat parade. This is a highlight of the year and kids will remember it for years to come. In the book I like the idea of sertvice projects and think something to that affect would be a good addition here at Porter.
I believe we have established a great culture here at Porter. Our students definitely come to school where the environment is one that demonstrates caring and nurturing. This is obvious as you see student s reaching out to talk to teachers they have had in the past and they are always welcomed with a smile and encouraging words. Our virtue awards on the announcements always begin the day by talking about the positive behaviors that have happened.
I am also super impressed with Mrs. Smith’s ability to use every students name when she talks to them. I know my own children are always thrilled when someone remembers their name it makes them feel special.
Cara Cagle
And again I say... I am proud to teach at Porter!! I enjoyed reading about AB Combs and the Behaviors and Language and traditions of their school!! Ithink Porter is on the right track !!!
One thing that stood out is that in order for us to be successful in implementing this new leadership theme we need to look at the whole "culture" of the school!!! How do people here at Porter behave and treat each other on a consistent day-in and day-out basis... It can be seen felt and heard!!!
I enjoyed reading all of the Traditions that AB BOmcs has as their school!! Here at Porter we have some awesome traditions as well!
I Also enjoyed reading how it is trickling and not moving thru the globe!!!
K Harrington
I loved the idea of the leader of the day and how they had to compliment each other. I totally agree that most students will remember more how they felt than everything they learned.
I also like how the school implemented "traditions" with helping others. So many times our students come to school with no experience with "traditions."
The thing that keeps coming back to me is how some of our students don't really understand what traditions are because their home life is in constant turmoil. For that reason alone it is very important to keep up the yearly traditions and continue to add new activities and programs that develop into great traditions for our school. Porter has quite a few traditions and the students look forward to all of them. One we just completed was the Science hat day. This was our 2nd year and you could really tell that the students that participated last year were ready for this year. Their ideas and creations depicting their science vocabulary word were outstanding. It is important as educators to continue some of our traditions even when they are extra work on our part. The positive outcome on the student is most important, it is also what makes us "family". For some of our students this is the only "family" that has a positive influence on them. We as educators have to know our children and where they are coming from, not just who shows up in our classes.
All of our traditions are about the students and what they can do and challenging them in some ways to take risks.
It is exciting as we continue to use "The 7 Habits" to see the students take ownership of their leadership roles. This year I will be working with some of our 4th and 5th grade student leaders, organizing our annual Talent Show. We will work together deciding what the theme will be etc. It should be quite exciting.
I agree with Stacye in her comment that "We can't focus only on academics, but we have to educate the "whole child". Teaching our students to have qualities that will make them responsible and ethical students and later responsible and ethical adults. In all that we teach the students, this is most important and will show through everything they do, no matter how big or small the task. Many times I will tell my students that what they are learning is a life long lesson. The 7 Habits give us the tools we need to instill in our students these qualities. Lynnette
Quite honestly, I find myself discouraged at times. I think about all the focus on each of the habits and wonder why some of the kids (and adults) don't embrace them more, don't extend this concept beyond words and posters and actions. Then I read the beginning of chapter 5. Once again my impatient personality needed to be reminded that things, especially good, solid things, take time. So, now that I am reminded that none of this will take place over night I am encouraged that many of the things talked about are already in place at Porter. We have established traditions, for instance. As I speak with some of my teacher friends from other schools I can't help but notice that there's very little in place at their schools to make them feel a part of something big and special. I'm reminded that if anything good is to take place, it will take time. Cindy Hallman
I really like all of the examples from real schools that are implementing the seven habits, particularly in these two chapters. It's helpful to see the wide range of "normal" for rolling out this program and to be reminded that many schools are ten years into implementation. It gives you a glimpse of what can happen immediately and what can happen down the road.
I too was struck by the way kids were told daily that they were loved. I have really tried this year not to take for granted what good kids I have in my class. I am trying to let them know that on a regular basis and how much I appreciate and enjoy having them as students.
Three things mentioned in the chapters that I would love to see become a part of the Porter culture and tradition were the service projects suggested and implemented by students, the opportunities students had to speak in front of adults and other students which gave them confidence and poise, and the idea of each school creating its own unique signature within the seven habits model.
Tracy Clegg
P.S. I LOVE student jobs! We implemented those this six weeks and they have been great for everyone concerned!
Post a Comment