CLINTON IS PROUD TO BE A “LEADER IN ME” SCHOOL!

Content from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a key component of the overall The Leader in Me process. The 7 Habits is a synthesis of universal, timeless principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness, such as responsibility, vision, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and renewal, which are secular in nature and common to all people and cultures.

Clinton School faculty and staff have completed the Leader in Me professional development program for faculty and staff, and the 7 Habits of Happy Kids are being integrated into the school experience for students in a variety of ways. For example:

• Students can apply to be a part of the Student Lighthouse Team
• The Clinton Job Board includes postings for opportunities for leadership at the school.
• The Clinton Courier (the school newspaper) is now populated with student content.
• Annual school goals are set, and a bulletin board in the school’s front hallway shows progress toward those goals. During the pilot year, the goals included reaching “minutes of movement,” books read, and Box Tops collected targets.
• Upper grade students will have binders that help them set and track individual goals as well.

Habit 1 — Be Proactive

You’re in Charge: I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind

Have a Plan: I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit 3 — Put First Things First

Work First, Then Play: I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Habit 4 — Think Win-Win

Everyone Can Win: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

Listen Before You Talk: I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

Habit 6 — Synergize

Together Is Better: I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems, because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw

Balance Feels Best: I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.