Leader In Me

In between burning multiplication tables in their brains and attempting to make plastic volcanoes convulse, there’s not a lot of room leftover for an elementary student to focus on leading the world. Fortunately, The "Leader In Me" program is taking a smaller approach, and is helping young Decatur City Schools' students become responsible leaders of their own daily lives. Donnie Lane, president, of Enersolv was instrumental in developing the "Leader In Me" program in Decatur. 3M has also been one of the local resources that has helped this program become a reality, having donated $125,000 to ensure every elementary school in the Decatur City Schools’ system could participate in the program. Chestnut Grove Elementary was the first school to pioneer the seven habits in Decatur. The program quickly caught on and Decatur City Schools became the first school system in the world to implement "Leader In Me" in every elementary school - and it is flourishing! Recently, Somerville Road Elementary became a Lighthouse School for their outstanding efforts in the program. Not only is "Leader in Me" effective in the classroom, but the habits that are taught can also blanket the entire community. Skills learned by students don’t just stay in the classroom but are applied in every area of a student’s life including at home, in sports, and in future jobs. "Leader In Me" ultimately creates an opportunity for future success. With the seven habits, students learn how to avoid procrastination, how to get things completed, how to work effectively in teams, and how to stay proactive and prepared for whatever curve balls life is tossing that day. The habits help students set attainable goals, create and meet deadlines for projects, and stay consistent with their efforts. These skills are not strictly limited to a school building. They are also used by adults to help improve the way they control their lives in the office as well as at home. Many of our local employers look for employees that can demonstrate the seven habits because they tend to make stronger team members.

These are the habits that our students are learning to cultivate:

1. Be Proactive - You’re in charge
2. Begin with the End in Mind - Have a plan
3. Put First Things First -Work first, and then play
4. Think. Win-Win. – Find solutions that work for everyone
5. Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood - Listen before you talk
6. Synergize - Together is better
7. Sharpen the Saw - Balance feels best

Just Dropping In

Before we begin to enjoy turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, we would like to update you on our recent activities of the marketing team for Decatur City Schools,  Ask Design Tell (ADT). In October  Don Hudson, Executive Editor from the Decatur Daily, tutored us in interviewing skills and gave us some useful tips for creating videos and blogs. Using those skills, we have posted on Youtube a video of Eastwood Elementary's Fall Festival.  We are also in the process of researching Community Partnerships within Decatur City Schools. Some of these include: Non-Profit organizations, Parks and Rec, local churches, medical facilities, the arts, civic organizations, business/industry, and private donors. Happy Thanksgiving and be sure to look for upcoming posts on blogger, facebook, twitter, and Youtube from your ADT Team!

We know.

               

Parents are walking encyclopedias. From algebra help to dinner-time etiquette, they are the almighty archivists of universal knowledge. Sure, you may know how to cook the perfect pancakes, but I bet you’re not so sure how to change your ring tone to that Sting song you love so much. Welcome to 2011, an age where technology powers the planet and consequently, so will your tech-savvy youngsters. Introducing the A.D.T. (Ask Design Tell) team for Decatur City schools, a collaborative group of Austin High and Decatur High students on a mission to reveal the incredible and underrated areas of our school

system through media communications.

               

                Eager to pioneer a mysterious newborn class, we sifted through hidden academic gems that deserved to be beamed with some social media spotlight. Our first project was designated to the S.T.E.M. program upheld by Decatur City Schools. S.T.E.M., abbreviated for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is the powerhouse to all the extraordinary offerings to these related subjects.  Our partnership with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a powerful example. This non-profit institute located in Huntsville, AL has many exciting opportunities provided to students. One in particular is a computer program they will be launching in Decatur High School that practices interactive genome research on a group of fictional astronauts preparing to go into orbit. This not only enriches computer and genomic knowledge, but also triggers interest into a rapidly growing and highly demanding field of computer science know as Bioinformatics.

               

                While some Decatur City students decode an astronauts’ DNA and it’s predictability in space, others are wading in our local creeks to seine for the largely diverse variety of fish that dart through its waters. In the Environmental Field Studies course offered to Decatur and Austin High students, they experience hands on activities in Wetland’s Edge’s very own backyard. Wetlands Edge is an educational center created by BP located among two miles of trails that harbor many diverse ecosystems. It not only serves as a home base for the Environmental Field Studies class but also as an educational field trip destination for elementary students. Personally as a seasoned field-trip-goer, nothing beats getting up close and personal with a monster python.

               

                Bringing robotics skills to life, utilizing cell phones in middle schools for educational purposes and even putting apple Itouch’s in the hands of our second graders. These are the many opportunistic leaves flourishing on our S.T.E.M. program. Who knows how far an influential class experience can induce your child’s goals for their future.