The Leader In MeBulverde Creek Elementary School

Mission Statement

At Bulverde Creek, we create an enriched learning environment through a coherent

curriculum and a commitment to character. We nurture relationships within the

community and empower students to become lifelong learners and innovative leaders.

Purpose

Bulverde Creek Elementary is committed to empowering our students to be leaders today. For that reason, we will be using the ideas and language of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. The purpose of this information is to help you be aware of the core concepts that your child will be discussing and practicing at school in hopes that they may be reinforced at home.

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

Habit 1: Be Proactive

“I’m in charge of me”Being Proactive means to take responsibility for your choices and behaviors. Habit 1 is the key to all of the other habits; that’s why it comes first. Be Proactive says, “I am in charge of my own life. I am responsible for whether I am happy or sad. I can choose how I react to other people or situations. I am in the driver’s seat.” Young children can easily learn to understand that different choices yield different results. The goal is to teach them to think about those results before they decide what to do.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind“Have a Plan”

It is important to set goals and to develop a path to that goal. When students begin with the end in mind, they have a clearer picture of what they need to do to make something happen.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

“Work first, then play”Work before play. This skill focuses on teaching the students to get the work done that they are committed to before spending time on other things that are not as important.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

“Everybody can win”Students learn to make things work for all parties involved in a discussion. This can be done through compromise, turn-taking, or debate. The question is “How can we make this work for everybody?”

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

“Listen before you talk”Listening is a powerful skill that many of us need to improve. With this habit, students learn to not only listen to what others are saying, but to put themselves in the other person’s shoes.

Habit 6: Synergize

“Together is better”Working as a team is the focus of this habit. Students practice playing to their strengths so that they can be a contributing member of a group. In addition, this skill teaches how much can be accomplished when people band together rather than work apart.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

“Balance feel best”It is important for people to take care of themselves. Children learn that sharpening the saw includes a number of habits: eating healthy food, exercise, taking time for themselves, and playing with others. are great ways for everyone to “sharpen the saw.”

References:

Covey, S.R. (2008) The Leader in Me. New York: Free Press.Covey, S. (2008) The Seven Habits of Happy Kids. New York: Simon & Schuster.

For more information:

http://www.theleaderinme.org/