Cultivating excellent habits

Loveland City School District utilizes lessons from well-known book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to enhance My Voice, My Choice kindness campaign and health curriculum district wide

Loveland, Ohio – During the 2016-2017 school year, the Loveland City School District will implement monthly thoughts from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a common language for staff and students in grades kindergarten through 12 to further develop a culture of kindness as originated through the “My Voice, My Choice” program, and to deepen the influence of good decision making in the health curriculum.

“We want to instill in students and staff a belief in themselves, the importance of positive self-talk, empowerment, decision-making strategies, and a leadership mindset,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. “The content within The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People presented the perfect opportunity to create monthly mini-lessons to support these efforts.

“Additionally, these efforts will complement the district’s richer and more consistent health curriculum developed in partnership with the Health and Wellness Committee in 2015. We will tie the health curriculum into the various habits highlighting prevention for risky behaviors – in particular drugs and alcohol – and promoting sound nutrition and physical activity. Kindergarten through grade eight buildings will have high school senior ambassadors coming into classrooms to discuss the habit of the month.”

The Loveland Schools Foundation is supporting the effort by funding the purchase of books to use as a reference source for teachers, and the creation of posters to publicize each month’s habit in buildings. One habit will roll out each month during the 2016-2017 school year:

• September: Be proactive – stop and think.
• October: Begin with the end in mind – have a plan, make a change.
• November: Put first things first – work then play.
• January: Think win-win – I win, you win – we all win.
• February: Seek first to understand, then to be understood – listen, then talk.
• March: Synergize – we’re all in this together.
• April: Sharpen the saw – balance feels best!
• May:  Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.

“This ties directly back to one of our ‘big three’ goals for the school year: Care,” said Dr. Crouse. “We not only want each of our students to know they are cared for, but we also want to create a tangible way for students to start thinking about the positive impact they can make in the world. Students across the district will have a common language they will understand and build upon as they advance through Loveland City Schools. We sincerely appreciate the support of the Loveland Schools Foundation in our efforts.”