SUNBURY — Shikellamy Assistant Superintendent Mary Murphy-Kahn continues to look for new innovative ways to get the attention of students and staff and accomplished both when she implemented the 7Mindsets program throughout the district.
The 7Mindsets program is designed to promote self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.
“I was looking at various programs to evaluate to put into place,” Murphy-Kahn said. “I was looking for something that would be a comprehensive K-12 program. Jordan Rickert, a guidance counselor at the middle school, mentioned the 7Mindsets program. I found the book on Amazon, purchased it and read it. Then, I reached out to the company to talk to them about their program. Last March, I invited administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors to join a call to learn more about it.”
The program focuses on seven lessons, “Everything is Possible, Passion First, We are Connected, 100-percent Accountable, Attitude of Gratitude, Live to Give and The Time is Now,” according to the program’s website.
The district uses various days of the week during homeroom periods for teachers to instruct the lessons.
7Mindsets became a hit with students when it was implemented at the start of the school year.
“This is a great program and a good way to learn to look at things,” 9th-grade student Gwen Wiest said. “It’s a great way to change our future.”
Murphy-Kahn said the program is a success because of the participation of staff.
“Everyone getting involved — principals, teachers, office staff and aides across the district — has been the key to the success of the implementation of the program,” she said. “I was hooked on the idea of class lessons once a week. It was similar to what we were already doing at the middle school once a month. The difference is that the curriculum is already planned out and is differentiated by grade-level bands. K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and high school.”
Oaklyn teacher Ron Pratt said he is loving leading the lessons.
“This program is allowing our students to realize that they can achieve anything in their life when they set their mind to it,” he said. “Bill McCartney, the head coach of the Colorado Buffalos, when they won the national championship in 1990 once said the mind is four times stronger than the physical body and that is what we are trying to instill with this program. Stay positive and have heart, desire, and passion for what you do.”
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