Working together to transition freshmen & transform schools from the bottom up!

September 2009 Blog Posts (6)

Back to School Eating Good Meals

Chef Carl Lewis is my special guest on Blogtalkradio who will talk about how to prepare good back to school meals. Learn how you can save time and money and prepare a healthy meal. Learn how to reduce your calories and prepare good meals for your family. The program occurs on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Listen to the program at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dr-stephen-jones Please call in with your questions 646-649-1184.

Added by Dr. Stephen Jones on September 21, 2009 at 4:59pm — No Comments

The Pyramid of Success - Alertness and Initiative

Alertness and Initiative were two of the “lost blocks” for me for many years. Along with Friendship, Loyalty, and Cooperation, they failed to capture my attention like the other ten blocks. As you will see, that was "my bad” rather than any fault with the blocks. When I would teach these two blocks, I gave John Wooden’s definition and his thoughts about them to the students, but I really failed to do an adequate job of selling the importance of these blocks to my students.

In this… Continue

Added by Ray Moore on September 15, 2009 at 10:21pm — 3 Comments

9th Grade Administrator Tip #1

During the first week or so of the school year, pay a visit to all your 9th grade English classes. Take 20-30 minutes in each class to introduce yourself to the students. Give them a chance to see you as a person rather than just an administrator. Attempt to start learning their names and invite them to stop you in the hallways and quiz you on their names. Also, go over any school rules that you feel are most critical for freshmen to understand. Finally, in any way possible try during this… Continue

Added by Scott Habeeb on September 15, 2009 at 9:41pm — No Comments

The Middle Three Blocks of the Pyramid of Success

All blocks in the Pyramid of Success rest upon the blocks below, so a review of the cornerstones of the first two rows is an appropriate beginning to a discussion of the middle three blocks. Start with just a reminder of what those blocks are: Industriousness and Enthusiasm, and Self-Control and Intentness. As you discuss the middle three blocks. students will clearly see how important all four cornerstones are in supporting the acquisition of Condition, Skill, and Team Spirit.

From… Continue

Added by Ray Moore on September 9, 2009 at 11:18pm — No Comments

Now that freshmen are here....

We have been in school about ten days, and the "honeymoon" seems to be over. I have noticed that freshmen are showing up on ZAP lists. I think the teachers may need to teach success strategies that part of the "hidden curriculum." What do you think?

Added by Deanie Dunbar on September 9, 2009 at 9:59am — 2 Comments

I'm finally the father of a freshman!

After 12+ years of teaching freshmen, being an administrator for freshmen, and consulting on the topic of freshmen, I finally am the father of a high school freshman!

My daughter, Kaitlin, started high school today. She is now officially a 9th grader – and I officially feel older than I should!

One key point that I have believed over the years is that freshmen are pretty scared/nervous when they come into the high school. I had no idea, however, just how true this is.… Continue

Added by Scott Habeeb on September 8, 2009 at 10:30pm — 5 Comments