February’s 29 days this (leap) year include several important and notable observances:
- Black History Month: We honor and reflect on the incredible resilience and remarkable achievements of Black individuals.
- National School Counseling Week (February 5-9): We highlight the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
- Lunar New Year (begins February 10): This vibrant and significant celebration holds great importance among Asian cultures, including the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities.
- Presidents Day (February 19): We recognize and appreciate U.S. presidents, both past and present.
Wishing you a fantastic February!
7 Mindsets Partner Engagement Team
Mindset of the Month: The Time Is Now
The Time is Now Mindset teaches us that all our power exists in the moment. We cannot change the past, and the future hasn’t happened; the only thing to do is take purposeful action in the present to create the life of our dreams.
Best Practices
Activity: Count to 20
Materials: None
Objective: To embrace the moment and have fun
Activity: The goal of this activity is for each group to count from 1 to 20 verbally without two or more people talking at the same time. Divide the staff members into groups of 8-10. Have everyone sit in a circle. Pick one person to start the activity. Anyone else in the circle can say the next number, but only one person may talk at a time. If two people jump in at the same time to say a number, the count starts over.
New Resource Hub Printable: “Bee-ing Vulnerable”
“Bee-ing vulnerable” is hard. In this activity, you’ll think about and/or discuss things you did and tried outside of your comfort zone. Find the activity here.
Peer Discussion Questions:
- Embrace Every Moment: What helps you keep your focus in the now and notice the small parts of your day?
- Get in the Zone: How do you shift your thinking when you find yourself stuck in a negative or unproductive thought pattern?
- Let Yourself Be Vulnerable: Describe a risk you have taken, personally or professionally, that has brought you success or joy? What made you willing to take the risk?
- Act With Purpose: How do you stay focused on some of your personal goals while balancing the other responsibilities and commitments in your life?
Celebrate Black History Month with Our What’s Poppin’ Cards
Help your students, educators, and staff engage in conversations that establish trust and strengthen relationships.
Our What’s Poppin’ We Are Connected Cards offer a fun and engaging way to spark classroom discussions, gain a deeper understanding of black history, culture, achievements, and help promote understanding and appreciation for all!
Product & Curriculum Updates
Guided by our “For Kids by Kids” initiative with 53 students from diverse backgrounds over a 12-month period, the 7 Mindsets team has built an all-new, next-generation high school solution. 7 Mindsets’ all-new high school curriculum:
- Offers a dynamic blend of interactive learning, engaging activities, and a holistic approach that creates a unified, unparalleled educational experience.
- Prioritizes student voice and reflection.
- Aligns the 7 Mindsets Core, College and Career Readiness, and 21st Century Framework to cultivate critical skills in students navigating high school.
Click Here to view a lesson preview with our Director of Curriculum, Dr. Nick Floyd!
Webinars & Resources
In this compelling webinar, Dwight Carter delves into the pivotal role of disposition in effective leadership, focusing on five core traits that positively impact school culture. Drawing on his own knowledge and experience as a school and district leader, he discusses how gratitude, relational skills, enthusiasm, authenticity, and teachability enhance a leader’s influence, resulting in improved academic outcomes, stronger connections with others, and a positive school culture.
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
- Harnessing the Power of Your Authentic Self: Lessons on Effective Leadership that Fosters Trust and Credibility
- Decoding a Decade of Insights and Best Practices Promoting Student Well-Being by Dr. Christina Cipriano, David Adams, and Dr. Clark McKown
- Inspiring with H.E.A.R.T. How to Create a Mindsets-Based Culture Where Everyone Thrives by Scott Shickler
LIVE GROUP DEMOS
7 Mindsets regularly hosts short demos highlighting our BASE Education and xSEL Labs solutions. If you are interested in learning more, register for a demo here.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
- Helping Young Kids Manage Productive Struggle | Edutopia
- Our Favorite Books for Educators in 2023 | Greater Good Magazine
- Building Rapport with Students |Edutopia
School Spotlight
Tracey Smith, Principal
At Kelly Mill Elementary, a 7 Mindsets school, students and staff have developed and participate in several community-minded outreach initiatives and programs. Watch this video to learn more about the many ways the students, staff, and entire school community embrace the “Live to Give” mindset to positively impact their community.
