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"Educational Messages
Focus on Behavior"
A
fourth "R" has been added to the three traditional "Rs"
of reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic in the Cambria Heights School
District. That "R" is for relevance and it is being brought
to students through Project Wisdom, an educational program rich
in history, culture and literature that began with the new school
year.
Superintendent Joseph Macharola, who ran the same program at Altoona
Area School District's alternative school, said Project Wisdom has
won over staff and students at Cambria Heights.
"At this point, it has been received in a very positive manner,"
Macharola said.
"Students participate with the teachers, and there are follow-up
writing exercises."
At the high school, the message, which includes quotes by world
leaders, philosophers and historical figures, is read over the public-address
system daily by teachers and students.
At the elementary and middle schools, the message is aired on closed-circuit
television. "Last week, the message was on attire and how the
way we dress speaks volumes about how we're perceived by others,"
Macharola said.
"It makes students stop and think, 'Is that what I wanted?'
This could apply to high school students on a job interview."
A follow-up writing assignment to this message might involve students
writing about times they dressed differently and had a positive
or negative reaction.
Parents have stopped Macharola at football games to thank him for
Project Wisdom.
"I was told students are giving thought to what respect is,"
Macharola said. "It's nice to hear something positive instead
of negative."
Sept. 11 had students thinking about citizenship and freedom.
Each day's theme is woven into lessons throughout the day.
After a message on attire, a second message the following day might
be on the importance of presenting yourself well.
"It takes one moment to deliver a message in an effective way,"
Macharola added. "They hear it every period."
On Project Wisdom's Web site at www.projectwisdom.com, sample messages
are clear and simple.
Here is a quote and teaching on gratitude:
"He who knows not when he has enough is poor."
"So here are some words of wisdom for those with a dangerous
appetite: The fastest way to heal greed is with gratitude. When
we count our blessings ... when we focus on what we have instead
of what we don't have ... gratitude replaces greed."
Macharola said the messages show relevance to students' lives and
are delivered in the vernacular of elementary, middle and high school
students at Cambria Heights in an age-appropriate manner.
"They are dealing with a lot of issues and must be prepared
to know how to handle the pressures of life," Macharola said.
"This is a good model to learn from. I think we're the only
district in the area that has it." Schools using Project Wisdom
have reported a decrease in discipline problems, suspensions and
dropouts.
Project Wisdom was founded in 1992 by Leslie Luton Matula, a veteran
public school and community volunteer and professional writer who
identified a need to foster responsible, caring and ethical student
behavior.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Reproduced with the permission.
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