"From the Timber Wolves' Den"
"Strong
character depends not so much upon chances as upon choices." This
is just one selection from the many words of wisdom students at
WMJH have heard lately.
Wasatch Mountain Timberwolves have joined many schools across the
country in Project Wisdom. Every morning just after the bell rings.
Principal Weishar is heard over the classroom speaking, "Good morning
Wasatch Timberwolves, a few words from the wise." What follows are
words of wisdom from some of the world's great minds: Confucius,
Sophocles, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Theodore Roosevelt, John
F. Kennedy, Caesar Chavez, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey,
and others. These words of wisdom are accommodated by an explanation
and encouragement for students to apply the lesson of tolerance
and responsibility to their lives.
The project began as a parent volunteer effort in Houston, Texas.
It is a collection of daily readings, which [encourages] students
to look at their reactions, treatment of others, and choices. Advocates
from around the nation say that the daily messages can help students
by reminding them "to be responsible, trustworthy, courteous, and
caring human beings."
Articles from around the country convey
that the program is having an impact on the way students treat each
other, themselves and others in the communities.
Because the readings in Project Wisdom deal with themes that are
related to the lives of adolescents and teens: positive thinking,
tolerance, being yourself, taking responsibility for your choices,
completing projects, courtesy and kindness, Advisory teachers can
use the daily words of wisdom as a springboard for discussion. English
teachers might use them as prompts for daily journal entries, and
other teachers can fit into curriculum other ways. All of this is
reinforced for the desired outcome: students with strong "character
muscle."
The weeks are flying by. Fridays seem to come very quickly, WMJH
students are using their time to get ahead, stay on top, and have
fun in the process. The first WMJH dance was held Friday afternoon.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the chance to listen to music, talk, hang
out, oh yea, and dance.
Students spent this week really exercising their brainpower. SAT
testing took place and the students and staff are glad it's over.
Teachers and staff attended a cookout in the mountains Monday. Fall
leaves, a beautiful spring, and great food contributed to the occasion.
It was a good opportunity to get to know many of the new teachers
and staff. Look for new teacher profiles in upcoming issues of Timber
Wolves' Den.
Reprinted with permission
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