"Norway-Vulcan
school launches Project Wisdom"
Norway - Vulcan Middle School is the only school in the Upper Peninsula
to belong to a national program aimed at inspiring students to reach
for high personal goals.
"I think the students enjoy being a part of the program, whether
they are reading the messages or listening to them," principal Andrew
Hongisto said of "Project Wisdom."
Daily messages in the program cover such topics as character, choices,
friendship, honesty, determination, patience, respect and positive
thinking.
It is designed to counteract the negativity in the world with positive
thoughts and ideas, Hongisto explained at a recent school board
meeting.
Some 30 schools in Michigan participate in the program; it is included
in the morning announcements of almost 1,000 schools nationwide.
"Project Wisdom has been developed to build character by teaching
students to make wise choices," Hongisto said.
"Within a short time after starting the
program, I had students coming up to me and making positive comments
about the program," he said. "I know it's making a difference in
our school."
Students and teachers apparently agree.
"It is good for our school," said eighth grader Ashley Harnden.
"Having our own students doing the announcements makes more students
listen to what they say."
Fifth grade teacher Mary Witter also likes the program. "I feel
Project Wisdom provides a valuable message by using quotes and examples
from real people who have made a difference... These messages make
children aware they have the power within them to make wise choices."
A recent message from reader Courtney Pryor is as follows:
"In her famous diary, a very young Anne Frank wrote these words:
'Parents can only give good advice or put their children on the
right path, but the final forming of a person's character lies in
their own hands.'"
"Anne Frank is talking about self-responsibility, which in a nut-shell
means taking responsibility for our thoughts, words and deeds. Our
parents, teachers, counselors and principals can offer us valuable
advice. They can recommend which path to take. They can share wisdom
they gained through experience. But in the end it is up to us to
make the right choices."
"Today, practice self-responsibility. If you make a mistake, admit
it. If you hurt someone's feelings, apologize. Learning to be self-responsible
is a goal we should all set for ourselves."
Information on the program is available from Project Wisdom headquarter
in Houston, Texas at 1-800-884-4974.
Reprinted with permission
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