It’s 12:00 at Quitman Junior High, and Mrs. Mean’s 7th grade math class is preparing boxes for a recycling project in the 18 minutes of Leader in Me time they have daily. The project, the students explain, is D.J.’s great idea and a result of being proactive.

The work being done in this classroom easily correlates to what is being done throughout the Quitman School District schools and their surrounding community. Panther Nation’s 5th Annual One District, One Book community read has already begun. Here is what is and has been happening:

August 1 – 3: Introduction to Leader in Me

August 6 – 31: Introduction to the 7 Habits

September: Habit 1 “Be Proactive”

October: Habit 2 “Begin with the End in Mind”

November: Habit 3 “Put First Things First”

December: Habit 4 “Think Win-Win”

January: Habit 5 “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood”

February: Habit 6 “Synergize”

March: Habit 7 – 8 “Sharpen the Saw” & “Find Your Voice”

April/May: Reinforce All Seven Habits

D.J. knew from the class’s study in the first of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens that when he wanted to see a change he was in charge of what he did in order to make that change happen.  Thus, he wrote a letter describing a change he wanted to see at Quitman Junior High. It didn’t take long before his idea took hold, and he found help in the form of his teacher, classmates, and friends.

Today at 10:00 a.m. the Quitman School District central office hosted a Community Area Business Meeting for One District, One Book at 10:00 a.m. Coordinators are hoping this will be the next step in encouraging everyone to read one of three books, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, and/or The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.

November 8th will mark the beginning of Parent University, and EVERYONE is invited to take part in a more in-depth study of what our children are learning and the language they are speaking. Each month will focus on a new habit. Mark your calendars.

November 8th @ 6:00 p.m. – Habit 3 @ QLE

December 6th @ 6:00 p.m. – Habit 4 @ QUE

January 10th @ 6:00 p.m. – Habit 5 @ QJH

February 7th @ 6:00 p.m. – Habit 6 @ QHS

March 5th @ 6:00 p.m. – Habit 7 & 8 @ QLE

April 11th @ 6:00 p.m. – Leader in Me Event in QHS Auditorium

 

For those interested in supporting the work being done by these students, their teachers, parents, and school, a t-shirt is available. For only $10 anyone can wear the change that is happening, and everyone is invited to join us as we wear our shirt every Thursday. Click HERE for an order form, print, and turn it in to a Quitman School District school by October 5th.

And then, like D.J., experience the satisfaction of being a leader.