Monday, May 13, 2019

"The Time is Now"

Greetings Pathfinder Parents, Friends and Community Members!

It is hard to believe that the school year is about finish! Our 9 Seniors will be walking across the stage this Friday, May 17 at 6:00 pm to receive their diplomas! We are so proud of each student and their accomplishments - Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
The last day for all other students is Thursday, May 23 with a dismissal at 12:00pm. Students will spend the last week finishing classes and becoming proficient in the standards. If a student is not proficient, they will be referred to summer school for standard recovery.
Our last mindset that we are learning about is "The Time is Now".  The Time is Now mindset teaches that all your power exists in the moment. You cannot change the past and the future has not happened, so the only thing to do is take purposeful act the present to create the ultimate life of your dreams.

Create a vision board and develop an action plan with your children. Teach them how to prioritize, and encourage them to take positive and purposeful action toward their dreams. Sometimes, small steps can make the biggest difference, simply by taking action. It's okay to plan, but while many people wait for the perfect plan or moment in time before they act, the happiest and most successful individuals take action all the time... even (and especially) when their plans aren't perfect.

Thank you for all of your support this year and going into next school year! Please make sure you have completed the Online Registration Form for next school year!! GO PANTHERS!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Live to Give

Happy Spring PHS Parents and Friends!


As the school year is quickly coming to an end, we continue to focus our Social Emotional Learning around
“The 7 Mindsets”.  All students participate weekly in lesson taught by Mrs. Harrison and this month we
are focusing on “Live to Give”.

The Live to Give mindset teaches that abundance in one's life is a cycle. To receive love, respect
and financial security, one must first learn to give those things. This mindset also teaches that the
greatest gift you can ever give is finding and leveraging your unique genius to maximize your positive
impact on the world, knowing that good things will be returned to you in kind.

The students have worked together to create service projects this month tied to their own passions.  
For example, we have students visiting Westward Heights, having lunch with Headstart,
Fishing with Friends from Baldwin Creek Elementary and reading to a 1st grade class at
Ft. Washakie Elementary.  Each day students are sharing ideas and acting on them in order to
give back to our community!

It is important to get our students involved in service projects. This helps create self-worth, and allows
our students to help others while feeling the great satisfaction of making a difference. We have explained
to the students that giving doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions or only be done when you
achieve a certain level of success. Ideally, giving is connected to causes that they are passionate about
and integrated into our daily lives.
PHS Students raking a neighbor’s yard for a Random Act of Kindness

A few important reminders:

*Complete the Online Registration for next school year before the end of May!  
You will need to log into your Infinite Campus portal. If you need help, call Vivian - 335-705
*PHS Graduation - May 17 at 6:00 pm at Pathfinder High School
*No School Monday April 22
*WYTOPP Test for 9th and 10th Grade Students - Wednesday April 24

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Greeting PHS parents, students, staff and community!

This month we are focusing on the Mindset - 100% Accountable.  
The 100% Accountable mindset teaches us that we are not victims of our past, that our futures
are not predetermined, and that our lives are what we choose them to be at this moment and each moment forward. With a focus on recognizing fears and excuses, this mindset helps us to break down barriers, freeing our minds and focusing our energy on taking critical steps toward our goals. Do not enable; empower! The greatest gift you can give your children is the confidence to fail, face adversity, and overcome challenges. As educators, we sometimes connect our own ego to our child's successes and accomplishments. Unfortunately, this sacrifices the most important thing, which is giving them the ability to survive and thrive without us. Celebrate failure by teaching your children that it may be the most important ingredient to their ultimate success.
I hope you have seen or heard by now about the wonderful work the students and staff at PHS have done regarding the State Salamander Bill! Students drafted the bill, testified at Senate and House committees, talked to legislators and were recognized through a Mayor's Proclamation for their hard work. It all paid off and we traveled to Cheyenne for the signing of the bill by Governor Gordon! This was truly a team effort and I am proud of everyone involved!
We are completing the 3rd semester - March 7 is the last day! Please encourage your child to finish strong! Complete all work and attend every day!


Monday, December 17, 2018

"We Are Connected"

The Holiday Season is here and we are wrapping up 2nd semester at Pathfinder High School!  Our students are working hard to complete their classes and we have some fun events planned for our kids!  Mark your calendars for the first annual Pathfinder Film Festival is Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 pm.  We will be showcasing student work and creativity!

In our "7 Mindsets" class, students are focusing on the mindset "We are Connected"!  The "We Are Connected" mindset helps us to understand that everyone who comes into our lives

can help us live our dreams. Through this mindset, we learn to constantly explore synergies with others, embrace diversity, and relish competition that will allow us to maximize our potential with and through others.
We all have belief systems that help define who we are. Where it can go wrong is when we separate ourselves from others because of these beliefs. Some individuals create walls of anger and even hatred to isolate themselves from large segments of people who could actually help and benefit them. We must instill values in our children, along a strong sense of self, but also cultivate curiosity and open-mindedness towards all people, regardless of differences in beliefs.
As part of the mindset "We are Connected" students and staff created the above bulletin board outside of Mrs. Harrison's office. It is a great visual reminder to all of us about our connections and being part of the great community at Pathfinder High School!
Friday, December 21st will be early dismissal. We will resume school on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019! We hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas break!

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Passion First...

This month the students and staff at Pathfinder High School will be learning about the mindset "Passion First".  The staff has participated in a book study and staff training regarding this mindset and now it is the students' turn!  Once a week during our CCRB block, students will work with Mrs. Harrison and learn about their passions.
Last week PHS students and staff had the amazing opportunity to see the Rice Brothers perform which was sponsored by PALS.  During the performance, the duet engaged in a conversation with the students and encouraged them to find something they are passionate about!  It was a great introduction to the mindset for our students.

The Passion First mindset teaches us that we are each a unique expression of human life, and that our lives should be focused on finding our unique genius and sharing it with the world to the maximum extent possible. You will learn to make your dreams authentic, and of such critical importance that you'll find the fuel to overcome any obstacles you face on the way to achieving them.

Teach your children to find validation within. We live in an extrinsically driven world where it's easy to be led by the goals and expectations others have for us. It's typical to assess ourselves based on outside standards, and on what others have or can do. Instead, we must look inward for direction and fulfillment. Every experience in your child's life should be about growth. Constantly focus your attention toward helping them understand the skills they're building, the knowledge they're gaining, and the relationships they're forming along the way. It is crucial that they find validation in who they are becoming, not in what they are accumulating.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Greetings PHS Parents, Students and Friends!

I have recently made increasing communication with families and the community one of my professional goal for the school year!  PHS students and staff do so many great things throughout the year that focus on high levels of learning for all students and I recognize the need to share these things every way possible!!  So with that, one of the ways I will communicate this year is through a blog.  This is my first shot at blogging, so any and all feedback is appreciated!!

In addition to moving to our new location, we have gone through other changes this year that focus on learning!  One of these changes is incorporating "The 7 Mindsets" social and emotional learning curriculum into our school day for ALL students!  PHS received the Positive School Climate grant from the Wyoming Department of Education which allowed us to purchase the curriculum and training.  In August, Roberto Rivera came for two days and worked with students and staff regarding The 7 Mindsets.  The students have formed Student Voice Committees (SVC) which gives all students a voice regarding the culture of PHS, field trips, guest speakers, community service and activities/events.  Mrs. Harrison is teaching the students each week about The 7 Mindsets during CCRB!  Currently, students and staff have are learning about the mindset, "Everything is Possible"!

The Everything is Possible mindset provides an understanding that we are all capable of extraordinary lives. We learn that everything in existence was once just an idea, until someone believed it was possible and turned it into a reality. Embracing this fact allows one to envision a wonderful life, expect greatness, and effectively execute the process of making dreams come true.

Don't be a dream snatcher! Resist the urge to give your children reality checks, no matter what their dreams are. Dreams are precious, and represent the hopes and expectations we have for our lives. So every dream and positive vision of the future that your children have should be encouraged. Their dreams will inevitably change, but what matters is that they're dreaming and believing. Constantly push your children to dream bigger, and never be the doubter or pessimist.

We are challenging students to dream big and set goals!  We encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about their dreams, goals and obstacles they face!  If you would like to attend a lesson, contact myself or Mrs. Harrison and we will make it possible!

Parent / Teacher Conferences are Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm.  Dr. Woolwine will not be present however when he returns, if you would like a phone call or meeting, we will set that up!