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!