Friday, November 11, 2011

Learning to make Mondays count

Let's face it, Mondays are always the hardest days to get motivated.

We drag ourselves out of bed and typically need several cups of coffee in order to be productive.

But while I was out reporting one day, I came across an idea being implemented in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools that makes Mondays count for more than just another start to the work week.

CMS schools are "Making Mondays Count." Their new anti-bullying program called just that, "Making Mondays Count," is centered around the idea of creating a positive school climate by implementing character building and bully-harassment prevention initiatives.

Each Monday of every month, there is a new theme that is promoted district-wide that relates to calendar observances and the idea of a positive school climate. Each week in the month has a new focus centered around the overall theme.

This month's theme: Unity with a Focused Intention.

The purpose of this month's theme is to unite and rally schools, communities and families to give thanks and support to those around them.

On Nov. 14, the focus will be: Treat the Homeless with Dignity.

Students will learn how to aid those who are less fortunate in the community and treat others with respect.

So instead of begrudgingly starting another Monday, make your Mondays count for something more and do a little good - just like these kids are doing.

Upcoming focuses:
Nov. 21: What Matters Most. This topic focuses on continuing to love, support and accept one another.
Nov. 28: Write a Note of Gratitude. This week, students will write thank you cards to those who have impacted their lives.

Program observances this month:
• Thanksgiving
• Eid-ul-Adha
• Birth of Baha’u’llah
• Alzheimers disease awareness
• Veterans Day
• Recycle day
• World freedom day
• American Indian heritage Month
• Military Family month
• Hospice Month
• Adoption Month
• Family Caregivers month
• Diabetes month

For more information about anti-bullying programs like "Making Mondays Count," email preventbullying@cms.k12.nc.us.

1 comments:

therestofthestory said...

Sad that these programs are needed in our schools these days. No wonder there is so little instruction time in classrooms anymore. I overhead 2 elementary teachers talking in a restaurant the other day telling how in the first 9 weeks of school, they have only been able to teach for 2 weeks.