Helping Minds Grow Podcast

Episode 6: Attitude of Gratitude & Live to Give

On this Episode, we will discuss the fifth and sixth mindsets, Attitude of Gratitude and Live to Give. If you ask someone which mindset they are working on, it is most often one of these two mindsets. In the Attitude of Gratitude Mindset we learn to have a positive outlook and be thankful for every experience. In the Live to Give Mindset, we learn and discuss the cycle of giving and receiving.  We will hear from Suzie Hutton, Jr H  teacher who makes a choice to see the good in each day. Then, JoLynn Plato an Instructional Coach and Becky Drengwitz, Academic Interventionist from two of our elementary schools who go above and beyond for our students. We will then end with something you can easily do at home to connect with what we are doing at school. Stay tuned and grow with us!

Episode 5: 100% Accountable

On this Episode, we will discuss the fourth mindset, 100% Accountable. Our lives are what we choose in the present moment. In schools we support students in breaking down barriers and excuses so they can achieve their goals. Our mission is to, “...challenge, support, and inspire all students to learn and achieve to their highest potential in order to become productive citizens and lifelong learners.” The goal is for the students to take accountability for their learning journey. Hear from the students themselves about how they have learned to be accountable as well as our Family Facilitators at the High School and their role in helping students learn the importance of accountability. 

Episode 4: We Are Connected

On this Episode, we will discuss the third mindset, We are Connected. We all want to create our best lives possible! In this mindset, we learn to work with, for, and through others to maximize our potential and make our dreams come true. Schools play a crucial role in helping students feel connected. We will hear how students are connected to the classroom and teachers, to their building as a whole as well as other students and to their community here in Bloomington Normal. We will then end with something you can easily do at home to connect with what we are doing at school. Stay tuned and grow with us!

Episode 3: Passion First

On this Episode, we will discuss the second mindset, Passion First. Everyone has unique gifts, talents and skills. In schools we work to expose students to various experiences and opportunities which in turn open doors to them discovering their own strengths and becoming their authentic self. We will hear from a student monitor at the Jr High School who goes above and beyond the position to mentor students and also finds time to fulfill her passion of singing. Then, the principal from Sheridan Elementary School will share how she has taken her own passion of swimming and created a program to teach students that vital life skill while also helping them discover if swimming is an interest of theirs. Last, a community member, parent and graduate of D87 schools whose passion for cooking motivated him to overcome obstacles and led to him opening his own business! We will then end with something you can easily do at home to connect with what we are doing at school. Stay tuned and grow with us!

Episode 2: Everything is Possible

On this episode, we will focus on the first mindset, Everything is Possible. Did you know that before we are capable of extraordinary things we must first believe in ourselves? Teachers have the opportunity to inspire and impact just that! We will hear from the principal at Stevenson Elementary School as well as some of her staff and students about what they are doing to fully embrace this mindset. Then, our High School Football Coach and a student athlete on how they have used this mindset to leverage the team! We will then end with something you can easily do at home to connect with what we are doing at school. Stay tuned and grow with us!

Episode 1: Overview

On this episode, What is Social Emotional Learning? Why is it important? And an overview of our new Universal Social Emotional Curriculum- 7 Mindsets. We will also hear from Jeff Waller co-founder at 7 Mindsets. Then, a Senior at Bloomington High School, Kammie Carter will share a student perspective. We will then end with something you can easily do at home to connect with what we are doing at school. Stay tuned and grow with us!