It may be the start of the school year, but our minds are at the end of the year at Almond Acres. The fresh, new school year is the perfect time to look to the future and make plans to grow towards our goals and dreams.
Habit #2: Begin With the End in Mind is a natural fit for the start of the school year. Dr. Franklin Covey defines this habit as “beginning each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continuing by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.”
What does this look like at Almond Acres? Well, it starts with envisioning our future. We spend time identifying our goals and dreams and then make a plan to get there. We proactively determine where we want our actions to lead us, instead of waiting for someone else to guide our future. We also talk about obstacles that may get in the path of our dreams and how to safely get around such challenges.
Guiding Principles
A successful future is not only built on planning and dreams, but also a foundation of strong character. At Almond Acres, we incorporate a focus on the five TeRRiFiC citizenship traits: trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair and caring.
Likely, your hopes and dreams for your child involve integrity and strong character, as well. Success and happiness stands on a foundation of strong character. We help to lay that foundation throughout a child’s entire K-8 experience at AACA. It is not a one-and-done lesson, rather a years-long journey to growing great kids. When our lives are grounded on sound principles, our actions can guide us toward a happier and more successful life.
There is an old saying that “living without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder.” A captain with a hand on the rudder guides a ship to its destination. Without a rudder directed by our principles, we can easily stray from our course. Guided by the end in mind and strengthened with the power of positive principles, each and every child can achieve the success they seek and deserve.
Develop a Mission Statement
One of the best ways to incorporate Habit #2 into your life is to develop a personal or family mission statement. A mission statement is your plan for success. It reaffirms who you are, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. Your mission statement makes you the leader of your own life and can help you keep focused especially when days are difficult. Together with your family, decide upon your guiding principles and dreams for the future and then write it down! Hang it somewhere your whole family can see regularly.
How have you helped your family begin with the end in mind this school year? Have you set goals for the future? Dinner is a fabulous time to talk with your child about Habit #2 and how to begin with the end in mind.
About AACA
Almond Acres Charter Academy is a public, tuition-free K-8 school that employs credentialed teachers and administers state-mandated testing to provide families in northern SLO County an additional choice in public education. Located in Paso Robles in a newly built, state-of-the-art facility, AACA is open to all students from all communities. AACA’s mission is to help students succeed academically and socially by educating the whole child: heart, mind, body and soul. We grow great kids!
