Washington students recognized for Habit 6: Synergize

Students at Washington Elementary School are learning about the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Kids and focused on Habit 6: Synergize or ?Together is Better? in March.

Habit 6 is about two or more people working together to produce more than they would be able to separately.

Teachers nominated one student, who exemplified Habit 6, from their classrooms for recognition at a recent assembly.

Kindergarten teacher Julie Gleason said Willow Larsen gets along well with everyone in the class. She tries to listen to the other person and make a compromise that will create a better solution for everyone and not just herself. Willow is a team player and is willing to solve the problem before making the problem worse. She always does more than what is asked of her and is a leader whoshows ?Together is Better.?

Kindergarten teacher Nicole Spalla said Brandon Brinkschroeder is a kindergartner who has stepped up to being a leader in small group situations. He has been helping other students in math related activities and has shown great listening and leading skills. He listens to others as they share and then leads his group to problem solving solutions. He has volunteered to help struggling students one-on-one. Brandon shows that working together can make a difference and cares about the end result of his group.

First-grade teacher Shawna Applegate said Tate Allen is a great first-grade example of synergizing. His friendly personality rallies his peers together on the playground and in the classroom. Tate compliments his friends and encourages them to work out their problems.Others have reported Tate invites them to play basketball and be included in games. After school, Tate recruits friends to help stack chairs to straighten up the classroom for the custodian.

First-grade teacher Jamie Reifsteck  said Alex Lippincott can be counted on to work well with others in his group. He stays on task and synergizes to get the job done. Alex knows that by working well with others he can get more done.

Second-grade teacher Shelley Carter said Connor Lyons works well with his classmates and is an encouraging part of group or team activities. He is humble and accepting of other people?s ideas. He knows teaming with others often leads to better solutions than by working alone.

Second-grade teacher Brianna Thornton said Tess Paton is a great representative of synergize. She is always willing to help out other students. She enjoys working with her peers in small groups and is a good leader. She listens to what other have to say and makes sure to compromise.

Third-grade teacher Mindy Hoskins  said Penelope Higdon is a great example of Habit 6: Synergize. Nellie can be counted on to be a positive leader in partner or group work time. She sticks to the task at hand and helps her classmates find answers by leading gently and with a kind voice. She enjoys helping others complete tasks and lending a hand whenever needed.

Third-grade teacher Lani Smith selected Jeremy Crile for the Habit 6: Synergize award. He is an example of always helping others out. Smith knows she can count on Jeremy to take the time to explain and be patient with it. He is especially patient at helping out with one of his classmates. Miss Smith appreciates Jeremy?s hard work and willingness to work together with others.

In Julie Hanshaw?s fourth-grade class, Alex Hetland received the award for Habit 6: Synergize. Alex always cares about others and works hard in group situations. He knows how to work well in a group and encourages each member. Alex enjoys each task he is given and consistently does his best. His smile and attitude contribute positively to every group project.

Fourth-grade teacher Heather Buckley said Carly Ferrel does an excellent job working with her classmates. Carly is a leader and encourages her peers to work together and get along. She is kind to all of her classmates and a friend to all. Carly?s enthusiasm and personality are a joy to be around, and her hard work and willingness to help others is appreciated.

The students are now working on Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw or ?Balance is Best.?