From nearly every corner of Fair Oaks Elementary in Cobb County, reminders are displayed prominently of the set of values that this school has committed itself to instilling in its students. Over the course of the last few years it has yielded impressive results.
The elementary school has designed its entire curriculum around New York Times best-selling author Sean Covey’s book, ‘The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.’ These habits, which promote independence, team work and the establishment of priorities, have effectively developed leadership skills in the school’s students, according to its staff.
“The more we used these habits in the classroom with the students, the more we noticed how their leadership skills began to develop, much like their self-confidence,” explained third grade teacher Abby Spann.
For students, the habits have become part and parcel of their daily lives.
“We remember these habits because they’re posted all over the school, and you have to respect them. I think we’re going to keep remembering them, and we’re going to teach new students that the seven habits aren’t just words that we say each day. You have to do them,” said Mitchell Rojas, a 10-year-old Hispanic student at Fair Oaks, where the student population is 85 percent Hispanic.
“The habits are important and you can have fun with them and learn important things, like responsibility,” added 11-year-old Fatima Darbo.
The implementation of this leadership program recently earned Fair Oaks a prestigious ‘Lighthouse School’ recognition, an honor bestowed on only two schools in Georgia.
“I feel very happy with the habits, because they make you a better student and a good person,” said 8-year-old Sherwin Morales.
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