Herkimer Elementary School instituted a theme of “respect” last school year and is building upon that this year by putting more of a spotlight on the idea that “mindset matters.”
During the first Respect Assembly of the 2023-24 school year on Friday, Sept. 22, Elementary School Principal Renee Vogt spoke to students about having a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset and reviewed topics covered last school year. Students from prekindergarten to fifth grade were in attendance.
“We wanted to come together to talk about some new things and reflect about respect,” Vogt said, during the assembly.
The “respect” theme of last school year included assemblies throughout the year, “respect” signage around the building, student rewards for respectful behavior, common language and expectations and more. That will continue this year with the additional focus on mindset.
“We’re trying to focus on behavior in many areas,” she said.
Early in the assembly, Vogt said, “Give respect,” and students responded, “Get respect” as they were taught to do last school year. Vogt said that was a good sign that returning students remembered what they learned last school year and that new students were quickly picking up on it.
Students will continue to receive tickets for acting respectfully this school year, and then a drawing of seven tickets will take place on Fridays. Winning students will receive prizes such as a water bottle, an ice cream coupon or the chance to spend time with a teacher.
Also on Fridays, 16 students who have been showing respectful behavior in the cafeteria are selected to participate in a special meal – with the meals currently taking place outside.
During the discussion about a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, Vogt gave examples such as different ways a student could respond to something going wrong in a soccer game.
Then, Vogt and Elementary School Assistant Principal Cristi Paragi went over various scenarios with Vogt pretending to respond with a fixed mindset and Paragi responding with a growth mindset to further show students the difference.
The next assembly themes with be on “empathy” in October and “safety” in November. Some months, such as October, will feature pre-recorded videos featuring teachers using a green screen that will be shown in classrooms.
Vogt finished off the first assembly of the school year with one final respectful comment.
“Have a great rest of your day,” she said.
Herkimer Elementary School Principal Renee Vogt (front, left) and Assistant Principal Cristi Paragi (front, right) talk about how to respond to situations with a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset during a Respect Assembly on Friday, Sept. 22.
Herkimer Elementary School Principal Renee Vogt speaks to students about the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset during a Respect Assembly on Friday, Sept. 22.
Herkimer Elementary School Principal Renee Vogt speaks to students about the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset during a Respect Assembly on Friday, Sept. 22.