Diamond Creek Villages

The goal of the Diamond Creek Village system is to strengthen our implementation of a supportive and engaging environment and positive school culture. Through the implementation of Diamond Creek’s Village system, our Trailblazer in Me Habits (based on the 7 Habits of Highly Successful Kids) accompanied with our own Essentials will be taught and practiced each day. There will be a continuous focus on how we can be positive contributors to our school and community while also establishing strong lifelong habits.

The positive attitudes of students toward one another and toward the school will continue to increase. We believe our Villages system benefits all students in these ways:

• Being a part of a smaller community helps students acclimate quickly to their school environment and experience an immediate sense of belonging
• Students have a team of caring staff mentors who are able to connect with them during their entire career at Diamond Creek
• Students have the opportunity to interact with other students from all grade levels
• More opportunities for student leadership within the Village setting and all around Diamond creek
• Allows set aside time to teach our 7 Trailblazer in Me Habits and Essentials and follow up of these behaviors
• It can be a source of positive peer pressure and motivation that can have a positive effect in the classroom
• At rallies and meetings, students will have opportunities to enjoy creative expression, physical activity, and social engagement. Music and chants are extensively used to support expression and engagement
• Creates a strong sense of pride in our students to represent their Village inside and outside of Diamond Creek

Trailblazer in Me – Habits & Essentials

Habit 1: I’m in Charge of Me

• Move around respectfully and safely
• Be responsible for your trash
• Try to solve your own problems yourself. If anyone is bullying you, let us know
• No matter the circumstances, always be honest

Habit 2: Know Before You Do

• Be as organized as possible
• Learn from your mistakes and move on
• Plan ahead and set goals
• If you can’t solve a problem, ask for help

Habit 3: Make Priorities Matter

• Stand up for what you believe in
• Always do your best
• Work first – then play

Habit 4: I am Mindful of Others

• Address and respond to others respectfully
  • shake their hand and repeat their name,
  • make eye contact,
  • hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them
• If you win, do not brag; if you lose, do not show anger
• Be mindful of body language and tone of voice
• Greet visitors and make them feel welcome

Habit 5: Listen and Learn

• Respect others comments, opinions, and ideas without interrupting
• If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return
• If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault

Habit 6: All in This Together

• Congratulating a classmate
• If you see someone in need, help them. Value each other’s differences and what they contribute to the group as a whole
• Do not ask for a reward
• Keep yourself and the common areas/shared spaces clean and germ-free

Habit 7: Find Your Balance

• Be positive and enjoy life
• Live so that you will never have regrets
• Be the best person you can be