|
|
What do teachers have to say about
how the "Strategies of Success" program impacted the lives of the
students who took the course and how it affected the school at large?
The
work you have done with young people at Mt. Hope High School has
been an inspiration to me. I have seen our
students grow in confidence,
maturity and responsibility,
as they accepted your challenge. The success of your program is
further apparent in the
positive atmosphere created,
not only in your classroom, but in the community as a whole.
On a more personal
level, your generosity in sharing your knowledge and strategies has
inspired me to move out of my comfort zone to take on a leadership
role at Mt. Hope. I thank your for your encouragement.
Nancy Vorro, Dean of
Students
|
Marianne’s "Strategies of Success" classes touched many of us, faculty and
students alike. We were fortunate
to share several students. One particular young lady, Liz,
struggled with personal issues, which kept her from reaching
potential in several areas. She sang in Chorus four years but had a
negative self-image and worried constantly about succeeding both
academically and socially. After a year in "Strategies of Success"
class, Liz has gained a great deal of confidence. 
She worried at the
start of her senior year that Mrs. Douglas was no longer teaching at
our school, but I knew the path had been set. Liz shared several
breathing and relaxation exercises with the chorus. Watching her
lead, I knew she was growing. This success story gets even better.
Her peers recently elected Liz as President of Chorus (a 50 member
ensemble.) Subsequently she was elected the Choral Homecoming
Candidate and represented the performing arts department at the
homecoming football game. When I watched Liz carry herself with
poise and pride, all dressed up as homecoming candidate, I couldn't
help but think of Marianne. I know "Strategies of Success" and
Mrs. Douglas gave Liz the gift to believe in herself.
Many of
my music students found techniques
in 'Strategies
of Success' that help them as musicians. More importantly,
I have seen many students
gain leadership skills,
self-confidence and positive energy.
Vicki Boyle, Choral
Director |
Often students would
seek advice on electives they should take. I would encourage
students to take "Strategies for Success", as I have seen over
the past several years the positive impact this course has had on
students. Some began the course as shy, non-advocating adolescents
and
emerged more self-assured with a better understanding of themselves
and others.
Students have come back to thank me for telling them to take "Strategies for Success". What they learned became a part of
them. They seemed to be enthused, active participants of the
class.
The change in many
individuals was amazing!
It is wonderful to see how the positive impact of a course and the
enthusiasm of a teacher can make such a difference in some people.
Van Chase,
Department Chair Special Education, Pupil Services
|
During
my tenure at Mt. Hope High School as the Athletic Director and Head
Football Coach, I have developed a great deal of respect for
Marianne Douglas. I have been in her classes and attended many of
her workshops and I can tell you for sure that the zeal and
enthusiasm that she creates is inspiring to me as an educator.
Students rush to
get to her class, they are happy to be there and when they leave
they carry a positive emotion throughout the school.
I have witnessed
athletes, especially baseball pitchers using her deep breathing
techniques to improve and get them through an inning. Athletes,
students and teachers have all benefited by Marianne’s approach and
positive attitude.
Thomas Vendituoli,
Athletic Director |
Often we graduate
students with a set of skills and knowledge--a sort of career plan.
However, we often neglect assisting in the development of a life
plan. "Strategies for Success"
gives students the confidence and interpersonal tools needed to act
on the knowledge and skills--hence,
establishing a life plan! Students who successfully complete "Strategies for Success" are
more productive
employees and citizens.
Students who take "Strategies for Success" learn to see
problems as challenges--what a way to view the world!
Diane Verdolotti,
Director of NAF at Mt. Hope High (National Academy Program -
naf.org)
|
I have had a
wonderful week with the students. They really liked the high-fives,
the music and the class atmosphere. We did the learning styles
today. What a terrific lesson!
I learned as much
as the students. I really appreciate your work.
"Strategies of
Success"
Teacher, Oregon |
I have now taught
the "Strategies of Success" course eight times and am impressed with the reactions of
 the
students. First and foremost, the students seem to let their
guard down as they realize something ‘different’ is taking place in
this course. They seem to understand that this course was
created specifically and especially for them. Due to the
nature of the course,
it connects with students from freshmen to
seniors and of all learning styles and abilities.
Everyone can identify with the content on some level and utilize it
to their benefit. Student reactions to this course have been
overwhelming.
Beside the student
progress and reactions to this course, the best part about teaching
it, is the ability for me to incorporate my own personality and
personal experiences. I was concerned at first that I could not
take Marianne’s creation and mimic the results she has achieved.
What I failed to realize is that the
message is imbedded in the
curriculum and the daily activities.
It allows for each teacher’s own unique style and that makes it work
with the students. The simplicity of the lessons allows each
teacher to own the material and make it theirs, which translates
into an even more powerful message and overall successful learning
experience.
This course is a
dream for any teacher.
You
can completely be yourself and the students learn practical,
invaluable lessons to utilize for the rest of their lives.
Most importantly, they know the value of what they’re learning as
it’s happening.
Michael Almeida,
"Strategies for Success" Teacher, Mt. Hope High
School, Bristol, RI
|
From a guidance
point of view her classes "Strategies for Success" were always
filled to capacity. Students who were not doing well academically
would praise how her class was an incentive and in their words "the
Best". It
gave the student
who had "low self-esteem" the tools to combat the negative thoughts
and turn them into positive energy thus empowering the student for
success.
Feliciana Figuereido,
Guidance Counselor |
|
|
