Signals, Recognitions, Celebrations, and Rituals
To e n s u r e t h a t a l l m e m b e r s o f t h e s c h o o l c o m mu n i t y v a l u e t h e H a b i t s
of Mind, the school must clearly convey its vision of itself as a place for
learning. For example, Encinal High School in Alameda, California,
states its vision this way:
Encinal High School is a home for the active mind—a coopera-
tive community promoting knowledge, self-understanding,
mutual respect, global understanding, adaptability to change,
and a love for lifelong learning.Enhancing intelligent behavior is explicitly stated in this school’s philos-
ophy and mission. District goals, policies, and practices are constantly
scrutinized for their consistency with and contribution to that philoso-
phy. The school district aligns its procedures for continuing to study,
refine, and improve practices so that the school grows toward more intel-
ligent application of the Habits of Mind.
Students, staff, and parents will better understand the importance of
the Habits of Mind if mottos, slogans, and mission statements identify
thinkingas a purpose of education. For example, “Thought Is Taught at
Huntington Beach High” is emblazoned on one school’s note pads, and
“Make Thinking Happen” is printed on the stationery of another. “Lin-
coln Schools Are Thought-Full Schools” is the motto painted on one
district’s delivery trucks for the entire community to see. In the Auburn
School District in Washington State, the newsletter of the district’s “think-
ing skills” network is titled “The Rational Enquirer.” The superintendent
distributes bookmarks reminding the community that thinking is the
schools’ goal. The motto of the Patti Welder Middle School in Galveston,
Te x a s , i s “ Pa n t h e r s ‘ Paw s ’ t o T h i n k .” T h e s t a f f o f t h e B l e y l Ju n i o r H i g h
School in the Cypress Fairbanks School District in Houston, Texas, refer
to themselves as the “United Mind Workers.”
In many schools, student-made posters and other items serve as
reminders of the attitudes and habits that the school promotes. At Furr
High School in Houston, Texas, and at Waikiki School in Honolulu, the
274 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind