Ponder 44 isn’t just something we talk about. Across Ponder ISD, our Lions are finding opportunities to put it into practice.
Two recent Ponder 44 submissions highlight what that can look like at different stages of a student’s journey, from starting the school day surrounded by encouragement at Ponder Junior High to stepping into a professional workplace for the first time as a Ponder High School student.
A Circle of Lions at PJH
At Ponder Junior High, Mrs. Heidi Bragg has been meeting with students before school for what has become a meaningful circle of Lions.
Students who choose to participate are starting their day with inspiration, motivation and support, surrounded by others who want to intentionally represent their class, school and community well.
It is a simple gathering with a meaningful purpose: helping our Lions encourage one another, grow together and begin their day focused on the kind of person they want to be.
This Ponder 44 moment reflects I | Integrity in Character and the importance of creating a place where students know they belong, are supported and are encouraged to represent themselves and their school with intentionality.
Taking Ponder 44 Beyond the Classroom
At Ponder High School, nearly 60 CTE Practicum and Work-Based Learning students are taking those same ideas into businesses and workplaces throughout our community.
One parent and educator shared what it was like watching her daughter prepare for her first practicum placement. The night before, she was trying on clothes and asking what would be appropriate to wear. The next day meant driving somewhere unfamiliar, figuring out where to park and enter, walking into a business where she didn't know anyone, introducing herself, finding the right person and beginning the onboarding process.
To adults, those things may seem routine. For a high school student doing them for the first time, they are significant real-world experiences.
Our practicum students are learning career and technical skills, but they are also learning how to communicate with adults, navigate unfamiliar environments, show initiative, dress appropriately and represent themselves, Ponder High School and Ponder ISD well.
As the submission shared: “We aren’t just telling students to remember who they are and who they represent. We are giving them authentic opportunities to practice it.”
That is N | Next Level Ready and I | Integrity in Character coming together in a very practical way.
From a circle of encouragement before the first bell rings to walking through the doors of a workplace for the first time, these moments may look very different, but they share the same purpose.
Helping our Lions build the character, confidence and skills to remember who they are and who they represent, wherever life takes them.
That’s Ponder 44 in Action.
Have you seen Ponder 44 in action? Big or small, share your moment with us: https://www.ponderisd.net/forms/ponder-44-in-action
