FISH PHILOSOPHY 
Sacred Heart students learn through new program

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
March 9, 2006

The sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Sacred Heart School in Sioux City have been participating in the FISH philosophy program.

"Our principal, Brenda Ferrie, had the opportunity to go to a workshop and listen to the FISH philosophy," said Kris Vondrak, religion teacher at Sacred Heart School in Sioux City. "She thought it was something that we could bring back to our system to bring a little more energy, to boost the morale. It will hopefully improve results for our system."

Vondrak explained that the idea was brought to the teachers first.

What has been done with the sixth, seventh and eighth grade so far is to introduce the philosophy. The program looks at strengths and ways the educational setting can be improved for the students.

The four ideas of the philosophy are have fun, be there, make their day and choose your attitude.

The "have fun" part of the philosophy encompasses that the students joke around and laugh with each other, fun activities in class and field trips.

"Be there" within the philosophy means the students should help others with homework, listen to others concerns and show respect.

The "make their day" part means to greet others in the morning or when they are met during the day, smile to others and make them laugh, make cards for others, show compassion for others' needs and compliment others.

"Choose your attitude" encourages the students to be positive and upbeat about things, ignore negative things and be responsible for their actions.

"We presented those and what are some examples to do those things," said Vondrak. "We have found that if we can bring that philosophy in, the students are going to be more engaged - they are going to learn more."

Thus far in the program, Vondrak noted that with "many of the students we see a more positive attitude - being more willing to come to school, being more energetic and eager to participate and learn."

"We are hoping to see through this an improvement in relationships - between the students but also between the students and the staff and faculty," she said.

Currently, the implementation of the program has mainly been with Vondrak in her religion classes by sharing ways the students have seen or experienced the four qualities. She hopes that it will spread from there.

"The FISH philosophy has meant a lot to me," said Meghan Clemens, a seventh grader at Sacred Heart. "It teaches me how to live my life to the fullest and how to bring out the best in almost every situation. The FISH philosophy has been good by helping me to be friendly to everyone."

Eighth grader, Adam Bornholtz, commented that FISH has "taught me to accept everyone and to go out and have fun and not to worry what people think. I can make someone's day if they are hurt, embarrassed or just looking for a good joke to start the day."

"I think this is important to start because we do get a better positive attitude about our work environment and our relationships with others," said Vondrak. "I think I have seen a difference in some of the students' attitudes. They try to be more accepting of each other or help others when they are struggling. Student are more comforting to others."