Get on the Energy Bus!

At the start of the school year Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Andrew Jordan introduced a program to help change the climate and culture of the New Salem-Almont school district for the better.  The program that was introduced was John Gordon's "The Energy Bus."

This program is one that has been used to turn around organizations, companies, and professional sports teams for almost TEN years.  The "Energy Bus is a message of choice and positivity woven through the story of a man named George who’s day starts out with one frustration after another and ultimately he is forced to take the bus to work.  It is when George gets on the bus that his life changes.  Joy, the bus driver, greets George with a loud and happy “Good day to you today, Sugar!” from that moment on George begins to understand that we may not be in control of the situations around us, but we are in control of how we respond.

Every staff member was given a copy of the book “The Energy Bus” and it is our hope that a positive attitude will start to permeate everything we do here at New Salem-Almont Public Schools.  The idea behind the book is grounded in 10 Rules that John Gordon says will “fuel your life, work, and team with positive energy.”  The rules are simple:

1)    You’re the Driver of your bus

2)    Desire, vision, and focus move your bus in the right direction

3)    Fuel your ride with positive energy

4)    Invite people on your and share your vision for the road ahead

5)    Don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on the bus

6)    Post a sign that says NO ENERGY VAMPIRES ALLOWED on your bus

7)    Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride

8)    Love your passengers

9)    Drive with purpose

10) Have fun and enjoy the ride

We have tried to do these this year and it is our hope that a culture of positivity becomes a part of our identity at New Salem-Almont Public Schools.