Principal Kafele’s 50 “Is” for Being a Serious Student
Copyright © 2006 by Baruti K. Kafele
Principal Kafele Commentary – As a student, it is extremely important that you
are successful throughout your years in school. Your grade school education is
the foundation for your success. It is my hope that you will strive to achieve
academic excellence in all of your classes, each and every year. If success is in
fact going to be your reality, I encourage you to make the 50 “I’s” below a part of
your regular routine. I encourage you to review and study this list regularly, while
ultimately making it a part of you. As you study this list, also be mindful that the
key to success is to maintain an attitude that is positive and productive, and to
always make wise decisions along the way. I encourage you always to be:
Serious about learning
Focused on achieving academic excellence
Diligent in your efforts
Disciplined in your actions
and
Resilient after setbacks.
As long as you adhere to the above, while simultaneous implementing the 50 “I’s”
below, I am confident that the vision of academic excellence will be your
permanent reality.
1. I attend school everyday.
2. I arrive to school on time everyday.
3. I arrive to class on time each period.
4. I consistently make the Honor Roll.
5. I consistently make Student of the Month.
6. I consistently achieve academic excellence.
7. I consistently set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
8. I consistently focus on my teachers, objectives and lessons – I listen, I’m
attentive, I concentrate, I participate.
9. I consistently “ace” all of my assessments.
10. I complete all homework assignments.
11. I study for a minimum of two hours every evening.
12. I read the newspaper on a daily basis.
13. I read a book on a daily basis.
14. I am in constant search of new knowledge.
15. I take copious notes and ask questions when something is not clear or
understood.
16. I look critically at everything I learn.
17. I strive to be accepted into a college or university.
18. I spend sufficient time in the library engaged in research and study.
19. I spend sufficient time on the internet engaged in research and study.
20. I spend sufficient time writing to address, respond to, critique or
summarize what I read.
21. I am in constant preparation for my future.
22. I have a positive attitude.
23. I have high standards and expectations for myself.
24. I believe in myself and in my ability to achieve academic excellence.
25. I have a definite purpose for receiving an education.
26. I understand my obligation to excel.
27. I am determined to achieve academic excellence.
28. I have a vision for achieving academic excellence.
29. I align and surround myself with other positive goal-oriented people.
30. I never allow someone or something to distract me from achieving
excellence.
31. I never allow someone else’s negativity to discourage me from achieving
my goals.
32. I never accept failure as my reality.
33. I hold myself accountable for my own failure.
34. I accept obstacles as challenges to succeed.
35. I understand my responsibility as a positive role-model for others.
36. I make a positive difference in my school.
37. I make a positive difference in my community.
38. I comply with all school, hall, classroom and cafeteria rules.
39. I consistently dress appropriately for school.
40. I exhibit the utmost respect for myself.
41. I exhibit the utmost respect for my peers.
42. I exhibit the utmost respect for my teachers.
43. I exhibit the utmost respect for every adult in my school.
44. I never bully, ridicule or harass other students.
45. I never resort to fighting or uncontrollable arguing to solve my problems.
46. I never deface the walls of my school.
47. I never use or sell drugs.
48. I did not, nor will I ever join a gang.
49. I do not, nor will I ever engage in criminal activity.
50. I will always make my parents and the entire school community proud of
me.