You asked for them and we said "Yes!" In response to dozens of schools' requests, the 8 to Great
program now offers Student Handbooks to any schools and youth programs with at least one certified 8 to Great trainer on staff! These beautiful spiral bound 112-page booklets are 5x8 with laminated covers and full color throughout! Students love them because:

"It's something I can take home with me to show my family." "I love the fact that I can write in it and make it my own." "I can relate to so many of the stories." "The Movie List for each High-Way is cool!" "It's fun to have a quick review for when I forget stuff..."

The Handbooks are a wonderful tool for teachers as well, incorporating the best of the 250 activities in the full 8 to Great Curriculum. To see a 20-page sampler of the Student Handbook, click here.

"These 8 to Great Student Handbooks ROCK!"
- Kyle Fletcher, teacher and coach
Norfolk High School

Order Now and Save!
Anyone who orders their handbooks before Dec. 31 will save 20% AND get free shipping! Call 1-800-419-0444 or your 8 to Great Sales Representative to order your copies today. We guarantee you and your students will love them or your money back!

My son called me from college the day after he arrived. As a sophomore, he was now in the 'cooler' dorm. "It's great, Mom!" he began. "We've figured out a way to run the cord out our window and into the bathroom so we can have music while we shower!"

The following day he discovered that the school authorities did not share his excitement about external window to window electrical cords.

But my question for all of us who work with young people is What Is It With The Music Thing? They play music right up to the moment they walk in the school door, and it's the first thing they do upon leaving! Ever see Michael Phelps right before a swim event? He's in his own little world listening to music through his earphones.

Most of you are aware that 8 to Great is the great RIGHTER of education. As students learn to better use the right side of their brains, it helps schools become more 'brain-balanced':

1. From goals (left brain) to dreams (right brain)

2. From playing it safe (left brain) to risk (right brain)

3. From B.C. (left brain) to A.D. (right brain) and then there is

4. Feel All Your Feelings......you get the picture.

That is why the use of music in EVERY 8 to Great class period is so important. You can do it easily and effortlessly; just use your local music experts. That's right, the ones sitting in the desks in front of you.

Let them know you need just two minutes of a song about Risk (for example) and ask who would like to bring one for the next class. You'll be taking names in a whole new way! Meanwhile, always have a quiet instrumental CD ready to play for their journaling time once a week. It will make all the difference.

By the way, next time you're teaching RISK, download "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot, shared with me by the amazing 8TG trainer Brock Fairbrother.

Injoy!

Pierce HS Offers Wall to Wall Inspiration!

At  8 to Great we say, "Don't tell us you're using the process with your students, show us!" Pierce High School did just that this past year, as they found lettering that they could print on a Cricut machine. They bought vinyl online from Vinyl Expressions since it was the cheapest to make the signs and stick them to the walls! Now everytime students walk down their beautiful hallways, they are reminded of the High-Ways. Thanks to principal Mark Brahmer and teachers Cheryl Timm and Crystal Bauermeister for the photos! Send us YOUR ideas and inspirations so we can share them with others! Next Teaching Tips: How Nebraska City makes sure NO child is left unloved!!!

"The training was inspiring.  I enjoyed meeting the remarkable educators who attended.  I'd recommend this training to parents and teachers anywhere."

- Airick West,

KCMO School Board President

There are still openings for these 8 to Great Training weekends: