"Manners of the Heart contributed to an increase in academic proficiency and a decrease in disciplinary actions. Overall, our school community was transformed and most of all, the classrooms were more conducive to learning."
Mr. Mark Commanducci, Principal, Children's Charter School
- “Manners of the Heart contributed to an increase in academic proficiency and a decrease in disciplinary actions. Overall, our school community was transformed and most of all, the classroom was more conducive to learning. Even in tight financial times, I would find ways to fund Manners of the Heart, because teaching character is vital to our school’s culture and mission. “ - Principal, Mr. Mark Commanducci, Children's Charter School, Baton Rouge, LA
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"At the end of the 2010-2011 school year one teacher approached Manners of the Heart staff to tell them about the change in one of her students. At the beginning of the school year, this student exhibited severe behavioral difficulties and damaging interactions with fellow students. By the end of the school year, this teacher had witnessed a dramatic change in her student, the child having a more positive and respectful interaction with students and faculty and a more productive attitude within the classroom. The teacher attributed the change in her student to Manners of the Heart." - 3rd Grade Teacher, Ms. Celeste Cahill, La Belle Aire Elementary School, Baton Rouge, LA
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"The Leaders by Example program has been a godsend to the freshmen at Broadmoor High School. The all-day program the students attended in the fall and the monthly refresher classes cover topics in character education that many of our students would not receive otherwise. With the emphasis on personal integrity, self-respect, and respect for others, our students are gaining invaluable training that will enable them to become better citizens in high school and beyond. The friendly, non-threatening manner in which these lessons are delivered keep the students engaged and participating throughout the sessions. The classroom training has saved our staff countless hours of individual counseling and advising we are generally required to give freshman as they are trying to become assimilated into the high school culture. I believe LBE is so effective and necessary, I don’t see how we can possibly do without it in our schools of the future and I highly recommend it to students of all ages." - Principal, Dr. Dary Glueck, Broadmoor High School, Baton Rouge, LA
- "La Salle Elementary invited ‘celebrity’ athletes to speak to their second grade classes last spring. After the presentation, the children were allowed to ask questions. One of the children asked, 'Do you know all the words to ‘The Star Spangled Banner?’' Before the athlete could respond, another child asked, 'Do you stand with your hand over your heart when you sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner?’' 'Well, I try to remember…' he responded. Then another student jumped in, 'Do you stop talking and put your hand over your heart when you see the flag?’' The athlete turned to the teacher and said, 'You must have just taught a history lesson.' Before the teacher could answer, several of the children said, 'No, Sir. We’re learning manners in our hearts.'" - 2nd Grade Teacher, Ms. Jennifer Rosetta, La Salle Elementary, Baton Rouge, LA
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"Manners of the Heart transcends 'being polite' and making good decisions. It leads to a life-long perception of self-worth instead of self-promotion, opening your heart to not how good you are, but what good you can do. Incredibly transforming! - Foundation Director, Sandra Holub, The Albermarle Foundation, Baton Rouge, LA
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"'Hey, Miss Jill, wait, wait a minute,' a young man called as I was leaving a local restaurant one evening. When I turned around, a tall high school fellow with a big grin on his face was standing in front of me. 'I gotta’ show you something,' he said, as he reached in his front pocket. 'I carry it with me every day.' I looked down to see a silver dollar in his outstretched palm. Before I could speak, he continued, 'I put it on my dresser at night and back in my pocket in the morning to remind me of the lessons you taught me.' He went on to say he had attended our Leaders by Example training the year before and how it had changed his life. He said he had been 'a bad dude,' but now he was headed for college and knew what he wanted to do with his life." - Retold by Founder/Executive Director, Jill Garner, Manners of the Heart, Baton Rouge, LA