Hudson Maxim School Promotes the Power of Positive Thinking

Positivity is the way at Hopatcong's Hudson Maxim School. The elementary school, which serves pre-kindergarten through first grade students, has announced it will once again use a new literature-based character education to teach optimism and perseverance.

The focus of the school-wide character education program is Jon Gordon's book "The Energy Bus for Kids: A Story About Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges." The book is about a young boy who encounters a string of very bad days.  

As the story progresses, th coy's school bus driver—appropriately named Joy— teaches him “5 Rules for the Ride of His Life.”  
1. Create a Positive Vision
2. Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy
3. No Bullies Allowed
4. Love Your Passengers
5. Enjoy the Ride!

The Energy Bus will be incorporated into the existing character education curriculum at Hudson Maxim by Lisa Schuffenhauer, the program coordinator. Classes will explore a different character trait displayed in “Hop on the Energy Bus” each month.  

Additional character education books for the classrooms will be purchased with the “Lessons for Literacy” grant, which was awarded by the Hopatcong Education Association to Schuffenhauer.  

Educational experts say character education builds a foundation that helps schools create a positive atmosphere that helps children to learn and excel, academically and socially. Last year, according to school officials, the Energy Bus Program was a huge success at Hudson Maxim School. 

As part of the program, students who go above and beyond to spread positive energy and kindness receive a certificate for showing great character at the end of each month.   The distinguished students' pictures are also displayed on an Energy Bus bulletin board.