As visitors approached School Street Elementary School Friday, they first spotted a rowboat on the front lawn and then were greeted by dozens of third-graders who welcomed all who entered.
The students, who behaved years beyond their ages, invited the community to the campus to hear about their inaugural Leadership Day program that has helped them focus on being responsible, courteous — and leaders.
The program, which was implemented in the school district last year, is also held at George G. Blaisdell (GGB) Elementary for younger children as the Leader in Me project.
Administrators and teachers at GGB and School Street Elementary, under the direction of Superintendent Katharine Pude, had embarked on the new initiative last year as an introduction to personal leadership. The initiative is based on the self-help book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Teachers and administrators had attended a Leader in Me Symposium in Columbus, Ohio, three years ago to learn the basics of the program and have received training each year since from facilitators with the program.
Third-grade teacher Jennifer Kittell said her class served as the greeters at the front door of the school, as part of their leadership role. She said community officials, business leaders and parents were invited to the morning event to view the students’ activities and achievements. She said the students in their leadership roles have served as teacher’s assistants, desk washers and phone answerers, among others.
“Once a month we change leader jobs,” Kittell explained. “We’re training them to be respectful, responsible leaders in the community.”
Third-grade teacher Rebecca Ward, who helped organize the event, said, “It is nice to see all of our efforts come together and for each child to have an opportunity to be a leader.”
She said the students not only helped with the set-up of the event, which had a nautical theme, but also planned the activities.
Students who commented on the program included Brooke Komidar, who said the positive habits they are learning are practiced both in the classroom and at home.
“We focus on being proactive” or being in charge, Komidar said.
Anastacia Chapman said she likes the program because of the positive habits they are learning. In addition to being proactive, other habits are to begin something with the end in mind; do first things first; think win win; seek first to understand; synergize, or work together; and sharpen the saw, or take care and balance your own affairs.
Evan Troisi said his favorite habit is putting first things first. He said an example of this is to “do your work before you play.”
Another student, Lynzie Rosenswie, said she thinks the program helps the students “become better people.”
She said her parents definitely notice the difference with her. In addition, she noted students who follow the program and are kind to one another can win the We Care Award at the school.
“My teacher makes sure everyone gets it because everyone is definitely a leader,” Rosenswie said of her teacher, Arick Close.
Bradford Area School District board member and parent Carla Manion said she has seen positive results with the students.
“I have a son (Owen) here at School Street and he’s a fifth-grader,” Manion said. “I see him use the language about synergizing and putting first things first. When he comes home he knows exactly what he has to do before he has any leisure time.”
Manion, who is a volunteer in the school, also sees the total effect of the program on other children.
“I see kids holding doors open for other kids,” she said. “I absolutely see a difference.”
Rev. Stacey Fussell, a leader in the community who has two older daughters in the school district, said she had read the self-help book 20 years ago and found it very helpful.
“It’s a wonderful tool to help orient one’s self for leadership and life,” Fussell said. “I’m delighted that our school students are getting to engage and practice these principles so early — it will definitely serve them well.”
