April 30, 2010 was like a dream come true! Everything we planned for our Leadership Day went so smoothly it brought tears to my eyes. We had over 120 guests visit Winchester Elementary and the kids just rose to the occasion. We began with a bus tour of the area, breakfast in the gym (looking better than every with all our decorations), student tours of our school, students individual piano performances, and kiosks that were set up with “a year in review” of TLIM. On the side wall we had a “gallery of our weekly meetings” so our guests had a better understanding of our walk in leadership.   We all participated in the “Read and Lead” assembly that was complete with our Girl Scout troop presenting a flag ceremony with an honor guard.  Afterwards, we had our leadership assembly, classroom visits, and then a luncheon with a panel discussion.  I was never so proud of my faculty, staff, and students.  It was better than what I had expected.  The best is yet to come!

Kathleen Brachmann, Principal
Winchester Elementary, NY

I received the letters below from our Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent following a presentation by our students to the Board of Education. The students did an amazing job!

Kathy Brachmann, Principal
Winchester Elementary, NY

Good morning,

As I was beginning to write this email, I felt that the “subject line” was too simple by just saying “thank you.” So let me expand upon what that simple phrase really means…

Thank you for the vision, leadership, commitment and perseverance that you have all shown as a staff over the past ten months. Last night’s presentation by YOUR students to discuss THEIR learning was remarkable.
I’ve now had the opportunity to witness presentations by many groups, both adult and student alike, and this one ranks as the very best. I know the commitment that you all have made to this process has not been easy and has been both exciting and daunting at times. However, if last night was any indication of the impact you are having with the children at Winchester, there is so much for you to be proud of. And yes, there are still kids coming to school without their homework done and some are not reading at a level you might like them to. Sometimes, I believe we worry so much as a district and community about test scores, etc. But last night, you showed how as a staff you are preparing kids for the “tests of life.” I’ve always believed that the faculty and staff at Winchester was something special…I’m just glad that the rest of the community got to see it for themselves last night.

So, I guess my simple “thank you” is much more than that. I am grateful that you are willing to take chances and create new opportunities for our students. Their pride was palpable last night. I wish you best of luck on your first Leadership Day on Friday. I can’t wait to be a part of it!

With admiration and appreciation,

Brandon
Brandon Wiley, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

What an outstanding program Winchester shared last night! I know that people will be talking about your amazing students for some time to come…..and they certainly are amazing!!

The essential question, however, is…..how did they get to be so amazing?

I think it has quite a lot to do with the fabulous staff at Winchester!
Congratulations to all of you for your commitment, your vision, and your dedication to your students, and to their futures! Your students will be able to look back on their time at Winchester as pivotal in their development as leaders, as productive citizens, and as successful adults.
There is nothing more precious you could give them.

I was very proud last night, but today, as I have had time to reflect a bit, I realize that I also feel very privileged to be your colleague.
Thank you one and all!!

Jean Kovach, Superintendent

Partnerships between schools and businesses have not always been widespread.  However, that trend is changing as many communities are realizing the importance of the connection between youth education and future employees/citizens.

As the Chamber of Commerce in Guntersville, AL we saw this potential with The Leader in Me process. Through a supportive relationship and financial contributions, the community, schools, and businesses are partnering to support two of our elementary schools.

Perhaps a partnership in your community will work as well…connecting with your Chamber of Commerce might be a first step.

Ms. Morri Yancy, IOM
President
Lake Guntersville, Alabama Chamber of Commerce

*Click on the letter below to view it full size.

Before a step is taken into a school, the condition of the gardens, cleanliness, and posted messages tell what is important to the members of the school.  As we started The Leader in Me journey, I was looking for a way to let everyone know about the process we were so excited about.

I had inspirational words in our garden already so it occurred to me that the 7 Habits in the garden would be perfect. Students, staff, and visitors would be reminded they are leaders as they enter our school each and every day. A parent in my school works for a metal furniture company so I asked if it would be possible to make the habits into lawn signs. His company agreed and did an amazing job!  We love our new signs and the first impression they give.

If you would like more information about these lawn signs, please contact Judy Yauch at judy.yauch@franklincovey.com . She will direct you to the proper contact.

Tammy Riggs, Principal
Colonial Elementary School, VA

I love music and my students respond so positively to it that I decided to write songs about each of the habits. Try these out with your students, they’ll love singing about the habits!

Peter Rawitsch, 1st grade teacher
Glenmont Elementary School, NY

I Am A Leader
Based on the song, “I’m A Believer”, as performed by The Monkees and inspired by the book, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, by Sean Covey.  New words by Peter Rawitsch.

I thought habits
were something you just learned at home:
like washing hands
or covering up a sneeze.
Now when I’m in school
I choose to do my best,
even if no one is watching me.

I’m a happy kid
‘cause I am a leader.
Like on a captain’s ship,
I’m steering the wheel.
I’m in charge.
I’m proactive.
I can choose the way I feel.

I thought habits
were something you just learned at home.
If you burp,
Say, “Excuse me!” quickly.
Now when I’m in school
I choose to do my best,
even if no one is watching me.

I’m a happy kid
‘cause I am a leader.
Like on a captain’s ship,
I’m steering the wheel.
I’m in charge.
I’m proactive.
I can choose the way I feel.

COPYRIGHT © 2009 Peter Rawitsch

You Can’t Always Do What You Want (Habit 3)
Based on the song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, as performed by The Rolling Stones and by the book, Little Red Hen, by Paul Galdone.  Inspired by the book, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, by Sean Covey. New words by Peter Rawitsch.

I saw her today at the reception,
A wedding cake in her hand.
Her friends gave her a sleepy rejection.
She only wanted help with her plan.

You can’t always do what you want.
You can’t always do what you want.
You can’t always do what you want.
Prioritize and you’ll find
you’re learning to lead.

She wanted help with the preparations
while her friends were ready for a snooze.
They weren’t allowed to join the celebration.
Put First Things First or you’re bound to lose.

You can’t always do what you want.
You can’t always do what you want.
You can’t always do what you want.
Prioritize and you’ll find
you’re learning to lead.

COPYRIGHT © 2010 Peter Rawitsch

Recently our staff conducted their official vote for our 21st century proposal to the district.    Our proposal is to become a Leader in Me school and getting an official vote is required by the teacher’s union. When the votes were tallied, we had a 100% commitment! I was thrilled to have this kind of enthusiasm from the staff. Then we found out that our school is the first in the district to receive a 100% commitment!!

This just demonstrates even more the growth that occurs among staff when they participate in the 7 Habits program and embrace The Leader in Me! What a testimony for all!

Jennifer Williams

As my school participates in The Leader in Me process, my thought was to write a poem that would:

1. Be a classroom reminder
2. Serve as a model for the seven habits at our school
3. Inform parents of our new vocabulary (in newsletters)
4. Be a motto for our school

We, the students of Jim Pearson School,
Show leadership by following seven, simple rules,
We are Proactive and Begin With the End in Mind,
We are becoming leaders, one student at a time!
We Put First Things First and do what we should,
We Seek to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
We Think Win-Win to solve our problems and then …
Synergizing helps us to be a better friend.
We Sharpen our Saw by exercising and eating right,
We help each other and go to bed early at night.
We do our best even when no one can see,
We’re the smartest boys and girls,
’cause there’s a Leader in Me!

Johna M. Channell, Teacher
Jim Pearson School, AL

In Alberta, Canada we poll our students, parents, and staff every year. In May, Alberta Education released its May Accountability Pillar Survey results. Our results were the highest we have ever had!

For example:

• Students are taught the attitudes and behaviors that will make them successful at work when they leave school—100% agreement.
• Students treat each other well at school—100% agreement.
• Students play an active role in helping their community—100% agreement.
• All areas polled had remarkable scores, including our achievement exam scores. For the   complete report, please go to www.rdpsd.ab.ca/jw.

How did we get these results?

• The Character Education Initiative, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, continued to serve as a successful vehicle for the usage of a common language and promoted consistency throughout our school and with parents.
• The focus of our Vision Statement and Core Values allowed for the effective examination of existing practices and the efficient improvement or the elimination of these practices.
• Student leadership opportunities continued to be made available at all levels.
• “Leaders For Life” tee shirts were purchased for all students. Pride was shown by students, staff, and parents in the team atmosphere promoted by wearing these tee shirts.
• ‘Mandatory’ Voluntary Community Service projects promoted community and global citizenship.
• Our Leadership Speaker Series continued.
• Students from all grade levels acted as greeters and tour guides for various school events.
• Strong relationships with Business Partners continued.
• Several staff members made presentations on topics such as Character Education and Guided Reading for District and Regional staff.
• Our school worked with Franklin Covey Corporation to promote Character Education throughout the world.
• The School Council and staff provided input to various Board Policy Proposals.
• A 7 Habits of Highly Effective People information evening for parents was held.

The statistics are black and white and affirm that we are on the right path (although we already knew that—we see it in our students every day!)

Mike Fritz, Principal
Joseph Welsh School, Alberta, Canada

We used this activity with our faculty, who in turn used it with the students, who took the recipe home to share with their parents. We filtered the 7 Habits from teachers to students to parents!

Each of the scoops below represents a day of the week. Please take 7 scoops of each item and place them in a Ziplock sandwich bag. Using the 7 Habits all seven days of the week helps us be a successful Leader in Me School. The 7 ingredients produce a good snack just like the 7 Habits produce a good leader.

7 scoops of Peanuts—Be Proactive
7 scoops of M&Ms—Begin with the End in Mind
7 scoops of White Chocolate Morsels—Put First Things First
7 scoops of Butterscotch Morsels—Think Win-Win
7 scoops of Popcorn—Think First to Understand, then to be Understood
7 scoops of Raisins—Synergize
7 scoops of Cherrios—Sharpen the Saw
Zip the bag…Shake and ENJOY!

Mellissa Wiley, PreK Teacher & Facilitator of Lighthouse Team
Somerville Road Elementary, AL

Over 30 years ago, Dr. Lezotte and his colleagues Ron Edmonds, Wilbur Brookover, and other Effective Schools researchers identified the common characteristics of successful schools–schools where all children learn. The research of these dedicated individuals refuted the notion that schools had no impact on learning and, in doing so, identified the Correlates of Effective Schools—Instructional Leadership, Clear and Focused Mission, Safe and Orderly Environment, Climate of High Expectations, Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress, Positive Home-School Relations, Opportunity to Learn and Student Time on Task.

The Six Essential Ingredients in The Leader in Me process are compatible with these characteristics. Modeling, Environment, and Traditions are means to constantly communicate the school’s “Clear and Focused Mission”, for The Leader in Me schools this includes the              7 Habits and Leadership.  Curriculum is compatible with “High Expectations”. Instruction is compatible with “Opportunity to Learn and Student Time on Task”.  All of the correlates are compatible with Systems as each one of them is a system within itself.

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