Rimbey Elementary School (RES) is looking to create and guide the world’s future — the students — to be healthy,productive member of society with the Leader in Me program, which it first executed in 2009.
On Oct. 6, 7 and 8 students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 6 took part in Leader in Me theme days.
“RES decided to implement Leader in Me to provide an opportunity for student’s to contribute to the school community in a positive manner,” said principal Jodi Bramfield in an email to the Rimbey Review.
“The program allows us to teach students about how they can be leaders and provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership qualities in their daily lives,” she added.
Bramfield and the RES staff want their students, once they graduate from their elementary years, to be able to implement the lessons and skills through the program in others schools and areas of their lives.
“The Grade 6s are involved in planning and organizing school assemblies, school events, Spirit days, Reading Leaders,Patrols, running the Milk Program, and Peer Mediation to name a few,” said Bramfield.
She explains the Leader in Me is a school wide program based upon Stephen and Sean Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly EffectiveTeens and The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. The program is designed to inspire students to be the best they can be by developing effective people skills, a positive sense of self worth, and the confidence to deal with conflict in their lives. The 7Habits are (taken from www. theleaderinme.org):
Habit 1 - Be Proactive (You’re in Charge)
I am a responsible person, I take initiative, I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions, I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.
Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind (Have a Plan)
I plan ahead and set goals.
Habit 3 - Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)
I spend my time on things that are most important. I set priorities, make a schedule and follow my plan.
Habit 4 - Think Win-Win (Everyone can Win)
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.
Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood (Listen Before you Talk)
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen with to others interrupting.
Habit 6 - Synergize (Together is Better)
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. Iwork well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone.
Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends.