Park Students Becoming Leaders for Life

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Principal Rob Keddington addressed the Nebo School Board on Wednesday, January 11.  Mr. Keddington said, “Wonderful things are happening at Park Elementary.”

One of the successful programs Park has implemented this year is the Leader in Me Program designed by Franklin Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This past summer the Park staff was trained so they could then teach the students the habits.

Mr. Keddington has noticed that Park students have become much more proactive in the way that they study. The students have learned, “First things first, homework then go play.”

“Every child has the potential to be a leader. They just need a vehicle to learn their leadership skills. We want every child to have the opportunity to lead,” explained Principal Keddington.

Since implementing the Leader in Me Program, Park students’ behavioral referrals have dropped from 243 to 33. We attribute much of this to our newly acquired leadership skills. Even the staff has learned to deal differently with the students. Instead of just handing a ticket to a student and sending them on their way, now, the teachers encourage the students and students encourage other students to use the leadership skills learned. Comments at the school are more respectful and confident.

The funding for this program was donated by Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation, Nebo Education Foundation, Nebo School District, and several large donations from businesses and patrons.

Mike Duncan, the staff developer, introduced the super excited students who presented the following leadership opportunities. First the students presented their Data Notebooks that students use to set goals, keep track of goal progress, and keep track of school work. Next, the student council presented a video describing the Seven Habits including:
Being proactive,
Begin with the end in mind,
Plan ahead and have a plan,
Put first things first which means to do homework before playing with friends,
Think win-win because everyone can win,
Seek first to understand and then to be understood which means to listen before talking, and
Synergize which means to work together as a team and to be a good sport.

After students have learned all this, then they should not forget to sharpen the saw which means to take time for yourself and do what you want to do.   

The students then sang a catchy tune incorporating all seven habits written by Larraine Rosenbaum.

At Park Elementary, the students are becoming leaders for life!

Attributions
Lana Hiskey