Since Sachem Superintendent James Nolan took office, students and staff have been submersed in leadership activities through Covey, which became an instant staple in the district.
While all 18 buildings have been functioning with various leadership methods, Grundy Avenue Elementary and Merrimac Elementary have been extremely proactive with initiatives this school year.
All schools have instituted a “Lighthouse Team” to run point on Covey efforts.
Grundy’s first objective, under the guidance of Principal Patti Trombetta, is to have each classroom create a mission statement.
“We felt that this is the most logical place to start since so much of this process is centered around establishing a purpose and building culture,” said Kat Martin, a member of Grundy’s Lighthouse team. “Our intention is to have every classroom post their mission proudly outside their classroom in hopes that all who enter the classroom to learn will take part in achieving our mission.”
In the coming months Grundy will continue to infuse the 7 Habits language into their curriculum and lessons. They will begin to use language like “leaders” instead of jobs for students. Other ideas include beautifying the Grundy Garden and creating a leadership tree that will highlight the 7 Habits that are practiced by students.
This January, look for fourth graders at Grundy to perform a Covey song, to the tune of Adele’s songs, which should be presented at a Board of Education meeting, according to Trombetta.
“We are also starting a Covey quote of the week, which will be read every morning and afternoon, as well as discussed in the classroom for the students to truly get the message,” Trombetta said.
Merrimac Principal Veronica DeCicco is equally as passionate about Covey in her building.
“It has had such a positive impact on our school’s culture and continues to grow,” she said. “In the words of Roland Barth, former principal, ‘Too much emphasis has been placed on reforming school from the outside through policies and mandates. Too little has been paid to how schools can be shaped from within.’”
Through modeling the 7 Habits and creating a shared vision, Merrimac is defining who they are and who they desire to become.
“We, as a staff, have to live this from the inside out for it to be effective,” DeCicco said. “It is my vision for the staff, teachers, students and parents to discover the gifts they have to offer, and learn each day to find their purpose as part of the greater school community. Our school’s pledge and mission statement echoes this vision. Our mission statement and pledge were developed by our staff and parents in order to unify our goals. All of our students know and understand the pledge.”
Merrimac’s mission is:
- To develop the leader in each child.
- To create opportunities for continuous learning to prepare our students for the 21st century.
- To provide a safe environment that builds positive, respectful and effective citizens.
The pledge is as follows:
- I will work hard each day to be a leader in every way.
- I pledge to be safe, kind, and accept the differences in others.
- I will learn all I can by exercising my mind and body.
- I am a responsible citizen of Merrimac Elementary School.
At Merrimac’s first Leadership Day in June 2012, district leaders were impressed to see their students’ commitment and ownership of the 7 Habits and leadership skills. It showcased their ability to think for themselves, take initiative, synergize with others, and feel empowered. It also highlighted the staff’s pledge to be the students’ supporters, motivators, and facilitators. It showed them the Leader in Me process is a better way to support and teach the whole child.
This year, they will work on increasing communication and connecting to all students as well as the building’s Lighthouse Team. They are in the process of setting goals.
“We will work with them to learn how to set goals which include accountability, timelines and ways to scoreboard progress,” DeCicco said. “We are also implementing a Covey Charm Program in which student receive charms after completing a family activity. The activities align with the each of the 7 Habits. Our goal is to have our student ‘teach back’ the 7 habits to their parents.”
As a district, there have been many occurrences of effective leadership as a result of the Covey movement. Last month a Covey representative ran parent workshops at both Sachem High Schools East and North. There will be a number of initiatives to look for at every building throughout the rest of the school year as well.
CLICK HERE to view the Merrimac Covey Action Plan
*Note: All district schools have Covey programs in their buildings. These are just some of the fine examples at two of the schools. All buildings have their own Lighthouse team.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro