By Gerri Miller
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Teachers at Pine Level Elementary now have a place to relax, renew, and reenergize and it’s all part of a plan to teach both them and the students leadership skills.
Kristal Martin is the teacher of the Leader in Me program and she said the school’s new Synergy Room is a vision of Principal Christen Harry.
“We wanted a comfortable room where we could work together and get all of our goals down,” said Martin. “We have regular meetings in the room as well as leadership meetings and it just helps us relax so we can stay on track and meet our goals as well as the needs of our kids.”
The room has a cozy couch, a conference table with flowers, and a place the teachers can get water or make coffee.
This is the third year Pine Level has participated in the Leader in Me program, which teaches students, faculty, and family the Seven Habits. Instead of focusing on academic measures alone, Leader in Me embodies a holistic approach to education, redefining how schools measure success.
This approach empowers educators with effective practices and tools to teach leadership to every student, create a culture of student empowerment, and align systems to drive results in academics.
Every child has unique gifts, but all have the capacity to be leaders who are able to “do the right thing even when no one is watching,” teaches Sean Covey, son of Stephen Covey, author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”
Harry said that in recent years, there has been a push to prepare students for the future by teaching them habits that they can use both at school and at home. These seven habits include:
Habit One- Be Proactive.
Habit Two– Begin with the End in Mind. Teach students and educators to set goals. Keep in mind that each child is different and they learn at different rates.
Habit Three- Put First Things First. This teaches the need for priorities. Children are taught to come into class and unpack their backpacks first. They are taught the importance of doing homework first when they get home. Harry gave an example for adults of stacking rocks. She said you first lay down your big rocks and fill in with smaller rocks.
“My family, my faith and my works are my big rocks,” Harry said. Smaller rocks might be extracurricular activities or going to football games.
Habit Four- Think Win-Win. “Instead of being so competitive, think of situations where everyone can win,” Harry said. “Both sides may have to compromise to achieve their goals.”
Habit Five-Seek First to Understand. Harry said this point teaches the importance of understanding others’ point of views. “Our world is fighting constantly and nobody is listening,” she said.
Habit Six- Synergize. Harry said this is where individuals must come together as a team to work toward a common solution. Often this will involve Science, Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Math (STEAM) activities in the classroom because students must work together to solve a problem.
Habit Seven-Sharpen the Saw. This teaches students and teachers to look outside the classroom to fulfill their spiritual, emotional or physical needs. Harry said this may include students going outside to play, encouraging the staff to take care of themselves by eating well, sleeping or reading a book.
“Whatever works for your heart, body, mind and soul,” she said.
Everyone in the school — from teachers to cafeteria workers to students — have learned to speak the language of the seven habits. Parents are also educated in the language of the seven habits and given helpful tips and activities for following up at home.
Harry said Year Three will include working with students on personal goal setting (ex-drinking water, exercising, playing outside, etc.)
Students will also work on developing a Leadership Portfolio starting in January. “This will chronicle how they have continued to grow their leadership skills,” Harry said.
Martin said action teams have been created throughout the school to get students involved.
Teachers at Pine Level are encouraging their students to take on leadership roles in the classroom. Some have been greeters while others make sure all technology in the classroom is ready for the school day. Students may also be responsible for collecting money, doing morning announcements or saying the pledge.
“Each classroom has a mission statement,” Harry said. “We want students to be ready to lead Pine Level and continue to grow as leaders.”
