Anthony Zambito, Buffalo Federal Detention Facility food service director, interviews Jason Hoehn, a fifth-grader interested in becoming a computer specialist, during a mock interview session for all fifth grade students as part of a project that corresponds with The Leader in Me’s Habit 2, “Begin with the End in Mind,” recently at Byron-Bergen Middle School. Provided photoByron-Bergen Elementary and Middle School students are learning life skills that bring out the best in everyone during the district’s first year using The Leader in Me character education program.
The program is based on the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey and aims to bring out the potential leader in every student and bringing it out early. Covey adapted the program for elementary schools in 1999 beginning with a school in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Both schools have implemented the program through grade six for the next three years. Byron-Bergen High School will implement the program beginning next school year.
The Leader in Me corresponds with the district’s Strategic Plan for character education, with the goal of developing a school system-wide commitment to character education for all students. The program is integrated into Byron-Bergen’s core curriculum so that it is cohesive with everyday language students are already familiar with, according to district officials.
Kelly Markle, third-grade teacher, was involved in the character education planning process. She said The Leader in Me was a clear choice because it really focuses on the individual student, as it gives students life strategies that will help them to be successful both in and outside of school.
Markle said she teaches students that they are in charge of themselves and to focus on their “circle of influence – things that they can change.”
Andrew Parnapy, a third-grader at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, said one specific component stands out from his experiences this year with The Leader in Me.
“You should be really nice to people,” said Andrew. “Do things for others to help them.”
Michelle Pastore’s daughter, Valerie, is a first-grader learning about The Leader in Me. Pastore said so far this school year she sees her daughter “happy and more confident.”
“When Valerie comes home, we use The Leader in Me skills in other areas,” she said. “For example, she needs to practice her piano before watching cartoons, which is Habit 3, ‘Put First Things First.’ ”
Ayn Gardner is one of the teachers using the program this school year in her prekindergarten class, and said that it is a model that is used throughout the community.
“Our students will continue to use the tools they gain through this program into their adult life,” said Gardner. “The Leader in Me will help enable our students to become better leaders in the future.”
