Elementary students take part in leadership day

Students at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary recently shared what they've been learning as part of the school's Leader in Me program.

Based on Stephen Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," the Leader in Me program is a whole school transformation model that is designed to produce high academic achievement, fewer discipline problems and increased engagement among teachers and parents.

"The habits are a part of our culture at Forest City-Dunbar," said Principal Brad Richardson. "We are excited to foster them in our kids."

During Leadership Day, a panel discussion featuring students from kindergarten through fifth grade was held. The event opened with the singing of the school's leadership song.

Set to the tune of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," the chorus reminds students the purpose of the habits - You could have it all with the 7 habits."

The school began implementing Leader in Me in the spring of 2014, and Richardson told those in attendance that students were learning how they could use the habits not only at school but at home.

"These aren't just kid habits, but adult habits, too," he said.

When asked how students could use the habits, each member of the panel said they would plan to do their homework first and then play; plan for the next day by getting their clothes out; and figure out how to compromise during disagreements with their siblings.

Reminders of the 7 habits - which are be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand then to be understood, synergies and sharpen the saw - are placed throughout the school, and students have binders with progress reports in order to be accountable for their grades and behaviors.

Forest City-Dunbar Elementary is one of two schools in Rutherford County to implement the program. Leader in Me is also in place at Spindale Elementary.