For Mariele M., leadership is all about being a role model.
“It means always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means helping others and showing kindness to everyone, even if you don’t know them.”A sixth grader at George H.W. Bush Elementary School, Mariele’s voice can be heard during the morning announcements, a task she takes seriously.
“I notify everyone about what they need to know in the morning,” she said.
Morning announcements are just one of the responsibilities students at Bush Elementary take on throughout the day.
Every classroom has a chart with different job titles, and every student is assigned at least one task a year. As they get older, they start taking on campus leadership roles, like giving tours.
A Leader in Me campus, Bush Elementary incorporates the principles of the seven habits of highly effective people into their curriculum, and teachers use everyday moments to reinforce those lessons.
Tony Valle, a third grade teacher, said habits like “think win-win” and “seek first to understand, then be understood” help solve disagreements.“It helps them think of a solution where they both win,” he said.
As early as pre-K, students are empowered to use their voice and become leaders. For example, a student is designated to greet visitors to the class, and every student is prepared to showcase their Leader in Me binder.
A snapshot of their year, the binder contains calendars, assignments, and other important information. It’s a visual way for students to keep track of their progress.
The seven habits are seen throughout the halls of Bush Elementary, along with bulletin boards showcasing shoutouts to students, attendance numbers, and even test scores, all creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and supported.
“Everyone has a leader in them, and they can do something good in this world,” said Hiam R., a sixth grader.
“I thought I wasn’t going to be able to join any clubs, but I learned it’s enough to show up as you are,” he said. “If you’re proactive, you can be someone.”
Teachers say it is that sense of belonging that helps students develop into leaders.
Emma Shugert, a pre-K teacher, said leadership and community go hand-in-hand, a lesson that students at Bush Elementary learn from a young age.
“They’re contributing to the community, and that creates a sense of belonging to that community,” she said.
She said the Leader in Me program continues to show her what pre-K students are capable of.
“The morning meeting is student-led. They take attendance, sing, and wish well to kids who aren’t here,” Shugert said. “It’s opened up my mind to what pre-K students can do. Every time I think they can’t do something, they do it.”
Jayden L., a sixth grader, who also does morning announcements, said Bush Elementary helped him find his voice.“It’s helped me talk more,” he said. “I’ve learned how to make an impact with my voice.”
