School remains in session for several Clarkston Community Schools teachers, as they learn the new Leader in Me program.
Part of the district’s Whole Child Initiative and the school board’s Strategic Plan, the program will be used in six of Clarkston’s seven elementary schools. The seventh, Bailey Lake Elementary, will use the Love and Logic program.
“Both programs have significant research behind them, showing success across the country,” said Shawn Ryan, deputy superintendent. “It was a whole-staff selection process ? the entire staff was brought together to learn about all the programs and select what’s best for them.”
North Sashabaw Elementary used the Leader in Me program, which is based on Franklin Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, on a trial basis last school year.
“We’re getting very strong results at North Sashabaw ? they’re doing an amazing job,” Ryan said. “It’s a school wide effort ? teachers, principals, custodians, all staff.”
Teachers from throughout the district are gathering at Pine Knob Elementary for several training sessions this summer, with more planned during the school year.
The Whole Child Initiative is budgeted at $325,000 through 2019. Funding over the next four years includes $85,000 in At Risk funding, $56,000 from community grants, and the rest from the district general fund.
Community grants include a $20,000 grant for Leader in Me from the Clarkston Optimists Club, one of the largest ever received by the district for a program, Ryan said.
“It’s one of our largest ever, too,” said Optimist member Joette Kunse. “This is important. Leader in Me teaches kids a common language to increase responsibility, reduce bullying, and increase achievement.”
“The staff has to buy into it,” said Optimist President Tom Middleton. “It has to be done by the whole group.”
“The principals are extremely passionate about it,” Kunse said. “I hope it works out.”
The $20,000 grant will help place the program in Clarkston Elementary, Springfield Plains Elementary, and Pine Knob Elementary, Ryan said.
“It makes a difference,” he said. “It would not have gotten off the ground without the support of Optimists. They support Clarkston schools with dozens of projects ? they’re really invested in the community.”