Manson Elementary students step into leadership roles through Leader in Me program

Manson Elementary students Lainey Peterson and Cote Zuluaga recently served as “Principal for a Day,” engaging with the school’s “Leader in Me” program. This initiative, inspired by Stephen R. Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, aims to cultivate leadership skills among students. Their duties included supervising bus loading and providing input on playground improvements. Counselor Zach Phelps observed a notable shift in student behavior, with increased confidence and responsibility among participants.

The district plans to expand the program in the next school year with the Habit Helper Mentorship Program for fourth and fifth graders. This mentorship will encourage students to act as ambassadors and peer mentors. The program, which promotes school-wide engagement and student agency, is supported by a three-year, $35,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation. Professional development for teachers is scheduled for fall 2025, aligning with the district's strategic goals.