Page 13 - Wilkes County NCG Flipbook

‘Leader in Me’

Program Making Positive Impact at Wilkes Middle Schools

by Andrew Smith
S ince 2017, Wilkes County middle implementing the Leader in Me Certification is the highest honor the
We have seen amazing results
schools have used an innovative
FranklinCovey organization bestows on a
tool designed to improve
school. When East Wilkes Middle joined the
process at our school, such as
educational, behavioral and life
outcomes for the teens who walk their halls. academic achievement, improved Lighthouse School ranks in 2020, three of
the four Wilkes County middle schools had
In less than four full school years, the Leader attendance and a decrease in achieved the status.
in Me program has shown positive results at office discipline referrals.
each of the district’s four middle schools. While the accolades are impressive, district
Sandra Burchette, Principal, faculty and staff consistently notice the
The evidence-based school improvement East Wilkes Middle School
program is derived from the principles and positive impacts among the student body.
practices of personal, interpersonal and After completing the program in middle
organizational effectiveness as set forth in “Leader in Me is a whole-school school, students are more prepared to handle
the 1998 book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective transformation model and process – the challenges of high school when they
Teens written by Sean Covey. The program developed in partnership with educators – enter ninth grade. Not only are students
is administered with assistance from that empowers students with the leadership kinder and better behaved, administrators
FranklinCovey, a notable time management and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st say, they are also more focused academically
training and assessment company, which century,” said principal Sandra Burchette, and are developing life goals beyond high
provides curriculum materials and staff whose school, East Wilkes Middle School, school graduation.
training for Leader in Me. achieved Leader In Me “Lighthouse
Certificated” status in 2020. “Business leaders in the community have
The program helps students learn how
to become self-reliant, take initiative, In 2019, after an extensive review already referenced an improvement in the
plan ahead, set and track goals, do their process, West Wilkes Middle and North essential skills they see in teens they have
homework, prioritize their time, manage Wilkes Middle were recognized by the hired for part-time work,” said Mark Byrd,
their emotions, be considerate of others, FranklinCovey organization as “Lighthouse Wilkes County Schools Superintendent.
resolve conflicts, find creative solutions, Certified” schools for their implementation “Some correlate this to the implementation
value differences and live a balanced life. of the Leader in Me program. Lighthouse of the Leader in Me program.”

Mrs. Kassie Riley’s 8th grade class “Leader in Me”
celebration, East Wilkes Middle School

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