The Sachem North Covey Student Leadership Team visited sixth graders at Samoset to bring the Habits of Highly Effective People to life.
The Covey Student Leadership Team is a small group of hand-picked students who are all considered “leaders” in their own area of expertise- drama, student government, sports teams, etc.
“Through presentations and workshops, like the one presented to the sixth graders at Samoset, our students attempt to show their younger peers how to exhibit good habits and leadership qualities of their own in everyday life to be the most productive and influential students they can be,” said Ms. Faller, who along with Suzanne Groe, is a faculty facilitator of the group.
For the past three years, this team has decided that these habits are best learned through their peers’ point-of-view and are more likely to be exhibited when modeled by other students, as well as their teachers and administrators.
When asked about why the team was asked to present at Samoset, Chris Hanley, one of the Leader in Me representatives said, “We initially went over to North to view the presentation and knew this would be something that would energize our students about the importance of good character and displaying leadership qualities at Samoset.”
Lindsay Guzzo, another Leader representative said, “It was great to see so many students participating and remembering the seven habits from their elementary school experience. Our ultimate goal is for each student to utilize the seven habits throughout their years in Sachem and beyond.”
The presentation was intended to jumpstart a new Samoset Dollars program to be used with a new school store at Samoset. The Leader in Me representatives and the BLT collaborated to bring this idea to life. Students will be able to earn ‘dollars’ when they are caught displaying ‘Leader in Me’ characteristics during the school day. These dollars can then be redeemed at the school store for school supplies or fun prizes. In addition, Samoset students are working towards a goal of earning $1000 Samoset Dollars to earn a school-wide prize.
“Our goal at Samoset is for the students to take initiative in the building of a school culture that prides itself on hard-work and character,” said Samoset Principal James Horan.
Samoset’s Assistant Principal Tom Desmond added, “The assembly, along with the Samoset Dollars program, is a way for us to demonstrate the expectations we have for our students and reward those students who exhibit good character.”
The Sachem North students who gave the presentation were Cailla Hendrickson, Michael Schulz, Nick Ragano, Sarah Calire, Xiomyra Morales, and Lucretia Scipp.