by KIM HILSENBECK
When Principal Kathy Faulks knocked on the door of Cynthia Vandegarde’s fourth grade class at Elm Grove Elementary at 8 a.m., nine-year-old Saajan Pandya opened the door and greeted her with a politeness and articulateness not often seen in a boy his age.
“Welcome to Ms. Vandegarde’s room, how may I help you?” asked Saajan.
He held the door open as Faulks stepped inside. She thanked him.
“Yes, ma’am,” came the reply.
It was easy to see that Vandegarde, sitting several feet away at her desk, was beaming with pride.
Saajan is one of the more than 500 students at Elm Grove who are part of “The Leader in Me,” a program developed by Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Since it was published in 1989, the book has sold more than 20 million copies in 40 languages worldwide. Covey, who was 79, passed away in July.
Faulks, now in her second year as principal at Elm Grove, got the idea to incorporate the “The Leader in Me” program after hearing about it last year.
She and her staff researched it, and even started reading the Covey book and modeling the habits. She said some of the students were introduced to the concepts, as well. But Faulks officially rolled out the program this school year, following a summer training session for all staff, including teachers, custodial staff and administrators.
“You can already see a difference in the hallways,” Faulks said.
Vandegarde’s class remained quiet and calm, showing respect to Faulks and each other.
What do the kids like best about “The Leader in Me”?
“We get to learn how everyone can be a leader, no matter their age or size,” said Ruie Quigley, a seemingly shy girl.
Classmate Madison Logan said she used to think only grown-ups with businesses could be leaders.
“But now I know I can be a leader, too,” she said.
One of the tenets of the program, Faulks said, is that each person is responsible for the choices and decisions they make in life. This mindset gives people, even young children, a sense of ownership and a power over their own destinies.
“Everyone is a leader,” she said. “I’ve seen this shift taking place where students are taking responsibility for their own learning. They are working with others and setting goals.”
She went on to say that by setting the foundation for being responsible for our own actions and creating educational goals, these kids will develop and grow those habits well into middle and high school.
Faulks pointed out that parental involvement is a big component.
“They are also reading the book and implementing the habits at home.”
Another piece of the puzzle is that each person has an emotional bank account. According to Covey, leaders fill others’ accounts, not drain them.
Faulks said her own staff of about 55 now has a common vision, and she feels they function and perform better now that they implemented “The Leader in Me.”
“We work better as a team,” Faulks said.
As for the students, there was a visible excitement when discussing the program. Ty Dahlstrom said his favorite part was synergizing.
Does he even know what that word means? Faulks asked him to explain.
“It means to work with each other because together is better,” Ty said.
The smile on Faulks’s face said it all.
