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

MANSON — Elementary students at Manson School District are getting firsthand experience in leadership, thanks to the district’s implementation of the “Leader in Me” program.

Lainey Peterson and Cote Zuluaga, students at Manson Elementary, were recently selected to serve as “Principal for a Day.” Their responsibilities included assisting with after-school bus loading and offering input on playground improvements. The experience, school officials said, is part of a broader effort to instill leadership skills across all grade levels.

The program, based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, was launched at Manson Elementary in the fall of 2024. Elementary School Counselor Zach Phelps said the initiative has already had a significant impact.

“We’ve noticed a big shift in how students carry themselves,” Phelps said. “They’re more confident, more responsible, and more thoughtful in how they treat others. The 7 Habits aren’t just something we talk about; they’re becoming part of how students learn, lead, and work together every day.”

Next school year, the district will expand its efforts with the launch of the Habit Helper Mentorship Program, aimed at fourth and fifth graders. Participants will act as student ambassadors and peer mentors.

“This mentoring ties right into Manson’s Portrait of a Learner — which aims to grow academically ready, resilient, and positive leaders,” Phelps said. “We’re not just teaching leadership. We’re seeing students live it — and help others grow along the way.”

Middle School Science teacher and ASB advisor Anita Johanson said the Leader in Me framework has had noticeable classroom benefits.

“Students are communicating with more proactive language and thinking ahead more clearly. Their executive functioning — things like time management and organization — has noticeably improved,” Johanson said.

Leader in Me emphasizes school-wide engagement by promoting student agency, academic readiness, and school culture. Its foundational beliefs include:

• Everyone Can Be a Leader
  
  
• Everyone Has Genius
  
  
• Change Starts with Me
  
  
• Empower Students to Lead Their Own Learning
  
  
• Educators and Families Partner to Develop the Whole Person
  
  

More information is available at leaderinme.org.

In February, students and staff participated in a 7 Habits training session at the Manson Grange. By March, all elementary staff and some secondary teachers had completed training during a district-wide professional development day.

Additional professional development is scheduled for fall 2025, aligning with the district’s transition to a four-day school week and strategic goals: Start Strong, Graduate Future Ready, and Build Self-Responsibility and Resilience.

The program’s implementation has been supported by a three-year, $35,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation.

“We’re proud of the growth we’re seeing,” Phelps said, “and even more proud of how our students are helping each other grow.”