Mitchell-Neilson School will introduce the Leader in Me program in the 2014-15 school year and invites the public to attend an overview of The Leader in Me transformational leadership process.  The session will be held Wednesday, May 14, 4-6 p.m. in the Mitchell-Neilson Elementary Gymnasium.

           “Leader in Me emphasizes the whole child in the most positive way. It opens the teachers and the students to a new level of possibilities.  Plus, it has its own vocabulary of success,” says Robin Newell.

           Stephen Covey author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People created The Leader in Me model that is being successfully used in schools across the nation.

           The Leader in Me is an approach to developing a culture of leadership in our schools and is based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The Leader in Me model emphasizes skills that students need in order to be successful in an ever-changing society.

           “Developing a culture of leadership in our schools is about helping children be leaders of their own lives,” says Newell.  “It helps them identify their own unique talents and abilities and encourages them to make a positive difference in the world.”

           All students can be leaders and Leader in Me gives students the tools to succeed in school and in life.  A leader doesn’t have to be the highest academic achiever or the best athlete; a leader knows their abilities and acts on them. 

The students at Mitchell-Neilson School will begin embracing words and actions like ‘synergize’ and ‘proactive,’ thanks to the new school-wide program.

The Leader in Me program has shown positive results in schools that have embraced it’s culture including:

• Higher academic achievement
• Improves school culture
• Decreases in disciplinary issues
• Increases engagement among teachers and parents
• A common language for teachers, students, and parents
• Equips students with self-confidence and essential life skills

The Leader in Me is not an event and it's not a curriculum.  It is an integrated approach to leadership development that will help the school fulfill its mission to help students develop the knowledge, skills and character necessary to achieve their highest potential and to be productive members of an ever-changing society.

“Empowering students with this life-long philosophy will give them tools to succeed in the future and we believe these skills and philosophies will also make an immediate impact today,” says Newell.

What are the 7 Habits of Leader In Me?

Habit One: Be Proactive

• I have a "Can Do" attitude.
• I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I don't blame others. I do the right thing without being asked, even if nobody is looking.

Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind

• I plan ahead and set goals.
• I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Habit Three: Put First Things First

• I spend my time on things that are most important.
• This means I say no to things I should not do.
• I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am organized.

Habit Four: Think Win-Win

• I want everyone to be a success. I don't have to put others down to get what I want. It makes me happy to see other people happy. I like to do nice things for others. When a conflict arrives, I help brainstorm a solution. We all can win!

Habit Five: Seek First To Listen, Then to Be Understood

• I listen to other people's ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints.
• I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

Habit Six: Synergize

• I value other people's strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different from me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people's ideas to solve problems. I know that "two heads are better than one". I am a better person when I let other people into my life and work.

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw

• I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places.

Parents and the community are encouraged to visit The Leader in Me website, www.theleaderinme.org, and read The Leaders in Me book.

Mitchell-Neilson School is a two-campus school located on the corner Jones and West Clark Boulevard in Murfreesboro. Mitchell-Neilson is part of Murfreesboro City Schools. A proud district committed to the academic and personal success of each child.

For additional information, visit mitchellneilsonschools.net.