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Leader In Me
Leader In Me/7 Habits for Students
Sumter County Schools is proud to be a Leader in Me School. Leader in Me is an evidence-based PK–12 model, developed in partnership with educators and designed to build leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and improve academic achievement.
We focus on developing the whole child by:
- Teaching leadership to every student.
- Creating a culture of student empowerment.
- Aligning systems to drive results in academics.
We use two frameworks in our work as a leadership school:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People helps us learn and apply leadership skills and gives us a common language for building a supportive school environment.
- The 4 Disciplines of Execution helps us to identify, track, and achieve academic and personal Wildly Important Goals (WIGs).
We invite families and community partners to join us in our mission “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”by:
- Attending an upcoming leadership event.
- Joining our Parent and Community Lighthouse Team.
- Sponsoring or supporting a schoolwide leadership role, club, or service-learning project.
Please reach out to Carrie Norman-Tadlock to get connected, or visit the Leader in Me Family Development page to learn more.
Habit 1: Be Proactive – I’m in Charge of Me!
What It Means:
Being proactive means taking responsibility for your actions, choices, and attitude. You don’t wait to be told what to do—you take initiative and do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Student Affirmation:
“I am a responsible person. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I don’t blame others. I do what’s right without being asked.”
Book Connection:
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
The Little Engine wasn’t the biggest or fastest, but it kept trying. When others wouldn’t help, it stepped up and showed leadership by being proactive.
Family Tip:
Help your child learn to “pause” before reacting. This builds self-control and helps them make better choices.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Just the Way I Am” – includes a Leader Guide for discussion.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Have a Plan!
What It Means:
Think ahead! Begin with a clear goal and make choices that help you reach it. Proactive leaders plan with purpose and look for ways to make a positive impact at school and in their community.
Student Affirmation:
“I plan ahead and set meaningful goals. I look for ways to be a good citizen and contribute to my classroom and school.”
Book Connection:
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
The spider stays focused and determined to finish her web. She has a clear goal and works toward it, no matter what distractions come her way.
Family Tip:
Create a family mission statement together. It helps everyone stay focused on shared values and goals.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Goob and the Bug-Collecting Kit” – includes a Leader Guide for discussion.
Habit 3: Put First Things First – Prioritize What Matters Most
What It Means:
Putting first things first means focusing on what’s most important before anything else. It’s about planning ahead, staying organized, and making smart choices—even when it’s hard.
Student Affirmation:
“I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I stay focused and say no to things that distract me.”
Book Connection:
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
The Little Red Hen stayed focused on her goal—baking bread. She worked step by step, showing how putting first things first leads to success.
Family Tip:
Help your child write down their responsibilities to create a clear daily plan.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “A Place for Everything” – includes a Leader Guide for classroom discussion.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Everyone Can Win!
What It Means:
Thinking win-win means looking for solutions where everyone benefits. It’s not about winning at the expense of others—it’s about cooperation, kindness, and mutual respect.
Student Affirmation:
“When conflicts arise, I look for win-win solutions. I consider others’ feelings and needs, and I build trust by making positive choices.”
Book Connection:
Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
At first, Rainbow Fish keeps his shiny scales to himself and ends up lonely. When he shares with others, he discovers that giving and kindness lead to happiness for everyone.
Family Tip:
Talk with your child about common conflicts and how they can be solved in ways that make everyone feel heard and valued.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Sammy and the Pecan Pie” – includes a Leader Guide for classroom discussion.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to
Be Understood – Listen Before You Speak
What It Means:
This habit is all about listening with empathy. Great leaders listen with their ears, eyes, and heart before sharing their own thoughts. Understanding others builds trust and stronger relationships.
Student Affirmation:
“I listen without interrupting. I try to understand others’ viewpoints and share my ideas with confidence.”
Book Connection:
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
The little bunny wants to run away, but the mother listens patiently and lovingly. She helps him feel safe and understood by promising to always be there.
Family Tip:
Practice listening with your child—using ears, eyes, and heart. Encourage them to wait their turn to speak and show empathy.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Lily’s Missing Red Paint” – includes a Leader Guide for classroom discussion.
Habit 6: Synergize – Together Is Better!
What It Means:
Synergy means working together to find better solutions than we could on our own. It’s about valuing others’ strengths, listening to different ideas, and solving problems as a team.
Student Affirmation:
“I get along with others and value their strengths. I work well in groups and seek out different ideas to find the best solution. I am humble and open-minded.”
Book Connection:
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Swimmy uses teamwork and creativity to help a school of fish explore the ocean safely. By working together, they achieve something none of them could do alone.
Family Tip:
Practice solving problems or completing tasks together at home. Point out each family member’s unique strengths and how they contribute to the team.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Sophie and the Perfect Poem” – includes a Leader Guide for classroom discussion.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Take Care of Yourself
What It Means:
Sharpening the saw means taking care of your body, mind, heart, and spirit. It’s about finding balance through healthy habits like eating well, exercising, learning, resting, and spending time with loved ones.
Student Affirmation:
“I take care of my body, spend time with family and friends, and find meaningful ways to learn and help others.”
Book Connection:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter enjoys a snowy day by exploring, imagining, playing, and relaxing. His activities show how balance and fun help us feel refreshed and ready to grow.
Family Tip:
Make time for a variety of activities at home—from art and exercise to quiet time and family meals. Balance helps everyone feel their best.
Classroom Resource:
Video: “Junk Food Jumper” – includes a Leader Guide for classroom discussion.