36 / matters magazine / school 2018 ful in academics. During small group instruction she’s seen the “Sharpening the Saw” habit in action when students say they’re having trouble. “It’s that idea of speaking up for themselves, knowing what they do well, but also knowing that they need some tips.” she explains. And so far it seems to be working splendidly: “I’ve seen a shift,” she reports. “They’re becoming their own little leaders and advocating for themselves.” Joann Harrigan, Clinton’s school nurse, leads the parent outreach com- mittee so parents can understand the language children use in talking about habits and practice them at home. In the office, she might give sugges- tions to a family about making their mornings easier if, for example, a child chronically forgets his or her belong- ings. “This way the kids are taking ownership of it, the parents are giving that responsibility away,” she explains. “And because it’s a part of our program here, it’s a little less painful.” After just one year with the pro- gram, Bodnar has noticed that the kids are learning how to present their ideas. Rather than rattling off what they want, they will carefully outline the steps of their proposal. For example, a Girl Scout troop wanted greenhouse domes and berry bushes to add to the Clinton food pantry garden. Bodnar was impressed with the logic of their presentation and together they gave it the green light. Students take responsibility in other ways, such as giving tours to new fami- lies, writing thank-you letters to the PTA, and collecting books for children in Puerto Rico. In grades 3 through 5, they even lead their own parent- teacher conferences. To prepare, the children reflect on their learning and habits, what they did well, and where they needed help, and then set new goals with their parents' input. According to Bodnar, the overall goal is for kids to be leaders and have the assets to do amazing things, shine and show uniqueness. She adds, “The biggest thing in elementary school is for kids to feel that they’re successful, that they can do it, that they have this attitude to try.” Judging by the enthu- siasm and successes the Clinton School has already experienced with Leader in Me, the goal is certainly in sight. Ellen Donker shares the enthusiasm of the Clinton School community for the Leader in Me program and imagines the positive impact it could have if adopted across the entire district. Clinton School has a community garden whose bounty is distributed through their food pantry. A Girl Scout troop recently added greenhouse domes for growing berries. The leadership tree lists the 7 habits and helps keep track of goals such as 1,000,000 minutes in motion and 10,000 books read. Women's, Men's and Home Goods featuring Ethical Brands 65 Valley Street, South Orange Open 7 days a week Sunday 12-5, Monday - Friday 12-7, Saturday 10-6 ShopSadies.com | Contact@ShopSadies.com 973-821-5441 The Wizard School Imagine | Create | Share Help your student master the craft of writing. Caitlyn Pezza / Founder & Word Wizard 561-718-3052 cpezza@thewizardschool.net thewizardschool.net • 10-week workshops in small groups meet after school or on Saturday mornings • Customized activities guide students to find their voice, organize and process their ideas and thoughts, master mechanics in various writing forms, share and reflect to build confidence and autonomy • Private lessons available • Ages 8 -18 HEY WONDER WOMAN! We know you have an attribute that makes you a successful business person. Why not share it with the Matters Magazine readers in our Annual Women in Business Fall issue, due out October 9? INTERESTED? Contact your advertising consultant, visit mattersmagazine.com | MattersHello@gmail.com. WHAT’S YOUR SUPER POWER TRAIT?