Good character is recognized regularly at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District, where role model students are selected as Junior Leaders of the Month. Every kindergarten through fifth grade teacher selects one student each month for displaying the characteristics of a leader.
Assistant Principal Mary Anne Ferraro said that the initiative began six years ago and students are excited to be selected. She said the emphasis on leadership skills – a poster hangs in every classroom with the traits of a leader – has made a difference in the school. As the school year draw to a close, nearly 200 students have been recognized for their positive impact on the school community.
“The goal is to instill role model qualities for our students,” Ms. Ferraro said. “We want them to be upstanding citizens in and outside of the school.”
A picture of each student is added to the Junior Leaders bulletin board along with the heart-shaped nomination form from the teacher. Additionally, each child selected for the honor receives a certificate and a letter is sent home to his or her parents.
Madeline V. said it was an honor to be selected as a Junior Leader because it means her teacher notices that she’s kind and sets a good example.
Ms. Ferraro said that a different leadership trait is highlighted each month. There is also a book of the month to support that trait, and a teachers are provided with a digital read aloud to share with their classes.