At Pinecrest Elementary School, counselor Ashleigh Dean is ensuring students at the school are learning and using kind words and polite manners.
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Collier County Public Schools
IMMOKALEE - There has never been a better time to offer grace and compassion to those around us. At Pinecrest Elementary School, counselor Ashleigh Dean is ensuring students at the school are learning and using kind words and polite manners.
The school incorporates Leader in Me into its culture. It’s a whole-child mindset with a belief that all students have genius and everyone can be a leader. One recent afternoon, I caught a glimpse of a classroom learning the Leader in Me strategies. It was an enthusiastic competition between the boys and girls in what’s known as the “Leadership Lodge.” For every correct answer, the team would take a step forward.
Mrs. Dean, looking at the girls began, “You are walking in the hall and you accidentally bump into another student. You say?” All together the girls yelled, “Excuse me!” One step forward.
Mrs. Dean then turned to the boys, “Mrs. Dean gives you a new pair of shoes. You say?” Jumping up and down the boys excitedly shouted, “Thank you!” One step forward.
The students went back and forth, having a great time—all while learning the importance of using kind words. What a wonderful lesson which I’m sure will take our kids ‘one step forward’ in life.
