In the Belle Fourche School District, we take pride in empowering every student to become confident, active leaders both in and out of the classroom. We focus on developing essential skills that will support their success as lifelong learners and leaders who uplift themselves and others. Just the same as last year, students in the Belle Fourche Elementary schools this school year have been engaging with an online program called Leader in Me. During the seventh month of this initiative, we are recognizing students who exemplify the leadership qualities emphasized in the program. Each school day, our young Bronc students practice and study seven foundational habits designed to enhance their personal effectiveness, guiding them toward happiness and enabling them to lead positive change in the world.
The seven effective habits that our schools work to helps students build to be great leaders and role models include:
Our South Park leaders nominated and celebrated this month at our assembly for the month of May for their outstanding leadership skills included:
1st Grade Winners:
Our first winner from 1st grade leads using Habit 2- begin with the end in mind by setting goals daily. She is a great role model for others and her teacher is so thankful to have her in class. This winner is Adilyn Graslie.
The next winner from 1st grade leads by using Habit 1- be proactive and has been making a true effort to work hard. He has a great attitude and had built a love for school. He also uses Habit 2- begin with the end in mind by showing his best work at all time. Lastly, this leader uses Habit 3- put first things first by completing his work to the beat of his ability. This leader is Ricco Richards.
2nd Grade Winners:
Our first leader from 2nd grade uses Habits1- be proactive, Habit 3- put first things first, and Habit 5- seek first to understand then be understood. She is proactive by acting, chooses her weather, and does the right thing just because she knows it's right. This leader is Rosalie Kuenzel.
The next leader from 2nd grade uses Habit3- put first things first each and every day by being on task and doing the important thing. He is focused and strives to do his best. He also follows Habit 4- think win-win and is always kind to peers and teachers. When a conflict comes up, he tries to find a solution. This leader is Sawyer Schaefer.
3rd Grade Winners:
Our first winner from 3rd grade leads by using Habit 3- put first things first by consistently completing her work before play. Even when she is faced with challenging assignments, she shows incredible perseverance by tackling difficult tasks head on. Her kindness towards others is exceptional and she is a great role model in treating her classmates with respect. This leader is Amelia Viergets.
The next leader from 3rd grade excels in Habit 5- first seek to understand then be understood, Habit 6- synergize, and Habit 7- sharpen the saw. She is a very kind persona and can tell when someone needs a hug of kind words. She tries her best at school, even when things are hard, and at recess she always wants to do the right thing. This leader is Loxley Rempfer.
4th Grade Winners:
Our first winner from 4th grade amazes her teacher with her responsibility and her high academic knowledge. She loves to go the extra mile to achieve goals and shows all of the 7 Habits. She gets right to work and treats her classmates kindly. This leader is Nadia Bevier.
The next winner from 4th grade is an amazing student with exceptional work ethic. She uses Habit 2- begin with the end in mind by getting right to work and taking it seriously. She is also very kind and never a behavior problem. Her teacher loves her smile and the way she brightens the classroom.
[Shown in photo: Students of the month for South Park Adilyn Graslie, Ricco Richards, Rosalie Kuenzel, Sawyer Schaefer, Amelia Viergets, Loxley Rempfer, and on the end is Nadia Bevier.]
Not only did we recognize some of our South Park leaders from each grade, but two North Park Elementary student leaders were also nominated and celebrated for demonstrating overall leadership abilities in alignment with our seven Leader in Me habits! Our North Park kindergarten leaders celebrated for the month of May are Hunter Westlake from Blue Door and Emberly Doering from Yellow Door. Way to go Hunter and Emberly for showing such amazing leader skills!
[Shown in photos: Hunter Westlake and Emberly Doering with their Leader in Me medals & certificates.]
We are incredibly proud of our South and North Park leaders for embodying these foundational habits in ways that highlight their unique strengths. This month, we celebrated our leaders with not only their own leader medals and certificates, but also a gift certificate for a free DQ Blizzard.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Belle Fourche families, school staff, dedicated students, and community organizations for coming together to provide the opportunities, tools, and skills that empower our students to thrive and reach their fullest potential. We are also excited for next month’s Leader in Me assemblies at South Park and North Park, where we will celebrate our hardworking young Broncs as they continue to develop essential leadership skills.
Great job, South Park and North Park Broncs! Your commitment to being outstanding leaders and enhancing your skills each month is truly commendable—keep up the fantastic work!