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 eighth 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 North and South Park leaders nominated and celebrated this month at our assembly for the month of September for their outstanding leadership skills included:
Kindergarten
The first kindergarten winner is a very hard worker and has shown he follows habit 3 put first things first by getting his classwork done on time. He is also a kind friend who has practiced habit 5 seek first to understand then be understood by being an excellent listener to his classmates and teachers. He is a great leader in the classroom and a wonderful teammate. This leader is Luxton Baker!
The second winner from kindergarten is a great student to have in the classroom because he uses habit 3 put first things first and does his work before he is able to play. He also uses habit 2 begin with the end in mind by following directions and being ready and excited to learn. He always tries no matter what is asked of him. This leader is Logan Gerry!
1st Grade
The first winner from first grade has worked hard to show habit 1 be proactive, habit 2 begin with the end in mind, habit 3 put first things first, habit 4 think win-win and habit 6 synergize. He has a great attitude and sets goals to earn his starcards. He is always organized and tries to find solutions to problems in the classroom. He is willing to work with peers and help others! This leader is Camden Montgomery!
The next winner from first grade is a great role model and uses habit 2 begin with the end in mind and habit 4 think win-win. He works hard with his goals in mind in the classroom and strives to help his classmates find solutions. He is a fantastic first grader and his teacher is so thankful to have him this year! This leader is Oaklnn Pickett!
2nd Grade
The first winner from second grade displays habit 3 put first things first, habit 4 think win-win and habit 6 synergize. He thinks ahead and prioritizes what needs to be done to make sure he reaches his goals. He also talks to others in a kind way and tries to synergize with classmates when joining games. He takes pride in his works and is kind to all! This leader is Vincent Manke!
The next winner from second grade is a wonderful student who uses habit 1 be proactive by being in charge of his focus and effort. He also uses habit 5 seek first to understand then be understood by being a great listener and learning from his teacher’s feedback. He uses habit 3 put first things first by getting his homework done and turned in on time. He is a great role model! This leader is Jackson Staley!
3rd Grade
The first winner from third grade uses habit 1 be proactive and habit 3 put first things first. He does a great job of taking care of what he is responsible for with focus and determination. He is on task during lessons, shares his ideas with his class, and sets a good example with respectful behavior and hard work. This leader is Isaiah Gonzalez!
The next winner from third grade uses many habits like habit 1 be proactive, habit 4 think win-win and habit 6 synergize. He has been staying after school to help his teacher with things like sweeping, plugging in computers, and straightening desks. He is always kind to others, especially anyone who is hurting. His teacher is so proud of him! This leader is EJ Zapata!
4th Grade
The first winner from fourth grade is a wonderful person and as well as one of the hardest workers. She follows habit 1 be proactive by completing her homework and classwork as well as choosing a positive attitude at school with a smile on her face. She also uses habit 4 think win-win and habit 6 synergize by being kind to her peers and going out of her way to help others. She is very deserving of this award! This leader is Karsyn Gardner!
The second winner from fourth grade is a very kind friend and student. She uses habit 3 put first things first by getting work done in class and putting in her best effort. She also uses habit 6 synergize by constantly working well with others and listening during group work and helping everyone to be able to share their ideas and feel included. This leader is Kylie Gardner! 
[Shown in photo: Jackson Staley, Isaiah Gonzalez, EJ Zapata, Karsyn Gardner, Kylie Gardner, Oaklnn Pickett, Camden Montgomery, Luxton Baker, and Logan Gerry with their Leader in Me medals & certificates.]
We are incredibly proud of our North and South Park leaders for embodying these foundational habits in ways that highlight their unique strengths. 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 assembly at South Park, where we will celebrate our hardworking young Broncs as they continue to develop essential leadership skills.
Great job, North and South Park Broncs! Your commitment to being outstanding leaders and enhancing your skills each month is truly commendable—keep up the fantastic work!