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 this 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 and North Park leaders nominated and celebrated this month at our assembly for the month of December for their outstanding leadership skills included:
1st Grade
The first winner from first grade is a wonderful student and friend. She uses Habit three-put first things first by working hard and staying focused, as well as Habit 1-be proactive who tries her best in everything she does. She is kind to all her classmates and never fails to bring a big smile to her class. This leader is Harley Njos.
The next winner from first grade is a great role model by using Habit 4-think win-win to work well with others and show how good of a friend he is. He uses habit 3-put first things first by showing he can get his work done. His teacher is thankful to have him in class. This leader is Harvey Janish.
2nd Grade
The first winner from second grade is hardworking, fair and fun. He uses Habit 1-be proactive by stopping and thinking before he reacts to things. He is a great friend and will go out of his way to help others by using habit 6-synergize to work with others. This leader is Easton Swaney.
The next winner from second grade uses habit 2-begin with the end in mind by making the choice to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. She always tries her best, works hard and is excited to help others. Her wise choices and positive attitude make her a wonderful role model. This leader is Alison Karp.
3rd Grade
The first winner from 3rd grade has been an awesome addition to our school. She comes each day to school ready to learn and participate while also encouraging those around her. She is a great role model for habit 4-think win-win. This leader is Ryann Browning.
The second winner from 3rd grade is a constant example of the seven habits. She does the right thing all the time without being asked is self-disciplined and uses habit 3-put first things first. She uses habit 6-synergize by being able to work with any group and help others strive to do their best. This leader is Rosalie Keunzel.
4th Grade
The first winner from 4th grade uses habit 1-be proactive by coming in each day with a great attitude and getting right to work. She uses habit 3-put first things first by being responsible and organized. She works hard and pushes herself to do her best work. This leader is Lakinn Schwender.
The second winner from 4th grade uses habit 5-seek first to understand then be understood which shows he’s a great friend to others. He leads with habit 4-think win-win to help other be their best selves, and habit 2-begin with the end in mind by being responsible with his homework and assignments. This leader is Bridger Lynch.
Kindergarten
The first winner from kindergarten very kind and always following directions. She works hard, is a good friend to all and always tries her best. She showcases all of the 7 habits and strive to be the best student she can be. This leader is Tatum Webb.
The next winner from kindergarten is very kind both in and out of her classroom. She uses habit 3-put first things first by getting all of her work done. She is willing to help her classmates and raises her hand to participate in classroom discussions. She shows she really loves to learn. This leader is Adalyn Tanninen.
[Shown in photo: Back row-Alison Karp, Ryann Browning, Rosalie Kuenzel, Lakinn Schwender, Bridger Lynch Front Row-Easton Swaney, Harvey Janish, Harley Njos, Tatum Webb and Adalyn Tanninen.]
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. 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!