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 each 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 March for their outstanding leadership skills included:
Kindergarten:
Our first leader from kindergarten is a kind student who uses habit 1: be proactive by following directions and working hard in class. She is responsible and has a positive attitude while always trying her best. She is a great friend and listens to everyone. This leader is Echo Dudley.
The next leader from kindergarten is a great student inside and out of the classroom. He uses habit 1: be proactive by being in control of his actions and emotions. He knows how to pick someone up when they are feeling down by offering words of encouragement and compliments. He reminds his friends and teachers that he cares about them often by giving the best hugs. This leader is Graham Williams.
1st Grade:
The first leader from first grade uses habit 1: be proactive by always doing the right thing even when no one is watching. She uses habit 6: synergize by working well with her classmates and making sure they feel included and valued. She chooses to have a positive attitude by coming to school with a big smile each day. This leader is Aspyn Wood.
The next leader from first grade uses many of the habits. She shows habit 1: be proactive by choosing a great attitude, listening and being willing to help. She uses habit 2: begin with the end in mind to set goals and push herself. She also shows habit 3: put first things first by being organized and staying on top of work in her busy folder. This leader is Clara Blair.
2nd Grade:
The first leader from second grade does an amazing job using habit 4: think win-win by being kind to those around her and willing to lend a helping hand. She is a hard worker in the classroom which means she uses habit 3: put first things first each day, She is a bronc leader both inside and outside the classroom. This leader is Gracie Daniels.
The next leader from second grade isn’t here today, but has done a wonderful job using habit 3: put first things first by staying organized and prioritizing his work. He has a helpful mindset and wants other to succeed. He is an awesome part of his class with his positive attitude, leadership skills and great sense of humor. This leader is Kayden Anderson.
3rd Grade:
The first leader from third grade uses habit 2: begin with the end in mind by always knowing what she wants her end goal to be and plans how to reach it. She also uses habit 5: seek first to understand then be understood when a classmate might be having a difficult time. She is a very positive role modes and a beacon of light in her classroom. This leader is Katelyn Daniels.
The next leader from third grade is a great leader and a kind friend. She uses habit 3: put first things first and works hard each day. She also uses habit 4: think win-win by including other, finding the solutions to problems and always being kind. Her teacher is very proud of her. This leader is Allison Venter.
4th Grade:
The first leader from fourth grade is a wonderful student who uses habit 1:be proactive by setting her priorities to get important work done and homework turned in each week. She has a win-win attitude by being willing to help others and keeps her group work organized. She is kind to all and very willing to help classmates in need. This leader is Avery Carmichael.
The next leader from 4th grade uses habit 4: think win-win by making sure everyone gets the chance to talk and participate in groups. He uses habit 1: be proactive when he makes the good choice to get right to work and follow his classroom rules. He also uses habit 7: sharpen the saw by attending jujitsu classes after school and trying his hardest during PE classes. This leader is Colton Willey.
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!