Students Recognized for Informal Leadership

Each year I get to recognize a small group of students before the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees. I always want to choose carefully to choose students who represent some of the most important things we are working on as a school. This week I got that opportunity and I am proud to tell you about these 8 great kids.

These kids have demonstrated character and leadership through informal roles they have taken up before, during, and after school.

This year, we have emphasized the development of character more than ever. We always say, “We are Skyhawks and we show respect, solve problems, and make good decisions.” However, this year, we have added layers to that to learn about some specific character traits that will lead to success, both in school and in life. The traits we emphasize include self-control, integrity, gratitude, ambition, curiosity, and grit, among others.

We do have formal student leadership programs, such as student council. Those are wonderful programs and include fantastic kids I am also very proud of. The students we chose to take to the school board, however, have taken up informal leadership around the school. The were not voted in by their classmates. They didn’t ask to be recognized. In fact, they seemed surprised that anyone noticed what they were doing. They simply do the right thing and step up as leaders. These are the kind of students we want and these are the kind of citizens we want in our community.

Informal Student Leaders Recognized: Angel Juarez, Jose Ruiz, Manuel Ibarra, Maria Lechuga, Yaira Ferrusca, Angelica Gayton, Elissa Warner, Christian Diaz

Below are some of the reasons these students were chosen. Most of these comments come directly from teachers and other adults that these kids work with.

Before School:

• Helping to set up and prepare materials in Kinder and 1st grade classrooms. 
• Delivering a huge pile of newspapers every day. 

During the day:

• Volunteering to help in Kindergarten PE and music. They demonstrate well and helps with set-up of equipment. 
• Serving as a positive role model to younger kids in kindergarten PE and Music. 
• Guiding small groups of younger kids as they do activities in those classes. 

After School:

• Role models and leaders in 21st Century after school program: 
• Leading younger kids in crafts and activities in 21st Century after school program. 
• Showing attributes of strong leadership 
• They are unafraid of challenges (or at least they act like it). 
• She really helps build team spirit and can be seen encouraging students even when adults aren’t watching. 
• She chose to publicly recognize a student who had made a lot of growth behaviorally. 
• She/He can be seen encouraging students, even when no adults are watching. 
• He/She is willing to help with homework if a student is having a problem. 
• He/she sets high standards for work ethic during homework, reading, crafts and P16 recreation time. 
• They are willing and able to help out any younger student at their snack tables by finding positive ways to redirect their behavior. 
• They are great at complimenting kids when they use manners. 

We are so proud of all of our Skyhawks. Thanks to these kids for quietly taking up leadership and doing the right thing.