A new chapter in student leadership is underway at Manson School District, which recently included two elementary students exploring the hidden corners of their school, including the attic.
Manson Elementary students Lainey Peterson and Cote Zuluaga got a rare opportunity: serving as “Principal for a Day.” From participating in after-school bus loading to giving input on playground upgrades, these young leaders experienced what it's like to be in charge — all part of the district’s growing emphasis on leadership through the Leader in Me curriculum.
Since Manson Elementary initiated the Leader in Me framework in the fall of 2024, Elementary School Counselor Zach Phelps said the transformation has been clear.
“We’ve noticed a big shift in how students carry themselves,” he said. “They’re more confident, more responsible, and more thoughtful in how they treat others. The 7 Habits aren’t just something we talk about; they’re becoming part of how students learn, lead, and work together every day.”
Cultivating Future Mentors
One of the most anticipated developments is next year’s launch of the Habit Helper Mentorship Program. Open to fourth and fifth graders, the program gives selected students a chance to model leadership school-wide, assist younger peers, and greet visitors as student ambassadors.
“This mentoring ties right into Manson’s Portrait of a Learner — which aims to grow academically ready, resilient, and positive leaders,” Phelps explained. “We’re not just teaching leadership. We’re seeing students live it — and help others grow along the way.”
Teacher Impact and Executive Functioning Gains
From Forbes to LinkedIn to Business Management Daily, industry experts are emphasizing the importance of “soft skills” as something that will make tomorrow’s leaders stand out in the workplace.
Middle School Science and ASB advisor Anita Johanson has also seen the program’s impact ripple through her classroom.
“Students are communicating with more proactive language and thinking ahead more clearly. Their executive functioning — things like time management and organization — has noticeably improved,” she said.
The Leader in Me program is built around the internationally acclaimed 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a framework used by major companies and organizations worldwide. Adapted for students, the program encourages self-awareness, teamwork, and goal setting — habits with lifelong value.
What Is Leader in Me?
Grounded in the belief that every child has the potential to lead, Leader in Me offers a school-wide framework to build student agency, enhance academics, and strengthen school culture. It includes core paradigms like:
· Everyone Can Be a Leader
· Everyone Has Genius
· Change Starts with Me
· Empower Students to Lead Their Own Learning
· Educators and Families Partner to Develop the Whole Person
More details about the framework and the 7 Habits can be found at leaderinme.org.
A Growing Movement
In February, several Manson students and staff attended a 7 Habits training at the Manson Grange and began actively promoting the program among their peers. By March, all elementary staff — and some secondary teachers — received official Leader in Me training during a district-wide professional development day.
Staff members’ leadership skills have also been strengthened while learning to cultivate those qualities in students. Teachers participated in a book study and learned how the program has benefited other schools.
Additional staff training is already planned for fall 2025, using expanded professional development opportunities aligned with the district’s strategic planning goals and transition to a four-day student school week: Start Strong, Graduate Future Ready, and Build Self-Responsibility and Resilience.
Funding and Community Support
The Manson School District’s implementation of Leader in Me received a major boost thanks to a generous three-year, $35,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation, helping sustain and expand the program.
As Manson continues to prioritize leadership at every level, students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re stepping into it today, one habit at a time.
“We’re proud of the growth we’re seeing,” Phelps said, “and even more proud of how our students are helping each other grow.”