Salisbury Elementary Schools to Teach Leadership

Future leaders could emerge from Salisbury Township's two elementary schools if the lessons stick in a new program that borrows from the business world.

The Salisbury School Board approved a $3,761 contract at its Aug. 15 meeting for "The Leader in Me" program to be taught at and elementary schools. The three-year program, based on the best-selling "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey, is designed to encourage habits and behaviors that will help students and teachers become successful leaders.

The contract covers licensing fees and professional staff development. Assistant Superintendent Louise Beauchemin had said previously the district negotiated heavily and got the price reduced.

Harry S. Truman Principal Barbara Samide told the board in June that a team of teachers visited schools in the Bethlehem Area and Bangor Area school districts that use "The Leader in Me" program.

"We were very impressed," she said. Students were respectful, said hello and made eye contact with them.

The program's website claims to produce "higher academic achievement, fewer discipline problems and increased engagement among teachers and parents.”

Samide said the school got a $750 grant from J.P. Mascaro & Sons' Respect Program that will pay for teachers' books in the program.