Clay Central/Everly Elementary on Nov. 16 hosted state Rep. Megan Jones (R-Sioux Rapids) for a Leader-in-Me ribbon cutting assembly.

CC/E Director of Student Services Michelle Huntress kicked off the event with a story on how the Leader-in-Me curriculum came to the school. She followed that with an overview of what the program offers and why the district chose to dive into the new program, starting it at the beginning of this school year.

The Leader-in-Me program works hard to connect students, families, staff and community in properly preparing children for the future. Life readiness skills in communication, creativity, management, teamwork and critical thinking are just a few of the topics covered that help prepare students for an ever-evolving, fast-paced world.

The program covers the following seven habits: Be proactive – you are in charge of you; begin with the end in mind – know what you want before you do it; put first things first – work first then play; think win-win – I win, you win, everyone wins; think first to understand, then to be understood – listen first then talk; synergize – work together to do better; sharpen the saw – take care of yourself.

Following a brief Leader-in-Me video, 4-6 grade students came forward to discuss what they liked about Leader-in-Me and how they could see it working within the school classrooms and halls. Jones then took the mic for a discussion on how her role in government requires good leadership.

Jones described it to the students by using a hypothetical metaphor about cookies.

"Let's say that we hear of a demand for there to be a state cookie," she said, then asking whether the students would like chocolate chip, M&M, sugar or oatmeal cookies. "There are many of you with different opinions on which would be the best cookie to represent our state. My job is to first make sure I ask you, the people. Then start looking at what's needed to solve the problem."

She stated that as a good leader she would need to make sure she is considerate of everyone's opinions, is sure that she has enough resources to make the cookies, and solves the problem at hand in selecting a state cookie. She concluded that sometimes that takes compromise and thoughtful effort.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

Fifth graders Riley Hollenbeck and Isabella Lewis share what they like about Leader-in-Me and how they have seen it working well within the school.

"We could make a monster cookie and cover it all, maybe that would make everyone happy then, right?" Jones asked a cheering audience.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed the assembly in front of the school's new "Leader-in-Me Tree" mural. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Scharn and Leader-in-Me Lighthouse Team leaders Mrs. Key and Mrs. Tewes held the ribbon as Huntress and Jones cut the ribbon, celebrating the new curriculum and all of the wonderful things it offers to the students, staff and future of CC/E.