Sandlapper Elementary achieves Lighthouse School status

Sandlapper Elementary has been designated a Lighthouse School, by implementing The Leader in Me process. The school was commended for achieving positive school and student outcomes as well as having an extraordinary impact on staff, students, parents, and the greater community. Sandlapper is the first Richland Two school to receive this honor.

Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm said, “On behalf of our entire district, congratulations to the Sandlapper Elementary family. We are extremely proud of the school for achieving this status. Sandlapper has demonstrated its strong commitment of our Four Squares of Success: Learning, Character, Community and Joy.”

The Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model—developed in partnership with educators—that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. The model is based on secular principles and practices of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness.

In order to achieve this impressive goal, Sandlapper had to assemble a Lighthouse Team, create a leadership environment, teach and reinforce the 7 Habits, work together collaboratively, have students in meaningful leadership roles, involve parents, create and hold leadership events, use student data through leadership notebooks and other leadership tools, and show measurable results.

Only 267 schools worldwide have achieved Lighthouse Status.

“We are honored to become a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. We have seen such amazing results from implementing The Leader in Me process, including clubs for every student, student-led showcases of academic learning and a decrease in behavior referrals,” said Principal Linda Hall. “Our students create specific goals, graph them, and celebrate when they reach them. Students also understand how their academic success contributes to the success of the grade level and the whole school.”

The school will host a leadership day, “Catch the Wave of Leadership” on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Parent, community members and the media are welcome to attend the showcase of the 7 Habits, Data Walls, Leadership Notebooks, Accountability Partners, Adult FAQs panel, classroom and school tours and much more.