Summit Elementary is committed to preparing children to excel and lead in the 21st century. This goal is framed in connection with their school-wide incorporation of FranklinCovey’s, Leader In Me ©, “an evidence-based PK-12 model developed in partnership with educators, designed to build resilience and leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and help improve academic achievement.” (www.leaderinme.org) 

Earlier this year, Summit Elementary students and staff had an opportunity to share their school's exciting achievements and leadership philosophy with representatives from Leader in Me. Led by the Lighthouse team, presentations outlined the positive impacts of their collective leadership culture on achievement, growth, and success for all members of their school community. While, at that time, they weren’t certain if they would be named a Legacy School, the collective sense of accomplishment and pride for their journey over the years in the Leader In Me program was evident in the joy and confidence they radiated as they shared information and the history of Summit. 

Thirteen years ago, what started as a team idea and interest developed, expanded, and excelled into a school-wide commitment to student empowerment supported by building upon everyday leadership habits, self-confidence, accountability, engagement, participation, character development, and more. Modeled after The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People ©, Summit Bison practice empathy, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and more each day as they work to be changemakers in their school and community, ultimately leaving a legacy of excellence along their path. 

A school must maintain its Lighthouse School certification for a minimum of eight years, exhibit innovation and sustainable levels of Lighthouse criteria growth, and continuously make a distinctive contribution to the Leader in Me community and/or education community at large to qualify to become a Leader in Me Legacy School”. (www.leaderinme.org) 

Summit Elementary is one of fourteen globally recognized schools awarded Legacy School status through Leader In Me ©. Legacy recognition is the highest honor for Leader in Me schools. These schools exemplify a strong leadership culture by unleashing the highest potential in students, staff, families, and their communities and serving as global beacons throughout the world! 

Congratulations, Summit Elementary, on this incredible recognition for your outstanding dedication and work in building leadership and life skills for students while supporting academic excellence. 

A special thank you to all the students, staff, and school families - past and present - whose passion, innovative ideas, support, and hard work were instrumental in achieving the Legacy status!

 "The Leader in Me is Franklin Covey’s whole school transformation process. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader."

Schools across the country that have successfully implemented the Leader In Me leadership models:

*Develop students who have the skills and self-confidence to succeed as leaders in the 21st century.

*Have decreases in discipline referrals.

*Teach and develop character and leadership through existing core curricula.

*Improve academic achievement.

*Raise levels of accountability and engagement among both parents and staff.