At Somerset Oaks Academy, a K-8 Leader In Me Lighthouse School in Homestead, FL, we believe every student has a unique genius waiting to be discovered. As an elementary Leader In Me Exploration School and a project-based learning (PBL)-heavy middle school, we provide hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences that ignite curiosity and innovation. Through these opportunities, our students apply the 7 Habits of the Leader In Me program, using them to guide their learning and interactions. For example, in project-based learning, students practice "Begin with the End in Mind" as they plan and execute their projects, setting goals and visualizing their success. By incorporating these habits into real-world experiences, students gain the leadership skills necessary to navigate their academic and personal lives, empowering them to lead with purpose and confidence. 

As a Leader In Me Lighthouse School, we are dedicated to nurturing bright, young leaders who will shape the world. Over the past five years, we’ve seen incredible growth in both our programs and our diverse student body, creating a dynamic and supportive environment for learning. Whether through creativity, technology, or leadership, our students have access to numerous opportunities to explore their passions and develop new skills. One of our highest priorities is to create strong and viable community partnerships. As a Cognia STEM and Leader In Me Lighthouse school, these relationships are vital in helping us find and sustain valuable resources that enhance student learning. For example, we have built a relationship with Doral College, providing students with a pathway to earning college credits. By introducing this opportunity early, we spark curiosity and encourage middle schoolers to see the bigger picture. Taking college credits before high school gives students a competitive edge, builds confidence, and strengthens their academic habits, preparing them for future challenges. This real-life connection helps students set clear goals and develop strong leadership skills, shaping them into role models for their peers. 

Our learners consistently engage in a curriculum that systematically integrates content across all STEM disciplines, while also enhancing their learning with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. They participate in STEM processes and practices—such as the Design Thinking Process, NGSS STEM Practices, and engineering design—developing critical problem-solving skills and a mindset of innovation. Through this process, students apply habits like "Think Win-Win" as they collaborate with peers on interdisciplinary, problem-based projects, fostering mutual respect and teamwork. Professional staff members routinely implement a process for aligning courses to adopted and recognized sets of standards and benchmarks. The STEM curriculum is regularly organized around multiple real-world, interdisciplinary, problem-based, and project-based units of study, where students are encouraged to "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood," promoting effective communication and empathy during group work. 

In alignment with Cognia STEM Standard 1, Somerset Oaks Academy maintains a culture of STEM learning that is deeply embedded in our school environment. Our leadership team ensures that STEM education is a priority, integrating STEM principles throughout our curriculum and extracurricular activities. We create an environment that fosters inquiry, problem-solving, and innovation by providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore STEM-related topics in a way that promotes critical thinking and collaboration. The commitment of our faculty and leadership to STEM education ensures that all students engage in high-quality, student-centered learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of the 21st century. 

In our elementary Explorer program, this integration begins early and is embedded into lesson plans. Students engage in structured Leader In Me Exploration during Day 6 of their learning cycle, where STEM lessons are strategically paired with Leader In Me principles to foster both academic and leadership growth. For example, students use the habit "Put First Things First" to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively as they work through STEM projects, ensuring they focus on the most important aspects of their learning while balancing leadership responsibilities. This early exposure fosters curiosity and critical thinking, laying the foundation for future STEM engagement. For our middle school students, we offer multiple electives alongside core classes that incorporate STEM principles into their lesson plans. Courses such as Microsoft, TV Production, Robotics, Adobe Photoshop, Business/Marketing, and Journalism provide students with interdisciplinary, real-world learning experiences that align with both academic and career readiness standards. 

In accordance with Cognia STEM Standard 2, our school ensures that STEM learning is a priority through structured professional learning communities (PLC) and continuous professional development. Faculty members participate in ongoing training that enhances their ability to integrate STEM education into the curriculum effectively. Teachers use data-driven instruction and research-based strategies to align STEM instruction with national and state standards. By consistently evaluating and refining instructional practices, our educators cultivate a learning environment where students are encouraged to apply STEM concepts to solve real-world problems. Additionally, our partnerships with local businesses, STEM professionals, and higher education institutions provide authentic learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with career pathways. 

Gathering our community as a Leader In Me Lighthouse school, we invite individuals from various industries to witness the multiple initiatives our students are undertaking. Our students use the 7 Habits to guide STEM activities, with one example being Leadership Day. During this event, students showcase their STEM projects, demonstrating how they apply habits such as "Begin with the End in Mind" when planning and presenting their work. Leadership Day provides an opportunity for students to connect with professionals, gaining insight into real-world applications of their academic learning while strengthening their leadership skills. 

For example: 

• Habit 1: Be Proactive – Initiating STEM challenges, such as designing a bridge or solving a complex math problem. 

• Habit 6: Synergize – Collaborating on group engineering tasks or science experiments, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. 

Additionally, we create leadership opportunities by actively involving our community—partnering with local businesses, organizations, and mentors to provide students with authentic experiences that foster responsibility, service, and real-world problem-solving. To further recognize and develop student leadership, we celebrate achievements through initiatives like the Leader of the Month, Annual Leadership Day, Do the Right Thing awards, and the National Elementary Honors Society, which acknowledges students for their service, leadership, responsibility, and academic excellence. 

Somerset Oaks Academy promotes high-quality teaching and learning through a collaborative approach involving administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and community members. Rooted in the school's mission, this culture aims to educate all children to their fullest potential while fostering self-esteem and artistic development. Administrators lead this culture by engaging in research-based professional development and prioritizing the recruitment and retention of highly effective faculty. They guide faculty and staff through ongoing professional development aligned with student learning goals, supporting a positive school climate. Annual professional development sessions foster collaboration among stakeholders, developing and refining a growth mindset within the school's instructional pedagogy. 

Before the school year begins, Pre-Planning Week provides faculty and staff with essential training, collaboration time, and strategic planning opportunities. During this week, teachers participate in Leader In Me training, professional development sessions, and team-building activities designed to establish a strong foundation for the academic year. This time is also used for curriculum planning, reviewing data, and aligning instructional strategies with student learning goals. 

All new staff participate in an initial Leader In Me training during Pre-Planning Week to learn the habits. New and ongoing staff receive Leader In Me boosters throughout the year via email, monthly staff meetings, and one-on-one support. Coaching days are used to meet with grade-level teachers and continuously support them in best practices for integrating Leader In Me in the classroom. All stakeholders are involved in this process, and most of the Leader In Me habits are integrated using STEM/PBL. 

Additionally, our staff participates in 1-2 weeks of professional development focused on using STEM as a tool to support student learning. These sessions equip educators with strategies to integrate STEM and project-based learning (PBL) into their instruction, enhancing student engagement and critical thinking skills. Personal data chats, primarily led by the administrative/leadership team, help teachers identify methods for incorporating STEM/PBL effectively into their classrooms. 

Furthermore, monthly grade-level meetings are dedicated to promoting and discovering innovative ways to implement STEM/PBL in the curriculum. These meetings serve as a platform for teachers to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new strategies that enhance student learning through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences. 

At Somerset Oaks Academy, our commitment to fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment is exemplified through the establishment of Action Teams at the beginning of each academic year. These teams are instrumental in organizing a variety of events and learning opportunities that enrich our school community and enhance student engagement. 

Action Teams at Somerset Oaks Academy is designed to bring together faculty, staff, parents, students, and community members to collaboratively plan and execute events/learning opportunities that align with our educational mission. By distributing responsibilities across specialized teams, we ensure a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and developmental needs of our students. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of community but also empowers stakeholders to contribute their unique skills and perspectives, leading to more innovative and effective event planning. 

Our Action Teams focus on a wide array of events and programs, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant culture of Somerset Oaks Academy: 

• Black History Events: This team organizes activities and programs during Black History Month, providing students with opportunities to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. 

• STEM and Class Transformation: Dedicated to enhancing STEM education, this team coordinates initiatives such as classroom makeovers and interactive STEM projects, fostering a hands-on learning environment. 

• Multicultural Events: By organizing events that celebrate various cultures, this team promotes diversity and inclusion, allowing students to experience and appreciate global traditions. 

• Bulletin Boards and Information Sharing: This team ensures that important information is effectively communicated throughout the school via creative and informative bulletin boards. 

• Spelling Bee: Focused on academic excellence, this team organizes spelling competitions that encourage students to expand their vocabulary and spelling skills. 

• Career Day: This team arranges for professionals from various fields to speak with students, providing insights into potential career paths and inspiring future aspirations. 

• Trunk or Treat and Halloween Parade: These festive events are coordinated to provide safe and enjoyable Halloween experiences, fostering school spirit and community engagement. 

• End of the Year Carnival: A celebratory event organized to mark the culmination of the academic year, featuring games and activities that bring the school community together. 

• Student Safety Patrol: This team oversees programs that promote student safety, empowering students to take active roles in maintaining a secure school environment. 

• Leadership Day: An event showcasing student leadership and achievements, organized to inspire and recognize the leaders within our student body. 

• Art Show Committee: This team curate's exhibitions of student artwork, providing a platform for creative expression and appreciation of the arts. 

• Spring Fest Event: A seasonal celebration featuring various activities that engage students and families, strengthening the school community. 

• 8th Grade Celebration: This team plans events to honor the achievements of our graduating 8th-grade students, marking their transition to high school. 

• Parent Academy: Focused on family engagement, this team organizes workshops and sessions that equip parents with tools to support their children's education. 

• Talent Show: An event that provides students with the opportunity to showcase their diverse talents, fostering confidence and school spirit. 

• Enrichment Showcase: At the end of the year, this team highlights the talents of students who participate in after-school or during-school enrichment programs. Students perform and display their skills in dance, music, arts, and other activities, while parents and community members come out to show their support, creating a vibrant celebration of our students’ growth and talents. 

Through the dedicated efforts of these Action Teams, Somerset Oaks Academy not only enhances the educational experience but also builds a cohesive and supportive community. By involving various stakeholders in the planning and execution of these events, we ensure that our programs are reflective of our collective values and aspirations, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of our students. 

As a school with the highest recognition in the Leader In Me program—attaining Lighthouse status in the spring of 2023—we are committed to fostering a culture of high-quality teaching and learning. We base our learning on creating leadership in the classroom, ensuring that all students develop essential life and leadership skills through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Through these collaborative efforts, Somerset Oaks Academy nurtures the holistic development of every student, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. By cultivating leadership, Leader In Me Exploration, and essential life skills, we help students unlock their unique genius and become the confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.