STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Carey School has received recertification as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.

 The certification reflects the school’s dedication to and effectiveness in teaching leadership principles, fostering a leadership culture and aligning academic systems through student-led achievement and empowering instruction.

“We are thrilled to yet again receive certification as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School,” said John Peck, principal of Carey School. “This milestone is a reflection of the tremendous work of our teachers, staff, students and families to commit to leadership in all they do. It’s an outstanding point of pride for our entire school community.”

The Blaine School District bought into the Leader in Me program in 2011. The program revolves around Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which include the idea of being proactive; having a plan; putting work first, then play; thinking win-win; understanding that together is better and seeking first to understand, then to be understood.

Carey School, perhaps more than others, really latched onto the program.

 In recertifying the school, the Leader in Me program highlighted Carey’s focus on family learning, through which students enjoy teaching their parents and guardians about positive habits. The program also cited the fact that students and teachers collaborate to create classroom mission statements that students recite each day.

In addition, Leader in Me was impressed by Carey’s focus on shared leadership, with students having the opportunity to serve on a Lighthouse Leadership Team. Students have also been able to create clubs based on their interests, including the chess club, crafting club and Minecraft club.

Highly regarded in education, the Lighthouse certification represents a significant benchmark and is evidence that a high standard has been met. In earning this certification, Carey has shown it is a place that would inspire visitors from around the world.