Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Leadership at Dana Elementary

Welcome to Our Lighthouse Culture
At Dana Elementary, we believe every child possesses unique talents and the potential to lead. As a certified Leader in Me Lighthouse School, Dana Elementary stands among a select group of schools worldwide recognized for cultivating an environment of student empowerment, academic accountability, and strong character development.

The Leader in Me framework—built on Stephen Covey’s timeless 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—is woven into the fabric of our daily routines, classroom instruction, and school community.

What It Means to Be a Lighthouse School
Earning Lighthouse Status is a benchmark of excellence that reflects our school-wide dedication to developing the whole child. At Dana, leadership is not a title reserved for a few; it is a mindset practiced by all.

Student-Led Culture: Our students take active ownership of their school environment. From running daily announcements and welcoming visitors to organizing service projects and managing classroom responsibilities, leadership is put into practice every day.

Goal-Driven Growth: Students learn to set personal and academic goals, track their progress in personal leadership notebooks, and celebrate their growth throughout the school year.

A Supportive Environment: We nurture a community where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every student is encouraged to discover their unique strengths.

The 7 Habits in Action
We teach and model these foundational principles to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom:

Habit 1: Be Proactive — You’re in Charge (Taking initiative and responsibility)
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind — Have a Plan (Setting goals and thinking ahead)
Habit 3: Put First Things First — Work First, Then Play (Prioritizing and staying organized)
Habit 4: Think Win-Win — Everyone Can Win (Seeking mutually beneficial solutions)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood — Listen Before You Talk (Practicing empathy and active listening)
Habit 6: Synergize — Together Is Better (Valuing teamwork and collaboration)
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw — Balance Feels Best (Taking care of body, mind, heart, and spirit)

Partnering with Families and Community
Leadership does not end at the school doors. We work hand-in-hand with parents and guardians to reinforce these principles at home, helping our students build lifelong habits for personal and academic success. Together, we are preparing our Wildcats to lead with confidence, integrity, and compassion.