NASHUA – Ledge Street Elementary School has been designated as a Lighthouse School, an honor given to schools that have participated in the multiyear process of implementing The Leader in Me program, achieved specific goals and results, and are models of excellence for other schools.

Ledge Street Elementary is not only the first Lighthouse School in New Hampshire, but also the first in New England and 67th in the world.

The Leader In Me is a program based on leadership principles found in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Dr. Stephen R. Covey and modeled after A.B. Combs Magnet School in Raleigh, N.C. Building upon these enduring habits, the program teaches essential life skills and strengthens characteristics of successful leadership, providing students with relevant tools and self-confidence to be prepared to meet future challenges and endeavors.

Habit 1: “Be Proactive – You’re in Charge.”

Habit 2: “Begin With the End in Mind – Have a Plan.”

Habit 3: “Put First Things First – Work First, Then Play.”

Habit 4: “Think Win-Win – Everyone Can Win.”

Habit 5: “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Listen Before You Talk.”

Habit 6: “Synergize – Together Is Better.”

Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw – Balance Feels Best.”

As part of the school’s culture, the program helps promote leadership, communication, respect, time management, self-discipline and self reliance. With this paradigm shift, the school has seen growth in achievement, increases in attendance and fewer discipline referrals.

Ledge Street Elementary is a high-poverty school, with more than 80 percent of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch.

For more information, visit www.theleaderinme.org/blog?blog_id=1511.