Rich Pond Elementary School earns “Leader In Me” Lighthouse status

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-Sharpen the saw. Synergize. Seek first to understand, then be understood. Think win-win. Put first things first. Begin with the end in mind, be proactive. These are seven things that students of Rich Pond Elementary School have done exceptionally well.

Rich Pond Elementary was recently named a “Leader In Me” Lighthouse School, meaning the school goes to great lengths to ensure students are doing those seven things. Something second-grade teacher Alison Miller is thrilled about.

“The kids take their leadership seriously. They lead us in so many different things. When we have assemblies, the kids are in charge. We have so many talented kids, and the leader in me has really helped them shine and find their voice,” Miller said.

Rich Pond Elementary School principal Dan Costellow said great leadership skills are best developed when started at a young age, which is why Rich Pond among other Warren County elementary schools provides many opportunities for students to sharpen the saw.

“Leader in Me gives our kids an opportunity to exhibit leadership skills, also our staff as well. Mainly for our kids, it gives them an opportunity to stand out, develop skills that they can use the rest of their life, and feel like they’re really accomplishing something,” Costellow said.

In order to get this recognition, Rich Pond had to pass a rigorous Lighthouse review by meeting more than 120 criteria in nine areas established by the Franklin Covey Leader in Me organization. Rich Pond is also the 10th Warren County School to earn this status.

“It’s really a big honor to be a part of the schools that are doing that,” Costellow said.

It’s a big honor for both the staff and the students.

“Just seeing how brave they can be and how they can really shine has been amazing,” Miller said.

In 2014, Briarwood Elementary and Natcher Elementary became the first two schools in the state of Kentucky to earn the “Lighthouse Achievement.” Both of those schools are located in the Warren Country School District.