SCHOOLING WITH PURPOSE
Nurturing Leadership
in the Lower School
A
s Grade 5 students gathered in early October to congratulate the newly elected Lower School Student Council, President-elect Poppy Sisko ’31 and fellow council members received hugs from peers and gave consolation handshakes to the runners-up as everyone reflected on the campaign. “When the results were announced, we were so impressed with how the students handled it,” said Hannah Scala, Grade 5 teacher and Project-Based Learning Coordinator. “The students conducted themselves with such respect. It really reflected their level of maturity.” Grades 4 and 5, the leaders in the Lower School, are responsible for filling roles on the Student Council. The council features two Grade 4 representatives, one for each homeroom. Grade 5 students fill the additional positions of president, vice president, outreach ambassador, and secretary. Students campaign for these positions, hanging posters throughout the Lower School and delivering speeches. Students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 are eligible to vote. When Poppy delivered her speech, she was calm and confident. “A leader, to me, is someone who listens to and respects everyone,” she said. “I demonstrated my leadership skills when I gave a speech at the Ringing of the Bells ceremony. 20 Quest 2023-24
When I see people sitting alone or feeling left out, I make sure to include them.” Her delivery was flawless, reflecting practice. But Poppy solidified her advantage by channeling her passion for musicals. She finished with a flourish by singing her campaign slogan, “Poppy for the People.” The moment students step into King’s Lower School, they begin to develop confidence and leadership skills. From door holders and teachers’ helpers to Student Council members and assembly speakers, these roles are designed to support the incremental growth in responsibility, self-advocacy, and citizenship necessary to prepare students for the next stages of their lives. “Each week, children are assigned a job,” PreK teacher Jennifer Agro said. “These include line leader, caboose, meeting helper, snack helper, and a few others. Having a job helps to teach responsibility and accountability, but also fosters confidence and developing a sense of self and purpose.” Communication is also a central component of the leadership lessons. Children initiating play are encouraged to use language like “What’s your plan?” and “Tell me about your work.” When they want peers to change course, they are taught to make suggestions like “I have a different idea.” “Successfully negotiating conflict is hard work but is essential for young learners,” Agro said. “When children can do this
