Wood Creek Launches 'Leader in Me' Program

Wood Creek Elementary School in Farmington Hills kicked off its new Leader in Me program with a ribbon cutting Thursday. 

The event was part of the school's annual "meet and greet", during which families can meet with teachers and pick up information to help them navigate the school year. 

Principal Kathy Smith said Leader in Me, which is already in place at Longacre Elementary, is based on the concepts of Stephen Covey's best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. 

"The program and structure ... helps to build those intrinsic leadership characteristics and skills within every child to help them reach their leadership potential," Smith said, adding the program also impacts student achievement, positive behavior and staff engagement. 

She said teachers and parents have been involved in implementing the program, through more than a year of research, fundraising, book studies and staff training.