Since 2017, CHCA’s Armleder Campus has inspired students to grow in confidence and leadership through the Leader in Me program. On March 22, 2024, the school gave 30 visiting educators a taste of student leadership in action during Leadership Day.  

A program adopted by schools around the world, Leader in Me teaches eight habits—begin with the end in mind, put first things first, sharpen the saw, seek first to understand, think win-win, be proactive, synergize, and find your voice—that students and teachers implement into their learning. The result is strengthened leadership and life skills. 

“Our dedicated staff and students seamlessly incorporate [Leader in Me’s] habits into our daily routines and shared leadership responsibilities, such as managing arrival and dismissal, led by our leaders, Lower and Upper Elementary students,” says Cammie Montgomery, Principal at Armleder. “The Environments Team meticulously curates our school's spaces, ensuring they not only embody our branding but also prominently feature our class mission statements and all eight habits throughout. Additionally, our Leadership Events Team orchestrates and infuses leadership principles into every school event and activity." 

On Leadership Day, Armleder students, faculty, and staff showcased how Leader in Me has impacted all facets of student life and school culture. Visiting educators arrived at 8:00 a.m. and enjoyed a reception with faculty and student leaders before the morning’s main event, the Third Quarter Pep Rally. Hosted by the school’s House of Altruismo (one of Armleder’s four student “houses”), the black light party included games, music, and the presentation of Leader in Me awards. Next, student leaders took groups for tours around Armleder, where educators got a firsthand look at leadership in the classroom and school spaces. 

Following the tour, guests learned more about how Armleder incorporates the eight habits into its curriculum and programs, with student and staff performances demonstrating each. The morning ended with a signature dance party featuring the House of Altruismo. 

“At Armleder, becoming a leader is filled with encouragement, discipline, and of course, fun! Our students were able to display only a snippet of what we get to experience every day,” says Mariah Harris, Administrative Assistant at Armleder. “Leadership Day was a great team effort that was only made possible by everyone at the school, and I was honored to have been able to experience the leadership on display.” 

Feedback from visiting educators proves that Armleder’s approach with Leader in Me is making a difference. One wrote, “I loved seeing students excited about their school. Their enthusiasm was contagious.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I loved how proud everyone was of their school and how incredibly well the student panel answered questions.”  

Though a relatively new program at Armleder, Leader in Me will continue to spark confidence in students for years to come.