Building Leaders: Winchester Elementary in West Seneca

After getting off the air Tuesday March 27th I had the pleasure of visiting Winchester Elementary School in West Seneca. The principal, Kathleen Brachmann is a friend of mine and very proud of the accomplishments of the staff and students at her school.

The event was the school's 3rd Annual Leadership Day. When Kathleen arrived at the school some six years ago this was an endeavor she spearheaded to create a school model based on leadership. By teaching practical, principle based leadership skills, the students at Winchester Elementary are increasing the ability to think for themselves, take initiative, get along with others and solve problems. They philosophy is rooted in
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.

The students follow their version; 'Be Productive', 'Begin With The End in Mind', 'Put First Things First', 'Think Win-Win', 'Seek First to Understand, Then To Be Understood', 'Synergize', and 'Sharpen The Saw'. Each of the students I spoke with could not only communicate the 7 Habits, but could tell me what they mean! We are talking Elementary School students!!!! I couldn't have been more impressed. In the news daily we read, hear and see of the crisis in our schools, here is a school, an educator, a community who is doing something about it.

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