Students at Eugene Field Elementary School believe in the power of yet. Now, what you're probably wondering is...
"The power of yet is when you think you can't do it right now, but you still can do it YET," explained third grader Seraphim Wykowski.
Wykowski said Eugene Field students believe so much in the power of yet, they chose it as the theme for their fifth annual Leadership Day, which was held late last month.
Utilizing student led songs, skits and videos, attendees from throughout the community learned the key difference between a fixed and a growth mind-set.
"(A growth mind-set) is about where you don't give up," said student Kaylin Walker. "You have to keep trying so you can learn new things and get a good job when you grow up."
According to second grader Ashton DeGaris, a growth mind-set is what you want to have.
"A fixed mind-set is, 'I can't do this,'" DeGaris said. "A fixed mind-set is bad because it means you can't do it and it means you give up. You never want to give up."
Principal Jennifer Taylor said more than 150 business and church leaders, as well as educators from visiting schools attended the event. She said the students were hands on with nearly every aspect of Leadership Day.
"Everything from many of the decorations in the halls, to preparing their leadership binders, to actually writing their own scripts for their Leadership Day performances," Taylor said. "... The words that they're saying on the stage are actually their own words from their personal experiences."
Leadership Day is a culmination of what students learn throughout the school year with the Leader in Me program, an initiative which utilizes a teaching philosophy based on Dr. Stephen Covey's best-selling book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Eugene Field has achieved lighthouse status, the program's gold standard.
"This type of initiative reaches the whole child," Taylor said. "We're integrating academics with social, emotional, physical and behavioral needs as well. It is giving students opportunities they've never had before to develop their own organizational skills, their self image and self confidence."
Teachers and administrators from seven visiting schools were in attendance to further explore the program, including Orchard Drive and North elementary schools in Jackson, Mo.,
"It's also giving them opportunities to learn 21st century life skills, such as getting along with others, working together, collaborating, problem solving, and taking risks," Taylor added. "These are very important experiences children need, along with academics."
Attorney Ralph Innes experienced Leadership Day this year for the first time. He said he was blown away by the professionalism of the students.
"Generally, I believe children are shy and reluctant but these students had an air of professionalism and maturity that I rarely see in kids their age," Innes said. "This event was truly impactful."