Schools

Wenonah Elementary Buying into Covey

Students at all grade levels have transformed school into a leadership haven.

The Covey name is nothing new in the Sachem Central School District. Quickly, it has risen to an important facet of educational and leadership growth for teachers and students at all 18 schools in the district.

Wenonah Elementary has made it a priority to instill Covey values with students all every grade level. You can’t walk 10 feet in the school without noticing a sign or poster with the 7 Habits, or students talking about projects related to the initiative.

“At Wenonah we have been working hard to promote an atmosphere of leadership,” said Traci Wilson, a second grade teacher at the school. “We’ve stressed the importance of balancing personal competence, social competence and academic skills.”

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While Leadership Council students at higher grade levels have taken charge on many projects, even kindergarten students have read stories from Covey and learn how to overcome obstacles and be proactive as students and young children.

First graders in Corinna Niski’s class can recite the 7 Habits and lessons they’ve learned to accompany every major cornerstone that Covey has preached for years.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Stephen Covey’s timeless principles are woven into the fabric of everything we do here,” Niski said. “Implementing Covey’s habits has helped teachers create purposeful instruction while helping children strengthen their life skills.  Our goal is to grow well-rounded individuals …”

Classrooms have developed their own mission statements to live and breath throughout the school year, which are written on signs in the hallways outside their classrooms.

Wilson’s class has, “Committing to Continuous Improvement” outside her room.

In another hallway is a bulletin board filled with all 7 Habits so students can get a constant reminder as they walk by.

“The board was created, so everyone at Wenonah can see it and remember the 7 habits,” said fifth grade student Raymond Calascibetta. “They mean that I should do the right thing when nobody is watching. If I follow them, then I can be a great kid at the school.”

Wenonah students have been working hard in their letter writing campaign over the last month in relation to their “Under the Sea” community awareness event taking place Tuesday, March 27.

The students have learned about the many problems which exist in the ocean and have taken to pen and paper to gain attention from local politicians. It has helped with their communication skills, global and local awareness of issues.

“It’s win-win,” said one student, referring to one of the 7 Habits. “If we invite someone involved with government, they can make laws and help enforce laws better and actually make a change in the world.”

One project, which is still under construction, is in the main hallway towards the front of the school. It symbolizes synergy, which seems to be the key ingredient at Wenonah, with all students and staff coming together to make a difference in their school community.

“We want to show people that Wenonah is all about synergy and we can all work together,” said Kayla Olhler, a fifth grader.

“There is no I in Wenonah,” added Emma Zanfardino, another fifth grade leader “Just We.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here