January 2, 2025 — The Farm Hill Elementary School Leadership Club is off to an inspiring start, meeting on select Thursdays throughout the remainder of the school year to guide students in building their leadership skills, promoting positive behaviors, and making a difference within their school community.
Led by teachers Sharon Kent and Amanda Japs, the club is built around the core values of the STARR PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) acronym: Safety, Trustworthiness, A+ Attitude, Respect, and Responsibility. This framework provides a strong foundation for the young leaders to grow both as individuals and as role models for their peers.
In order to be selected for the Leadership Club, students had to successfully complete an application process, including a recommendation from a previous teacher, and an interview, where they demonstrated their commitment to embodying the STARR values. This rigorous selection process ensures that each member is not only capable of leading their peers but is also a role model in their everyday actions.
"The Leadership Club is about fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in the students," explained Amanda Japs. "We want them to feel empowered to contribute to their school community in meaningful ways, whether that's supporting a classmate or organizing initiatives that benefit everyone."
The students selected for the Leadership Club are expected to lead by example, actively participating in events that promote kindness, inclusivity, and safety. While bullying prevention is one of their key areas of focus, the club members also spearhead initiatives to encourage positive behavior school-wide, from leading group activities to supporting school-wide campaigns that align with the STARR principles.
The Farm Hill Elementary Leadership Club continues to meet on select Thursdays, and its members are already making a notable difference in their school community. As they look ahead to the remainder of the school year, these young leaders are excited to continue living out the STARR values and creating a positive and inclusive environment for all.