At Summitview Elementary, student leadership is an important tool to help students build community. Leadership roles help students learn responsibility, gain confidence, and strengthen connections throughout the school. From daily tasks to big events, students play an important part in making Summitview a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Each year, fourth and fifth-grade teachers nominate students who show strong character and a willingness to help others. The program inspires many students to step up, support peers, and take pride in their school. 

Leadership students handle many tasks that build community, such as holding doors after recess, creating “Word of the Month” posters, running the Eagle Awards Assembly, buddy reading with younger students, leading school-wide behavior expectation walks, helping with daily announcements, and assisting teachers with classroom projects. 

These jobs may seem small, but they make a big impact. Younger students look up to their older peers and know they are safe and supported. Staff say students who are shy at the beginning of the year often grow into confident, outgoing leaders. “One of our Kinder students recently noticed their buddy reader on stage,” Instructional Coach Katie Heary shared. “They waved so excitedly. You could see how much that connection meant to them.” These moments show how leadership builds belonging in simple, everyday ways. 

Leadership students also help solve small problems, welcome new students, and model positive behavior in common areas around the school. Their presence helps set a positive tone and shows younger students what kindness, responsibility, and respect look like.

Summitview is now looking ahead to new ways to grow leadership. Staff hope to build more community partnerships, create after-school service projects, and take field trips to learn about leadership in real-world settings. Last year, students visited Cheers Soda Shop and learned how local businesses help support the community. By giving students real responsibilities and a voice in their school, Summitview is building a strong culture of leadership, belonging, and school pride.

Learn more about Summitview Elementary and its leadership programs at wvsd208.org.