District Newsroom

SOUTH DAYTONA – Volusia County Schools has announced that South Daytona Elementary will implement the Leader in Me program starting in the 2025-26 school year. Leader in Me is inspired by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, with the content tailored for elementary-aged children. It is designed to build resilience and leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and help improve academic achievement. This model equips students, educators, and families with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive, adapt, and contribute in a dynamic world. 

“We're excited to implement the Leader in Me program at South Daytona for our 800 Dragons,” said Principal Katie Lowrey. “The 7 Habits will be built into daily learning, so for example, students might be participating in a science lesson, and we’ll weave in character traits that connect directly to Leader In Me.”  

Leader in Me also encourages students to exhibit more confidence, self-advocacy, active listening, and mental growth. This school-wide philosophy aims to instill positive character at school knowing that it will trickle into the child’s home life, their community, and beyond.  

"This is just one example of the many opportunities we’re creating in Volusia County Schools to inspire leadership early on and prepare students for the future,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin stated. “Our youngest learners today will be the leaders of our community tomorrow, and programs like this will equip them with the tools needed for success." 

Since its introduction in Florida in 2004, Leader in Me has collaborated with numerous schools across the state to support educational transformation. The comprehensive K–12 improvement model focuses on teaching leadership skills, fostering empowerment, building high trust cultures, and aligning systems for academic success.