Washington Student Leadership Team Takes Root

The Washington Primary School student leadership team traces its roots to an idea developed by school psychologist Kathleen Mallen-Ozimkowski and kindergarten teacher Debbie Quiles. Over the final four months of the recent school year, the group sprang to life and provided its participants with a variety of unique learning experiences.

The team was comprised of 53 fourth graders who voluntarily chose to participate in activities that benefitted the school and local communities while simultaneously learning many of the skills and qualities all good leaders possess.

“These qualities, which are based on The Seven Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey, were discussed and modeled at weekly Thursday meetings that were held during the fourth grade lunch period,” Ms. Quiles said. Students met with Dr. Ozimkowski and Ms. Quiles in the latter’s classroom while her kindergarten students were attending physical education class.

“The members would bring their lunch and eagerly await the day’s agenda,” Ms. Quiles said. “Keep in mind, these students did not have to be there during their lunch and recess time, they chose to be there; one quality of a good leader.”

The student leadership team members participated in numerous activities around Washington School, including Jump Rope for Heart, a spring candy basket collection (donated to the Helping Hands Mission), Pasta Night, weekly reading to kindergarten students, dedication of the Victoria Gaines Memorial Playground and the school’s first multicultural fair. 

“The leaders were always available to help at a moment’s notice wherever their assistance was needed,” Ms. Quiles said. Team members took delight in their accomplishments as well as in completing the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Kids curriculum. A celebration was held near the end of the school year. Dr. Ozimkowski and Ms. Quiles present each of the leaders with a Certificate of Recognition, a letter outlining what was covered during the meetings, including suggestions for continued follow-up, a Washington Primary “Be a Leader” pencil, several coupons and an attractive leadership team t-shirt. The celebration concluded with a water balloon toss and ice pops for all. 

“Both Dr. Oz and I were extremely proud of them and the unselfish commitment they displayed through their volunteerism,” Ms. Quiles said.  Near the end of the awards celebration, Dr. Ozimbowski and Ms. Quiles thanked the parents of the student leaders for encouraging them to participate and supporting them in this new initiatives, which meant more early day drop-offs and late day pick-ups and “most importantly, for sharing their most precious gifts with us,” Ms. Quiles said about the children.

The Washington School PTA purchased leadership team t-shirts and supported the endeavor every step of the way as did the school’s faculty and staff and Principal Marsha Neville.

“Mrs. Neville believed in our vision and she allowed both Dr. Oz and I the freedom to bring it to fruition,” Ms. Quiles said. “We hope to continue this rewarding venture next year. We wish our leaders the best of luck next year and hope that they will take some of what they learned during our time together with them to Woodhull or the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.”