Focus on TUSD - October 2007

Leading in Style: Soleng Tom Fifth Graders Learn Skills at Special Conference
When fifth-graders at Soleng Tom Elementary School trade in their seniority status for the bottom rung at middle schools next year, they'll be ready.

They picked up key leadership tips at a conference on Oct. 15, at Pima Community College's east campus. It was the third year Soleng Tom, at 10520 E. Camino Quince, has offered the event, but it was the first year the school had a $1,000 minigrant from the Educational Enrichment Foundation to use for expenses.

Seventy-eight students rotated among seven stations, learning to cooperate with team members to achieve goals, figure out their own and other students' strengths and set goals for themselves. They learned to navigate an obstacle course blindfolded with only another student helping them, they moved huge boards strapped to their feet as a team and they filled out job applications.

Lana Sabatino observed after the morning's activities, "No one was too bossy and everyone helped." Her classmate, Amber Starkey said, "You really have to pay attention and use teamwork."

Dea Salter, the Soleng Tom principal supervisor, said fifth grade is the excellent year to provide leadership training because students will need to be more independent in middle school when they have several teachers in a larger community.

As the session ended, fifth-grade teacher Deborah Dimas singled out students for the exemplary remarks they made during the activities. Nate Renfro, when asked whose footsteps he wanted to walk in, said he wanted to set his goals high so that other people would choose to walk in his footsteps. "He's a natural leader," said Martha Damek, the school counselor.

-- By Sharon Dunham
Communications & Media Relations