Ashland Ridge Elementary Earns Lighthouse Certification, Empowering Student Leaders

The Ankeny Community School District recently celebrated a significant achievement as Ashland Ridge Elementary became the seventh elementary school within the district to earn Lighthouse Certification through FranklinCovey Education’s Leader in Me framework. This recognition underscores the district's dedication to fostering student leadership and creating empowering learning environments for its young learners.

For families, educators, and students in Ankeny, this certification is more than just an award; it represents a commitment to developing essential life skills. It signifies that Ashland Ridge Elementary has demonstrated exceptional results in student leadership, school culture, and academic achievement, according to the Ankeny Community School District.

A Focus on Student Empowerment and Growth

The Leader in Me framework is built upon Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, adapted for children. Its core purpose is to equip students with leadership and life skills crucial for thriving in the 21st century. When a school achieves Lighthouse Certification, it means they have rigorously implemented this process and shown a tangible impact on student outcomes and the overall school culture.

Tara Owen, Executive Director of Elementary Schools, emphasized the daily impact, stating that earning Lighthouse Certification “reflects the intentional work happening every day inside Ashland Ridge.” She added that students are actively “learning how to lead, collaborate, set goals, and take ownership of their growth in meaningful ways.” This intentional focus helps students build confidence and develop skills that extend far beyond their elementary years.

Similarly, Mark Moss, Principal of Ashland Ridge Elementary, highlighted the collective effort. He noted that the certification is “a reflection of the hard work and consistency our staff and students bring every day,” and that the school has built “a culture where students are encouraged to lead, support one another, and take pride in being part of the team.” This collaborative spirit is central to the Leader in Me philosophy.

What Lighthouse Certification Means for Students and Families

The Lighthouse Certification is valid for two years and is awarded to schools that demonstrate the highest levels of implementation of the Leader in Me process. Globally, there are over 600 Lighthouse schools, and the Ankeny Community School District now proudly hosts seven of them: Ashland Ridge, Heritage, Northeast, Northwest, Prairie Trail, Southeast, and Westwood Elementary Schools.

For students, this means being in an environment where they are actively encouraged to take initiative, set personal and academic goals, and contribute positively to their school community. They learn about principles like being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. These habits provide a robust foundation for personal responsibility and effective collaboration.

For parents and guardians, this certification offers reassurance that their children are not only receiving academic instruction but are also being nurtured as well-rounded individuals with strong character and leadership potential. The district's strategic focus, as stated by the Ankeny Community School District, is on “developing the whole child and providing every student with leadership opportunities, voice, and responsibility in their learning environments.”

In a learning environment focused on student leadership, children often feel more engaged and motivated. Tools like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, can further support this independent learning by providing personalized academic assistance, allowing students to take ownership of their studies at their own pace and in their own way, reinforcing the self-directed learning approach fostered by leadership programs.

A District-Wide Commitment to Excellence

Ashland Ridge’s achievement is part of a larger trend within the Ankeny Community School District. With seven elementary schools now holding this distinguished title, the district is clearly committed to expanding opportunities for student leadership and growth across its various campuses. This widespread adoption of the Leader in Me framework suggests a shared vision among educators and administrators to create school environments where students are empowered to lead, learn, and make a positive impact within their communities.

The rigorous, multi-year process required for Lighthouse Certification demands consistent effort and a clear demonstration of positive impact. This commitment from the Ankeny Community School District highlights their dedication to not just academic excellence, but also to nurturing the holistic development of every student, preparing them for future success in an ever-evolving world.

Looking Ahead

The continued growth in Lighthouse Certified schools within the Ankeny Community School District reflects a vibrant educational landscape where student agency and character development are prioritized. This focus on empowering young leaders at the elementary level sets a strong foundation for their journey through middle and high school, equipping them with invaluable skills for academic achievement and civic engagement.

The Ankeny Community School District's ongoing efforts to implement programs like Leader in Me demonstrate a proactive approach to education, aiming to cultivate not just knowledgeable students, but also confident, responsible, and effective leaders of tomorrow. Families and community members can take pride in this achievement, knowing it signifies a rich and empowering educational experience for the students of Ankeny.