STUDENT LEADERSHIP
As we lean into our vision of creating great thinkers and leaders, Congressional School is intentional in its approach to student leadership at all grade levels. We focus on the soft skills that are the essence of strong leadership such as collaboration, problem solving, and responsibility. We also help students build a portfolio of hard skills such as public speaking, writing, and research with many opportunities for them to put their skills to the test. The following pages offer a glimpse into student leadership at Congressional School.
YOUNGER STUDENTS
Laying the foundation for leadership begins in the earliest years. One of the first places we start is by teaching independence—beginning with basic things like showing children how to put on their own coats and shoes and offering them choices, which builds confidence and gives them a sense of control. Small group work helps to build collaboration and cooperation skills and classroom jobs offer age-appropriate leadership opportunities for young children.
As students move through the grades, the leadership opportunities increase in scope and responsibility. For example, during a second grade math unit the students became shopkeepers and invited first graders to shop in their store. Our youngest students are also encouraged to speak and perform in public in front of their classmates and larger audiences such as at morning gatherings, the spring musical, and concerts.
Our goal is to lay a solid foundation throughout the Early Childhood and Primary grades, so students are ready to embrace the leadership challenges of Middle School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Leadership takes on the most significant role in Middle School, where students are the big fish in a right-size pond at the right age. Middle School students can be role models and leaders, with the culminating privileges reserved for them. Little ones look up to them, and it builds confidence at an important age.
Every class has a buddy class, and every student has a buddy. The relationships forged across ages benefit both older and younger, mentor and mentee. Younger children delight in attention from older kids and see firsthand what they can become. Older students take the responsibility seriously and gain confidence. Students value the buddy program, and rightly so.
Great leaders are strong collaborators, and we offer many opportunities for students to work together in ways that inspire emerging leaders. Through the Student Council, students can run for office and represent their peers in leadership roles, students take lead roles in the spring musical production - back stage and on stage, students organize and lead Service Learning activities, plan and produce the school yearbook, participate in Model UN, and more.
TEAM BUILDING
Congressional’s 40-acre campus boasts a 40-foot climbing wall, a challenge course and zip line. Each fall and spring, Middle School students enjoy time utilizing these resources to enhance their teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills while having fun with their classmates.
The students participate in a range of exercises and real-life challenges to build trust, develop leadership skills and enhance the students’ bond. Our experienced staff members facilitate the activities and the students look forward to working on the different challenges together, while enjoying time outside in the fresh air and natural surroundings.
