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Our leadership program has landed. Lengthy but worth the read. Join us on October 28, 2024 at 8:30 am for our Kickoff!

LEADERSHIP IS AT BPLA

BETTIS PREPARATORY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY LAUNCHES EAGLE’S L.E.A.D. INITIATIVE

Another exciting new initiative is taking flight this school year at Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy. As part of the school’s mission to develop young leaders of integrity who will positively impact society, the school has introduced a leadership program called Eagle’s L.E.A.D. This initiative integrates the school’s eagle mascot and uses the acronym L.E.A.D. to represent the program’s core values: Learn through Experience, Excel in Academics, Aspire to Inspire, and Drive for Change.

Principal Mrs. Tillman is leading the charge with a fresh approach to developing students as leaders. Through the Eagle’s L.E.A.D. program, students from each grade level will undertake leadership projects aimed at making a difference locally and globally. The projects will help students build leadership capacity, develop problem-solving skills, and connect their classroom learning to real-world issues. Mrs. Tillman emphasizes that starting students early in leadership helps foster lifelong habits of servant leadership.

On the first and final Monday of each month, students will don their special uniforms, featuring navy blazers, cardigans, or sweater vests adorned with the school crest, symbolizing their roles as future leaders. These days are set aside for students to research, develop campaigns, build partnerships, and execute their leadership projects.

Leadership Projects Across Grade Levels

The Leadership projects will officially kick off on Monday, October 28, 2024, with each grade contributing uniquely to the program:

Kindergarten: The kindergarteners are launching the “A Kinder Kindergarten” project, where they will create kindness books to read to children at the Children Medical Center of Augusta and develop a kindness rock garden at the school. Their teacher, Tralyne Usry, a published author, is leading this initiative.

First grade: The first grade class, under the direction of teacher Mrs. Andra Flowers, another published author has a "Heart for Nurses". So much so, first grade is partnering with Gentiva Hospice to focus on nurse social emotional wellness. They will share funny stories, write letters of encouragement, and plan a special nurse appreciation week. Additionally, they will lead the school’s Angel Tree holiday give-back program.

Second grade: In collaboration with an area childhood heart doctor, the second grade will focus on "Matters of the Heart", educating the school and community about congenital heart defects. This cause is personal to their teacher Mrs. Kemp, whose son, a second-grade student, has a heart condition. The class aims to raise awareness and support for children with similar health challenges.

Third grade: Teacher Mrs. Dawson and her class are taking on a literacy project. Recognizing the importance of reading proficiency by third grade, they will establish library-sharing boxes in the community, stocked with books and non-perishable goods to promote reading and book sharing. They have submitted an application for the Library Impact Program and aim to place five boxes by May 2025.

Fourth grade: Longtime teacher Mrs. Lenon is guiding her fourth graders in supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The class will visit the house, create care bags for families, and collect can tabs to support the cause. The CEO of RMHC has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, especially as his daughter also teaches fourth grade at another school.

Fifth grade: The fifth graders are leading an American Soldier Project, partnering with Soldier's Angel organization to write letters to soldiers, helping to match resources to their needs, and organizing the school’s Veterans Day program. This project led by the writing teacher Ms. McIver, will help students develop their skills in planning, writing, and public speaking.

Sixth grade: Sixth grade students will focus on supporting seniors by collecting socks and hosting events where seniors can pick up socks, toiletries, and other resources. Their teacher, Mrs. Fuller, is excited to elevate the project with seasonal socks.

Seventh grade: Under the guidance of their science and STEM teacher Ms. Hankerson, seventh graders are working to create a community garden. Partnering with 4-H and other organizations, they aim to turn their dream into a reality, while extending STEM learning beyond the classroom.

Eighth grade: The eighth graders, led by Rev. Dr. McCain and Mr. Poleate, are heading up the Bettis Academy Project. This initiative will focus on educating the community about the Bettis Academy area and leading tours of the Bettis Academy Museum. They will also chair the annual Day of Bettis event.

Building Lifelong Leaders

Each project has been carefully designed to encourage students to connect their academic learning with real-world situations and inspire their peers to take action, no matter their age. By working on these projects, students will not only develop leadership skills, such spearheading projects, launching initiatives, and public speaking, but also make a positive impact on their community.

Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy is redefining youth leadership through this groundbreaking program. If you would like to support any of these leadership projects or learn more about the school, please contact Mrs. Tillman at ntillman@bettisprep.org.