Once upon a time, in Staten Island, a school was born with a unique vision. That school is the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership. This isn’t just any school. It’s a place where young minds learn to lead and serve.
The Staten Island School of Civic Leadership or SISCL is a regular neighborhood school. It is not a magnet school. SISCL is not a charter or private school. SISCL embraces diversity with English language learners and special needs students. About 70% of the students are living in poverty.
Rose Kerr and Donna Nilsen founded the school in 2008. They believed in a collaborative approach to education. They wanted to create a place where teachers and students could thrive together.
SISCL stands out as the highest-rated school in New York City. Its teachers teach effectively. This effective teaching forms the basis for student learning and achievement.
Teachers at Staten Island School of Civic Leadership have free access to the principal. There is trust. Rose Kerr does not use command and control. She connects and collaborates. She does not own a Blackberry phone. She wants to listen to people, especially the kids.
Walking through the doors of the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership, you feel a special energy. Teachers’ faces glow. Children’s eyes sparkle. Student work adorns the hallways. Even the stairwells are clean. SISCL captures your spirit and never lets go.
The staff breathes and lives the school’s mission of leadership every moment. Kindergarten teacher Loreta Andersen is glad to be part of the team. She says that the team is exceptional. She is humbled to be working with them.
The goal of the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership is clear. It is to develop students committed to the public good. They will achieve this through personal success.
SISCL expects their students to embrace civic responsibility. At the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership, students are expected to do something with their education. They should benefit their community, their country, and their world.
When Rose Kerr started SISCL, she gave her teachers two books. The First Days of School covered classroom management. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People covered civic leadership. They use the Leader in Me model.
One unique procedure is the Greeter Leader. Students model the procedure. Then, they demonstrate it. This creates a culture of consistency. Students show respect and receive respect in return.
Sharing Out is a major purpose of SISCL. Kindergarten teacher Loreta Andersen shares a social studies lesson. It is based on Covey’s Habit 2 Begin with the End in Mind.
SISCL uses procedures consistently. Instruction is based on the lesson plan template. This gives students the opportunity to be successful.
SISCL believes in the power of trust. Leaders trust that their actions will benefit students. They have confidence in their work.
At Staten Island School of Civic Leadership, success floats in the air. Children stand tall. They are confident and sure. They have the skills to meet the challenges of the world head on.
Remember the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership. It’s more than a school. It’s a place where future leaders are made.