Feb. 23, 2021 -- Monticello: Where Learners Become Leaders. Principal Jeff Johnston wants to bring the school motto to life for students. “We can’t just let it sit on a wall; we want to really actualize this for our kids.” Dr. Johnston described the Learners Become Leaders program as a three-legged stool standing on IB/AVID, a speaker series and service learning. 

Every month, teachers from the Individuals & Societies classes (formerly known as social studies) provide explicit instruction in one AVID strategy and one IB Approach to Learning skill. These combinations, such as collaboration and inquiry or organization and self-management, are infused throughout the building under the guidance of International Baccalaureate Coordinator Leslie Garrett and AVID teacher Andrett Calloway.

The second leg of LBL is a speaker series that aligns with each quarter’s theme. The theme of “Collaboration and its importance when working with others” was addressed by district leaders, including Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby who made a virtual visit to 7th grade social studies classes and Heights High Principal Byron Hopkins, who spoke with the 8th graders. Monticello’s 6th graders were delighted by a visit from Noble Principal Patrick Carpenter, who many of them knew either from Noble or his previous teaching position at Oxford. 

University Heights Mayor Michael Brennan, Cleveland Heights Judge J.J. Costello and inspirational speaker Roschelle Ogbuji were the grade level speakers for the third quarter’s theme “Challenges in Leadership.” “We’re receiving excellent feedback from both students and teachers,” said Dr. Johnston.

The third leg, Service Learning, is designed to grow students’ international perspective and capacity to think critically and act compassionately in a complex world. Under the guidance of teacher Desi Stewart, social worker Kristin Campbell and Bellefaire advocate Shavaun Tucker, 6th and 7th grade students are participating in the national Start with Hello project. Start with Hello was designed by the Sandy Hook Promise to reduce social isolation and make schools safer, more welcoming places for young people.

The 8th graders will participate in their chosen IB Community Service projects throughout the spring quarter, an annual culmination of the IB Middle Years Programme. 

The ultimate goal of the Learners Become Leaders program is for students to understand the specific academic, behavioral and organizational skills and traits that help someone become a leader and to translate those skills and traits into becoming empowered leaders themselves.