Mountain Brook Elementary School's Lancer League
Character.org recognized Mountain Brook Elementary School’s “Lancer League” initiative as a 2020 Promising Practice. This recognition is given to schools who have implemented creative approaches to help children and teens understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens. Mountain Brook Elementary is one of six Alabama schools recognized in 2020.
The Lancer League is the school’s innovative take on a student council. Instead of a traditional model involving only a handful of students, the work of the student council is divided and expanded allowing all students who apply to actively participate and serve as school ambassadors. Since this initiative began in 2012, approximately 65-90 students in grades four through six have joined each year.
The league consists of six student teams with teacher and administrator sponsors; each team holds specific responsibilities within the school community, allowing all students to find a way to contribute to the positive school culture through their own individual talents. The school’s medieval theme, established by the Lancer mascot, is reflected in the Lancer League team names: Knights, Heralds, Squires, Scribes, Parchment and Legacy. The groups evolve each year as feedback is received and new ideas are suggested by students and teachers. The current responsibilities are below:
Knights - Help plan quarterly school wide Leadership Celebrations and select monthly books to read aloud during Morning Meetings
Heralds - Make weekly announcements to homeroom classes and celebrate all birthdays
Squires - Provide school tours to prospective families/visitors, in addition to introducing guest speakers at school-sponsored events
Scribes - Create positive and encouraging displays around the school that serve as reminders of good character and quality leadership (bulletin boards, signs, quotes, etc.)
Parchment - Publish an online monthly newspaper known as 'The Parchment,' which highlights topics of interest, fun facts, and community events
Legacy - Design and facilitate lessons for primary grades with an emphasis on leaving a legacy of kindness, empathy, friendship, and compassion.
Through this team work, students practice being reflective. During their involvement, they grow increasingly aware that younger students observe their actions and look up to them. Faculty sponsors have heard students mention that they feel worthy of their contributions apart from academics, which makes school feel more like home to them. The Lancer League teams encompass the true meaning of Mountain Brook Elementary's touchstone, 'Lancers lead from the heart' and help develop confidence and a sense of belonging, offering a chance for all fourth through sixth grade students to connect and contribute while simultaneously providing peer-level examples of accountability and leadership to younger grades.
The Hope Institute is thrilled to be partnered with Mountain Brook Elementary School through the Hope Leadership Academy as they continue to implement a creative and impactful character culture.