‘Leader in Me’

FAIRFIELD — Around 30 business representatives came to Fairfield Middle School on Wednesday for the building’s first community partnership day.

“We want businesses to know what’s going on in our school, because we think what we’re doing is pretty great,” Middle School Teacher and event co-organizer Tina Edlin said. “And we want to know how we can get involved in our town as well. It’s basically an invitation for businesses to come in and see our school and see all the great stuff we do.”

Associate Principal Matt Jones, who also helped organize the event, said it was part of the school’s “Leader in Me” program, and was built around students’ ideas.

“The kids are delivering basically 99% of this,” he said. “Of course we have certain adults in certain areas, but the kids have written their own cue cards, they’ve written their own points of emphasis for speeches. They are getting an opportunity to be a leader.”

Jones said he was thankful for the support showed by everyone who turned out.

“They’re shutting parts of their business down today, or some of them aren’t taking appointments this afternoon, and they are here instead,” he said. “They recognize how important partnership is and they’re giving up their time. So that shows a lot of support, right there.”

For their part, the kids said they enjoyed hosting the guests.

“First of all, we get to skip class and we don’t have to make up the work,” student tour guide Keeley Copple said. “Second is, for me, I get to meet new people and walk around the school and talk about our school.”

Those visiting the building said they were happy to be involved.

“From the hospital’s perspective, we’re engaged with the community, that’s one of our pillars, that’s what we want to do as an organization,” said Ian Bee, marketing and community relations manager for the Jefferson County Health Center. “These are the next generation, and we want to make sure that they’re well-equipped and they have the leadership skills that they need, and we want to be a part of that as well.”

Washington State Bank loan officer Spencer Peterman said he was impressed.

“This is very interesting to hear,” he said. “I didn’t even know they had this leadership program, but I think it’s a very great step in the right direction.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com