May 7, 2020

Sycamore Springs Elementary has been certified and named as a Leader in Me "Lighthouse School," becoming one of only a few schools nationwide to achieve this status within three years of opening. This certification recognizes that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, has implemented the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence, and that SSE has an extraordinary impact on staff, students, parents, and the greater community.
 

“This is truly an honor earned by the students, faculty and parents of the SSE family," said SSE Principal Kristen Ray. "I am beyond proud of their hard work and investment in empowering our Tigers to be their very best."

Mrs. Ray is one of only three principals ever to lead two different Lighthouse schools. Previously she was principal of Stone Oak Elementary in North East ISD when it obtained Lighthouse certification.

The Lighthouse Certification is a highly regarded standard set by FranklinCovey Education that is attainable by every Leader in Me school. In order to earn the Lighthouse designation, schools must demonstrate that they have met numerous benchmarks outlined in a rubric. As it is a significant benchmark, applying for this certification typically occurs three to five years after a school begins the Leader in Me process. Sycamore Springs Elementary opened in fall of 2017. Of the nearly 4,000 schools that have adopted Leader in Me, only about 300 schools have achieved the prestigious Lighthouse certification. Dripping Springs Elementary also earned Lighthouse certification in spring of 2018.