Sharonville Elementary School opens the 2026-27 school year with a new credential on the wall: a Lighthouse School designation from the Leader in Me Initiative, earned in May for the school's work teaching leadership skills to every student.
Principal Kasi Jordan and staff announced the honor to families on Aug. 14, as students returned for the first day of classes. The designation, awarded by FranklinCovey Education, is a global benchmark recognizing schools that demonstrate results in leadership development, school culture and academics after three to five years of implementing the Leader in Me program.
The bar is high. To qualify, schools must show that leadership principles are taught to all students through direct lessons and staff modeling, that students lead their own learning through Leadership Notebooks and student-led conferences, and that families partner with the school around the program's 7 Habits framework.
Research from FranklinCovey shows Lighthouse schools post higher academic growth in English language arts, math and science compared to non-Lighthouse schools, along with improved attendance and lower discipline rates. Sharonville Elementary will recertify every two years to maintain the status.
The achievement aligns with the direction set by Superintendent Mari Phillips, who took the helm of Princeton City Schools on Aug. 1. Phillips has branded the 2026-27 year around the motto "Every Student. Every Opportunity." In an Aug. 3 district announcement about the football team's season opener at Paycor Stadium, Phillips described the phrase as reflecting the district's commitment to giving students experiences they will remember for a lifetime.
Woodlawn Elementary adds two designations
Down the road, Woodlawn Elementary is also entering the year with fresh honors. Principal Sherry Thompson kicked off classes by leading Primary and Intermediate Town Hall events where students learned school rules, safety procedures and routines.
Woodlawn earned the Heart Safe School designation at the end of the 2025-26 year, recognizing the school's cardiac emergency preparedness, including on-site AEDs, a trained response team and annual drills. The school also holds Purple Star status from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, a three-year award for schools that support military-connected families through dedicated liaisons, professional development and family resources.
Military-connected students may move six to nine times during a parent's career. Purple Star schools provide continuity during those transitions.
Coming up
Greater Cincinnati House & Outdoor Living Expo — Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road. Hours: Friday noon to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5 adults (cash only); children under 18 free; parking free.
