At the Mountain Academy Jackson Campus, our 2nd–3rd graders are exploring a powerful idea:
Anyone can be a leader when they care and take action.
Learning About Leadership
As part of their literacy and social studies work, students are studying the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on peace, justice, fairness, and education. They examined the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi and discussed how nonviolent action can create meaningful change.
Students were especially struck by images of segregation and quickly agreed: everyone deserves freedom. These conversations are building empathy, critical thinking, and a strong sense of values.
High-Level Thinking in Action
In the writers’ workshop, students practiced crafting strong nonfiction paragraphs (identifying topics, main ideas, and supporting details) while connecting Dr. King’s work to global goals around peace and justice. They are preparing for a final project in which each child will research an issue they care about and create writing and art to educate others.
From Ideas to Impact
Students introduced the SDGs to the school and led a vote on which goal felt most important. After graphing the results, students began asking, “What should we do about it?“
They answered that question with action.
After a successful bake sale, students voted to split proceeds between One22 and Heifer International, demonstrating thoughtful consideration of both local and global impact. They also launched a food drive, creating and distributing their own flyers to the community.
From leading lunch conversations to organizing service projects, these students are showing that leadership isn’t about age. It’s about care, courage, and follow-through.
And they are just getting started.