Principal's Message

Hello South Daytona Dragon Family!

Welcome to another exciting year at South Daytona Elementary, where our Dragons are rising to new heights every day! We are thrilled to have your family as part of our school community and look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and leadership.

At South Daytona, we believe that every child has greatness within them. That’s why we are proud to be a Leader in Me school—a place where leadership is not just taught but lived. Leader in Me is more than a program; it’s a whole-school approach to helping students build the life and leadership skills they need to thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

Through Leader in Me, your child will learn to:

• Discover their unique strengths and talents
• Take ownership of their learning and actions
• Set goals and work toward them with confidence
• Collaborate with others and celebrate differences
• Make positive choices that impact their future

Our staff is committed to five core beliefs that guide everything we do:

1. Everyone is a leader.
2. Everyone has genius.
3. Change starts with me.
4. We empower students to lead their own learning.
5. Educators and families partner to develop the whole person.

These beliefs shape the way we teach, learn, and grow together. As your child begins to apply the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—like being proactive, setting goals, and seeking win-win solutions—you’ll likely see these habits come to life at home, too. Leader in Me isn’t just for students, it’s for families, too!

We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can help every Dragon discover their voice, lead with purpose, and reach their fullest potential.

Here’s to a year of leadership, learning, and limitless possibilities!

Katherine Lowrey

Principal