February 21, 2025

Clear Creek ISD and Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Renew Partnership,
Further Fueling Innovative Student Program
Hospital Commits Additional Support to Clear Creek Education Foundation and The Leader in Me

League City, TX – Clear Creek ISD announces Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, the District’s Visionary Leader in Me Partner, has committed to ensuring for the program’s continued impact on CCISD students. This follows the Hospital’s initial support in 2018, which launched six campus Leader in Me programs.

     The Hospital’s renewed commitment fuels the District’s goal to become a Leader in Me District, as set forth in CCISD’s Strategic Plan, to ensure that by fifth grade, all students know and exhibit Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which are the foundation of the program.

     “Houston Methodist’s trust in our Vision and subsequent initial investment enabled CCISD to replicate and scale a program that we knew was having profound impacts on our students at our two pilot Leader in Me schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Engle. “That continued investment we are celebrating today ensures the sustainment and strengthening of the program at Brookwood, Campbell, Landolt and Whitcomb elementary schools, as well as at Clear Lake Intermediate and Clear View High School.”
In total, the program is thriving on 15 CCISD campuses through additional support provided by community partners, including neighboring cities and regional Rotary Clubs. The Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) also partners with the District to help fund a portion of program costs as well as identify future partners to support the expansion of the program at additional schools.
“Hearing from the students affirms the influence and impact of this transformational program on young learners, just when it is most important to establish those good and guiding life-long habits,” said Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Chief Executive Officer Carl Little during the ceremony.

     The Leader in Me framework equips students with essential life skills, empowering them to become self-reliant, take initiative, set and track goals, manage their time effectively, navigate conflicts with empathy, communicate persuasively, think creatively, and maintain a balanced, purposeful life.

     “I’ve been at Landolt since Pre-K and I’ve learned so much from the Leader in Me,” said Landolt Student Ambassador Valeria Ortiz. “For example, I always begin with an end in mind. My long-term goal is to become a space engineer, and I know now that with hard work and dedication I will reach it,” she added.

     Landolt student ambassadors hosted the February 3 celebration, guiding guests through classroom visits showcasing key elements of the Leader in Me framework. From Kindergarteners demonstrating “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” to fifth graders sharing their leadership binders, visitors saw the program’s effective practices in action.