Whether she is navigating a mountain of complex paperwork or coaching a high-energy basketball game in the gym, Samantha Leonard's presence is felt in every corner of North Star Elementary School.
Assistant Principal Erin Soice describes Leonard as a "true light" at North Star. Despite a workload that is often overflowing, Leonard is known for her responsiveness and unwavering commitment to students.
"Our students share a strong connection with her," said Soice. "She provides a calm presence, a compassionate ear, and genuine empathy to each individual. Sam goes above and beyond to help students work toward their goals and partners closely with teachers to support their success."
As the school's Student Support Team Coordinator, Leonard's role includes everything from early intervention with students in the Little Lights program to helping the school's Grade 6 students make the transition to junior high. She coordinates over 250 student plans, including individualized program plans, medical support plans, and success in school plans, ensuring that every child's unique needs are documented and supported.
"My role is to make sure the staff feel supported and families feel connected," Leonard explained. "Success for one student might look different from another, and we make sure to celebrate all of them."
Leonard said it is gratifying to see students flourish and excel as they learn to use supports like augmented and alternative communication devices, and benefit from speech language pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy supports.
At North Star, support for students goes beyond what happens at school. Leonard also acts as a vital link between the school and outside agencies like Lakeland FASD, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, and a variety of clinicians that support students. She takes a team approach, helping to pull together all of the supports available for students and assisting families with accessing supports available outside of the school, such as Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).
This year, Leonard also stepped up to help coach basketball, helping to expand the extracurricular options available for students. Leonard shares coaching duties with the school's admin team, who alternate coaching during lunch, and stays after school on Mondays for games.
"To go and just have fun in the gym with the kids is nice," she said. "It's a break from paperwork and meetings and it's great to see the students experience success in different areas."
Having spent a decade at North Star, Leonard views the staff as family. She credits the collaborative environment and the supportive admin team for making her work possible.
"We are so fortunate to have the staff and the admin team that we do, because it makes anything feel possible," she explained. "I'm sure the students feel it too, because when the teachers are well, the students are well."
From early interventions that pave the way for success for students, to ensuring older students are ready for their next big step, Leonard's dedication ensures that every student at North Star has the chance to shine brightly.
Leonard is the NLPS Staff Shining Star for the month of March. Throughout the year, Northern Lights Public Schools highlights dedicated staff members who go above and beyond to support student success, strengthen our school communities and make a lasting impact across the division.
