From time to time, I ask some of the distinguished members of our administrative staff to write a guest column for this space. This week's column was written by Mary Liguori, principal of the Harbor Hill School.

As an educator, I believe the best investment for our future is to provide a quality educational system for our children today, one that emphasizes academic, social and emotional growth as top priorities.

When I think of all the successful people I have known or read about throughout my lifetime, one common thread comes to mind. Those who are successful are able to meet challenges with confidence and optimism. They have a strong sense of self. Therefore, I feel it is particularly important for educators, parents and the community to help young people develop high levels of self-esteem so that they will possess that quality as well.

In the Roslyn Public Schools, collaborative efforts are made each and every day to ensure that students experience a strong sense of accomplishment, take pride in their achievements, feel valued and build upon a positive self-image throughout their educational years. Here are a few examples:

* Teaching techniques and strategies encourage cooperative learning or teaming during certain activities. This fosters a sense of connectedness or belonging. Many students are partnered with "buddies" in other classrooms who are both younger and older than they are. Being able to help a younger student or emulate an older one can raise self-confidence.

* School-wide community service projects enable young children to take pride in helping others. During the holiday season, our students filled the main lobby with new toys for St. Mary's Children's Hospital in Bayside, Queens and collected $1,384 for the Newsday Help-A-Family Initiative.

* Teachers and staff members use positive reinforcement as a means of boosting self-esteem. Praise and compliments are specific and focus on the individual child. There's a greater impact when a student hears a teacher say, "I really appreciate the fact that you turned your homework in on time" or "I'm so proud of how you illustrated your journal entry today" rather than simply, "Good job".

* Teachers offer opportunities for students to make choices and take initiative. A feeling of control over one's environment is an important element of self-esteem at any age. Teachers often present students with a range of project options. The selections are designed to address varied learning styles and appeal to different interests. Children can choose projects that will allow them to do their best while enjoying themselves. Youngsters are also encouraged to use their creativity and develop activities that classmates may want to try.

Students who have high levels of self-esteem are better able to resist peer pressure and impulsive risk taking. They can meet challenges with confidence, pride and determination.