POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS)- A Poplar Bluff grade school launches a new program in hopes of inspiring kids to become good leaders.

Eugene Fields Elementary School is taking part in the "Leader in Me" program.

The program encourages teachers to focus on their students strengths and encourage them to develop good habits.

"We're looking at building 21st century skills with our students," said one educator. "They're going ot have to be problem solvers. They have to be risk takers. They have to be able to collaborate-there's not a single profession that I can think of where you don't have to collaborate with someone at some point or time and this initiative just transforms the whole building's culture so that the students are learning this at a very young age."

School leaders applied to take part in the leader in me program.

(KFVS) - Gov. Jay Nixon has proclaimed May 18 as National Kids to Parks Day in the state and encouraged Missourians of all ages to get outside and enjoy our state and local parks.

This national event is sponsored by the National Park Trust and endorsed by Missouri State Parks.

“Whether visiting a local municipal park or one of our state parks and historic sites, the opportunities for enjoying nature are nearly endless,” Gov. Nixon said. “Participating in activities at our parks, from hiking to fishing, create meaningful family memories that contribute to a life-long appreciation of the outdoors.”

Gov. Nixon created the Children in Nature Challenge to encourage activities that introduce children to nature year round. Communities and families can participate in the challenge and learn more at childreninnature.mo.gov.

MALDEN, MO (KFVS)- A Poplar Bluff woman died after she was involved in a crash Sunday in Dunklin County.

Rebecca S. Berry, 31, of Poplar Bluff died after she was injured in a crash Sunday around 5 a.m. near Malden.

It happened on four miles west of Malden on Route MM.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Berry was driving a 2004 Chevy Tracker northbound on Route MM when a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 43-year-old Douglas R. Stinson of Malden crossed the centerline and hit Berry's vehicle head on.

Berry was air-lifted to Saint Francis Medical Center, then to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis where she later died.

Two passengers in Berry's vehicle, a 10-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man, had serious injuries. The girl was air-lifted to Lebonheur's Children's Hospital in Memphis. The man was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.