Helping All Students Feel Loved and Safe

When I think of October's staff characteristic, "Help All Students Feel Loved and Safe," one of the first people I think of is Jennifer Thompson.  She is the master of building relationships with students and families.  Her students would do anything for her because they love and respect her.  I honestly have never seen anyone manage their classroom as effectively with the amount of ease and comfort as she exhibits.  She makes it appear effortless, yet no one sees the countless hours she spends communicating with families and the foundation of influence she has laid down through her attention, time, and love she has invested in her students. 

It seems to come so naturally for Mrs. Thompson.  It's never been that natural for me.  As a teacher, and now as a principal, I tend to lean towards goals and objectives and if am not careful, might have a tendency to neglect investing the time and effort into careful listening and relationship building.  I have to create routines and practices that make me intentionally put time into relationship building and helping our staff and students feel loved.  I make it a daily practice to think of at least three people to whom I want to write positive notes each day.  Last year I made it a weekly practice to make positive family contacts.  (I need to start that again). 

What about you?  I know several teachers who keep a checklist of their students so they can track their personal positive contacts.  When I was in the classroom I would fill out my school's version of Awesome Awards with every student's name ahead of time and would intentionally make sure I recognized every student each semester.  You can ALWAYS find SOMETHING positive about every student if you look hard enough. 

Something else that is super cool that I've noticed is several people communicating how it is the expectation that ALL students can achieve at high levels.  You may not even realize how you are communicating this through your student work displays!

When you make a place for each and every student's work, then you post the work as they meet the standard for which you have set, you communicate that you expect they will meet the standard and that you will hold them accountable. You tell them that you WILL post each and every student's paper WHEN they show demonstration of mastering that learning target.  

These are just a few things I can see.  Thank you for all the ways you help our students feel loved and safe that I can't see.  You are an amazing staff and I appreciate you.