What you are Thankful for impacts your school culture

As we approach Thanksgiving break, I always spend some time reflecting upon the various aspects of our school community and how thankful I am for the efforts of others. I wanted to share these with you as a way to help all of us keep our work and roles in perspective. What you are Thankful for impacts your school culture – here are the various people that I am proud to work with that make a difference every day.

I’m THANKFUL for our teachers, who work tirelessly creating engaging lessons and activities for students so they can develop skills to be successful adults.  In so many cases, our teachers work well beyond their contract hours, spending their own money on student needs and making connections with students even when the students may not always show how much they appreciate the teacher’s efforts. Each one of you is a difference maker and our students truly need your passion for teaching/learning!

I am THANKFUL for our students as they provide the source of energy, joy, creativity and desire for each of us to do our very best. They amaze me daily – with their intellect, kindness, resiliency and true focus on doing their best and treating others the way they would like to be treated.

I am THANKFUL for our front office, as they greet every student, every parent and every visitor who comes through the doors. The reflection of our school as a supportive and caring place starts with them. They also take phone calls from folks that aren’t always pleased with us but yet remain positive and focused on kids. Each one of you makes our purpose and goals for students come true.

I am THANKFUL for our custodians, who answer every beck and call for more paper towels, clean a spill and make our facility “just right” for our teachers and students. I appreciate how you do your best for others, every single day.

I am THANKFUL for our paras, who work diligently with our most vulnerable and sometimes challenging students day by day, hour by hour. Your role is so vital for student success but your recognition goes unnoticed by many folks outside our walls.

I am THANKFUL for our counselors, psychologist, social worker, and health professionals who care for and tend to the emotional, social, and physical needs of our students. You help make our students school day positive and provide the support/care that so many students need on a daily basis.

I am THANKFUL for our food service workers, who rise early to prepare morning and noon meals for students, some of whom this will be the only meals they receive. I appreciate so much how you greet students by name as they come through the line and show you care. Each of you is a difference maker.

I am THANKFUL for our bus drivers, who carry our most precious cargo twice per day at a minimum. Your job is so challenging and yet you do this because you appreciate students.

I am THANKFUL for our assistant principal, who works endlessly with students and families, and spends countless hours at school events, often at the expense of time with her own family. She treats our students with support but also high expectations and makes decisions on “what is best for students”.

I am THANKFUL to our parents/guardians who at the middle school age may feel like their involvement is no longer a need in the school setting. However, I truly appreciate your support and in the variety of way’s you give back to our school. This occurs in your involvement in our PTO, attending PT conferences, attending our Parent Book Study-Coffee with the Principal or other presentations. I value how you help encourage your child to:

To be kind and encourage others

To be a friend for others that are lonely

To be positive in every situation

To work hard and focus on improvement

 

These are the ways they will help change our world!  Your role is now more than ever important in the development of your child (ren) as this is the time they develop lifelong habits. I am so proud that we partner with you to make every day for your child the very best!

Our lives are busy, challenging and each of us have different hurdles we must face and some of these impact others. We have choices in life, and we each choose our perspective, mindset and how we respond to situations. It may not be easy, but we have that choice. I am THANKFUL to each of you for your support, encouragement and focus on helping our kids reach their goals. The education of a student truly “takes a village” and am I so grateful for the people we have working and supporting our students.

I hope each of you have a fabulous week and a safe, terrific upcoming Thanksgiving break. I hope each of you can help our students make it great!

I would be curious on what you are Thankful for in your school community and how that impacts the culture. Reach out to me with comments at leadlearnerperspectives@gmail.com

 

Learn

Empower

Adapt

Delegate

Engage

Reflect

Serve