5 Essential Elements of Positive School Culture


cc photo by J. Delp
On Monday, our students return to school at Willis Junior High in Chandler, Arizona. Each year I try to share something encouraging with our staff to consider as they approach the first week of school. For what it is worth, here is this year's message.

As we begin our first week of school, we are provided with an incredible opportunity. For each of us, and for each of our students, it is a new beginning--a chance to get a fresh start. As you prepare to meet our kids, please consider these five essentials (one for each day of the week) for our educational community.

1. Kindness
Guard within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, and how to acquire without meanness. - George Sands
The majority of our students will come to school on the first day a bit anxious. They will be focused on each interaction with an adult, listening to our tone and seeking reassurance. Let’s be certain that every student leaves our campus, on the first day, experiencing multiple acts of kindness.

2. Empathy
I’m not interested in whether you’ve stood with the great. I’m interested in whether you’ve sat with the broken. - Unknown
For each one of our students, understand that what you see on the outside rarely tells the whole story. Cast aside your “experience bias” and provide high expectations with an empathetic heart.

3. Patience
The children who need love the most will ask for it in the most unloving ways. - Russell Barkley
Remember that our students are kids: they will sometimes make bad decisions, mess-up, be absent minded, and speak rudely. Model civility for them. Be long on patience and quick with kindness.

4. Appreciation
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. - Audre Lourde
It is my hope that we will truly marvel at the diversity on our campus and the integral that our differences play in creating our campus culture. Through words, and actions, show students that we appreciate them for who they are and what they bring to our community.

5. Humility
True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. - C.S. Lewis
Remember that our purpose as educators is to serve the best interest of our students. Let’s allow humility to guide our actions, and our interactions, with our students and our peers. Together we will make a difference for our school community!

As we begin a new school year, I challenge each of you to be intentional about demonstrating each of these five essential elements of a positive culture. I have unwavering confidence that our staff will go above and beyond to ensure our students have a wonderful Willis experience and I am thankful for the role that each of you play in supporting our school community. Make it a great week!

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