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...