Since our survey data collected in January, the school has focused on strengthening our sense of community and belonging and improving student-teacher connections.  Each month we have had a different focus to achieve these goals. 

February Greetings:

Teachers focused on creating safe spaces in their classrooms. They were encouraged to personalize greetings to students as they entered the classroom, by meeting each student with a friendly, non-verbal greeting, or by giving a few words of welcome or encouragement each class.

"Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference."    - John Wooden

March Connections:

Teachers were encouraged to end their classes on a personal note using Exit Slips to get to know their students.  Getting to know our students is one of the best ingredients for successful learning.  It helps students feel heard, which increases their motivation; it fosters a sense of belonging; it increases student engagement; and it improves academic performance. 

April Strolls:

In order to foster collaboration and cooperation, teachers were encouraged to take students outside for learning activities.  Benefits for April Strolls included more student engagement, improved social and emotional skills, better connections to teachers and peers, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, ultimately leading to more well-rounded and confident kids.

We also created an Outdoor Classroom Kit for teachers to facilitate outdoor learning. 

Mental Health May:

We culminated the year with our annual Mental Health May 5-Day Challenge.  The week included activities designed for in-classroom use by our Social-Emotional Learning teacher committee, student-led lunchtime and/or PLT activities for the whole school led by our Mental Health Awareness Club, and prizes for teachers and students who participated.

The week included:

Mindful Monday: Mindfulness activities and ideas ranging from breathing activities, yoga, stretching, journal writing etc.

Tune-In Tuesday: Tech-Free Challenge!  Reduce your social media use challenge for students.

Workout  Wednesday: Ideas for conversation starters and group discussions while walking in the fresh air.

Thinking Thursday: Brain games and challenges for in the classroom.

Fab Friday: School-wide outdoor fair to celebrate and connect.