School Culture: "P" is for Positivity
The more I lead as well as heed the lessons of previous years, the more I believe in the importance of a positive start to a school year. Shaping a school culture, defined by Terrence Deal and Kent Peterson as "the unwritten rules and traditions, customs, and expectations" (7), starts with celebration. Regie Routman asserts that "celebration is at the heart of all effective teaching and leading" (186). If we as school leaders are to expect our students, staff, and community to be successful, framing a positive perspective with our students and colleagues, as well as making the act of celebration a habit, is key.
Next are a few ideas to consider implementing for a positive start as the school year draws closer.
Focus on the Students
This idea seems redundant, yet history tells me it's worth reviewing. As evidence, I remember a teacher contacting me at a previous school in which I was just hired as principal. They asked me through email if they could have specific dates off during the school year. There was no prelude to this request, such as a sharing of one's philosophy or conveying enthusiasm for working with students; the focus was on their needs.
I didn't call this person out; I understood the request and tried not to assume anything. But I also understood that the culture may not be "student first" yet. So we took a lot of time in my first year to develop an understanding of students' strengths, needs, and interests at each developmental level. For example, we purchased a resource for teachers that informed us about this topic. The information helped us understand why a student might act a certain way while not accepting the behavior.
Demonstrate Gratitude
Do you use a physical planner? If so, I highly recommend the Commit30 product. Each month, you select one goal to focus on for your personal/professional development. September is an excellent month to demonstrate gratitude each and every day. This is a low-to-no cost effort that pays dividends for others and for yourself down the road. Next are a few ideas:
Write genuine compliments on professional stationary about faculty and staff. Leave these notes in their mailboxes. I guarantee they will treasure these mini-celebrations more so than any evaluation or walkthrough.
When facilitating professional development workshops, don't skimp on the refreshments and resources. Show staff you value them by offering quality lunches and purchasing excellent learning materials, including children's literature.
Take time for yourself at the end of the day to reflect on what went well. It's easy to focus on the one negative that might have occurred. Instead, write down a positive event and why you believe it happened. Make positive thinking a habit.
Visuals and Messaging
Today was my first day back after a family acation. When I walked into the staff lounge, I immediately noticed the updated bulletin board.
I am not sure who created it, but it is perfectly placed. The staff lounge can be perceived as a negative location if we tacitly accept gossip and complaints as the norm. Even if collective commitments have been established as a school, people find places to vent their frustrations in unhealthy ways if we are not observant. Visuals and messaging like the one shared here serve as an antidote to negativity as well as a warning sign to anyone who desires to engage in toxic behaviors.
What do you find effective for promoting positivity at the beginning of the school year? Please share in the comments.