#dojochat Archive
ClassDojo's official educational chat that covers a variety of subjects, focusing mainly on improving classroom community.
Wednesday March 2, 2016
7:00 PM EST
-
-
-
is starting now! Join us!
-
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourselves and share your favorite hobby/interest outside of teaching! :)
-
It's Wednesday night! That means it's time for !
-
-
Vicki from Edison, NJ favorite hobby is travel!!!!!!
-
-
I am still JEN in Northern CA. Didn't win an Oscar the other night. I love to make stuff - knit, crochet, code, whatevs
-
Kaitlyn, Alabama 3 grade math/science. Favorite hobby is reading! Especiallyy reading at the beach...is it spring break yet>
-
Stephanie in TN. I sing... I'm also a professional napper :D
-
Hello I'm Alicia. I am an art teacher and outside of work I love to cook. I'm making steak currently
-
Hi Vicki! Thanks for joining :) I think that might be my favorite hobby as well!
-
Hi Alicia! Thanks for joining! :)
-
-
I would seriously take gold in the !
-
Hi, I'm Carolyn. recent U of M teacher education grad
-
It's a toss up between travel and delicious food :D
-
3rd grade teacher from Cincinnati, Ohio. Hi all!
-
“Nothing is going to change, unless someone does something soon”
Dr. Seuss My Building Community page https://t.co/vlpT9tnE6y
-
Hi Carolyn! Thanks for joining :)
-
-
Keith George, Ed Tech Specialist, Alabama Dept. of Ed
-
Topic tonight is building a school community! Q1 coming up in just 1 minute! Please answer using Q1/A1 format :)
-
Hi peeps! Niko Primary Years Programme Coordinator from Bangkok and I like coding open source software
-
-
Dina, Math Specialist from NJ. I love to watch my son race BMX
-
-
Lisa from ky! My newest hobby has become politics
-
Oh! I wish I had your skills! Trying to help 5th graders code their dream https://t.co/qiCjhPf3KR
-
-
Hi peeps! Niko Primary Years Programme Coordinator from Bangkok and I like coding open source software
-
Have you seen the show called "The Circus" on Showtime? It's my new favorite
-
Hi, I'm Heather from MI! I teach first grade and love to run and be active!
-
Hi there! Rizza k-3 T from Philippines
-
Hi Heather!! Thank you for joining :D
-
Angela from KS, 5th grade, love walking and reading!
-
Q1 What does a thriving school community look like? Sound like?
-
Stacey from Wilmington, NC and I love to travel!
-
Hi everyone. Adam from Flint, MI
-
Hey Angela! Thanks for joining :)
-
A1: lots of activity, even some noise. Engaged students
-
Hiya! Erin from Maine. 9th grade English. :)
-
A1 It is open & honest. Busy, loud, happy, respectful.
-
A1- collaborating teachers and administration, friendly, activity, engagement. Sounds LOUD, and insane.
-
do you have a or volunteer in your region, they are happy to help!
-
-
A1 a thriving school is one where everyone works harmoniously for the greater good, diversity in everyones ideas acknowledged
-
A1: BUSY! Active and full of collaborating...with Ss and Ts that are happy...even when things aren't perfect
-
A1 students engaged in learning and connecting and applying skills to real life
-
A1 Organized, busy, happy
-
-
A1 a thriving school community has a lot of collaboration and respect
-
A1 It is a collaborative, trusting environment. Sounds like engaged teachers and students working together
-
A1: thriving school community= POSITIVITY! People willing to try new things!
-
organized? I wish =) My desk (and the table in front of it that I've spread out to) are a disaster.
-
A1: Energized, exciting, boisterous, happy, hopeful, supportive...
-
A1 Collaboration instead cooperation, risk-taking and smiles, sharing and motivated learners https://t.co/YTLENNM3b5
-
-
Q1 What does a thriving school community look like? Sound like?
-
Actually, a thriving school community SOUNDS like a dream!
-
Outside collaborators, consistent expectations, motivators, self-esteem builders...all at the center of relationship building
-
A1: Collaboration between people who aren't required to work together! Caring, positivity, enthusiasm. Hopefully loud, good-loud!
-
-
A1 A place where everyone is learning and growing - Ss, Ts, and Ps
-
A1: Three major components. School, Community, Business working together to educate all.
-
Sounds like we're all in agreement on what a thriving school community looks like! Onto Q2...
-
Yaaasss! And a place where everyone feels safe admitting that they're still a work in progress!
-
A1: discussion, support, feedback,
-
Constant collaboration and communication. Including students, parents, teachers, support staff, and administration.
-
-
Q2 If you were to choose 1, which quality is most important for a "thriving" school community. Why?
-
I'm normally SUPER organized. This year was just not my organized year. I lose everything!
-
A2- collaboration. Teachers, parents, admin, staff, students!
-
A2: Feeling like a broken record right now, but EMPATHY. Requirement for authentic, effective collaboration.
-
Hi, y'all! I'm from deep in the heart of Texas & teach 3rd grade! This is only my second time "chatting". 😁
-
A2 Respect. So often (at least where I am) it gets overlooked and Ts & Ss are just expected to do whatever asked w/o questioning.
-
A2 open communication, everything depends on trust and understandings https://t.co/1FFz0Y1hAf
-
-
Q2 If you were to choose 1, which quality is most important for a "thriving" school community. Why?
-
A2: Positivity because without it none of the other things needed are possible
-
A2: Supportive bc it'll lead to overall growth
-
A2 Collaboration with a spirit of empathy A place where we all can fail and try again
-
Excited for you to join!! :)
-
-
A2. A community where "Respect" for a free flow of ideas is welcomed .Don't criticize if you don't have suggestions
-
A2 Collaboration is the most important quality. Teachers and students can share resources and knowledge to help one another
-
See how I squeezed two in! https://t.co/sexYpot6OU
-
-
A2 Collaboration with a spirit of empathy A place where we all can fail and try again
-
A2 Communication - making sure all voices are heard & My Collaboration page https://t.co/h53AvN6k1C ...Working together is success
-
A2 I would say collaboration that supports taking risks and trying new things
-
A2 I believe respect is most important. Everyone feels appreciated
-
yes, essential for building personal relationship with all learners in the community
-
Q2: Curiousity, willingness to change, ability to listen to one other, & a selfless desire to help one another grow=great school.
-
A2 Growth because Ts and Ss and Ps should grow together
-
A2 I'm going to add TRUST. Trust and support from parents and admin. Trust from students that the teacher is there to help!
-
Didn't intri myself, John Moran San Antonio TX
-
A2: Belief. I can do it. You can do it. We can do it. We believe!
-
A2: Persistence. Persistence with students in their emotional and academic development, and helping teachers develop as well.
-
A2: calculated risk-taking. You can't grow if you never change.
-
GRIT!!! https://t.co/uiKG2CMdMe
-
-
A2: Persistence. Persistence with students in their emotional and academic development, and helping teachers develop as well.
-
Sorry! That wasn't one just one thing, but I do believe it's true.
-
Absolutely! We must have respect among Admin, Ts, Ps, and Ss.
-
love this. couldn't agree more!
-
Q3 coming your way in 30 seconds!!
-
A2: I'd have to say respect. I feel like there is a lack of respect towards teachers, our time, all of our hard work
-
Q3 Who is part of the school community? Are there limits to who can be involved?
-
It's one of my favorite behavior defaults on Dojo. :)
-
A1: Hallmarks...caring, respect, inclusivity, deep learning, high levels of engagement, choice, voice, collaboration.
-
A3: Students, Teachers, Admins, Parents
-
Joe, math & STEM coach joining in late.
-
A3 ideally, Ps, Ts, Ss, and community - city, neighborhood
-
A3 No limits. Community partnerships can be instrumental in making a thriving school community by providing resources
-
A3 No limits! Everyone is a part of the school community - Ps, Ts, Ss, Admin, the guy at the gas station...
-
A3: No limits! Kids, parents, teachers, office and custodial staff, neighbors, local businesses, everyone!
-
A3: No limits. As long as there is inclusion, shared vision, shared objectives, ... https://t.co/YARYikGzv9
-
-
Q3 Who is part of the school community? Are there limits to who can be involved?
-
A3 an umbrella of people Ts, Ss, Ps, admin, custodians, etc
-
A3 I agree no limits. Parents play a big role in being involved by teachers, admin, volunteers, and community partnerships!
-
A3: No limit - the world! Anyone who cares about our awesome kids!
-
Q3:I don't think you can/should limit the school community, that's what's great about , expands the walls of the classroom
-
A3- Everyone. Students, teachers, staff, administration, parents, community members, volunteers. It's a huge list!
-
A3 everyone involved in the dev't of the whole child for me is considered a part of community
-
Q3: Anyone who is invested in the school! Parents, grandparents, community members...the more the better!
-
A3 would be careful of motives of those help though -- must be on TEAM KID
-
A2: COMMITMENT...to each other, to learning, to respect and collaboration, to being 'community'.
-
A3: Ss are the core and then Ts, Admin, Ps, community members, local businesses, other schools in area...the more the better
-
A3: part two, and everyone has expertise to support our classroom!
-
A3. All are welcomed. It takes a "village" to make it thrive. Just bring in your positive "vibes" & we're good to go
-
A3: I love having high school students interested in the profession. They're are passionate and impactful because of it!
-
Q3 Any1 w. commitment to child's education and future. Limits if no positive impact. Cautious but optimistic.
-
A3: I agree, no limits. It's just difficult getting involvement
-
Students are definitely at the core. And then with everyone we are https://t.co/beFWIQlMiw
-
-
A3: Ss are the core and then Ts, Admin, Ps, community members, local businesses, other schools in area...the more the better
-
A3: Ss, Parents, Teachers, community members, & business partners
-
Q3 had this amazing collab. w/ the Portland, ME school district to revamp their system: Ps, Ts, Admin, Ss, comm. members.
-
Agree. Everyone has something to contribute and enhance the collective efforts.
-
A3 there's no limit. Anyone who enters the building daily is part of the school community
-
A3: For us, students, parents, school staff, community businesses.
-
how does one involve these people when kids are walled off inside a building every day?
-
Q4 coming up in 30 seconds!!
-
Social media! https://t.co/lqbJ90xtnP
-
-
how does one involve these people when kids are walled off inside a building every day?
-
I agree. Schools should be student centered but can be made stronger by inviting the community to take part in them.
-
before & after school clubs, spirit nights, service learning projects, we have city days, a walking FT to city hall
-
Well said. Sometimes forgotten when the drama of paperwork & challenges get in the way. https://t.co/FYINsORNpG
-
-
I think that's a key piece that gets forgotten sometimes - it's not about us - it's about the Ss!!
-
Q3 I think anyone who comes in contact with Ss. From Ts to bus drivers to cafeteria workers.
-
Definitely important to be mindful of all stakeholders. A shared vision is a must.
-
A3: Those who are committed to supporting our children's growth, learning, well-being.
-
Well said. Inclusion! Community effort! https://t.co/kzUCUQnHMy
-
-
Absolutely not and this includes the custodians, secretaries, and anyone else who has interaction with students
-
Q4 If you were to start completely fresh, what would the first steps be to building a supportive school community?
-
A4- Solid foundation a core group of teachers on the same page who want the same things from their school.
-
A3: I absolutely LOVE the inclusivity and openness of all of the responses to this Q! What an amazing group of educators!
-
Q3: Ps, Ts, grandparents, community members, businesses, administration, local government, Ss: all are stakeholders.
-
A4 ask for community input - gives ownership to all. What are the needs?
-
A4 Wow. That's a loaded Q! Open your doors, make sure everyone is there for the right reasons.
-
A4: Involve all parties in the planning, get them invested in the kids!
-
-
A4: a completely open house, open door policy, Ts and Ps and admin on the same page! A meet & greet (with no papers to fill out)
-
A4: Collaboration in the development of a shared vision! Emphasis on the importance of valuing differences of opinion.
-
A4 My page https://t.co/Yw2JGGrrut Must show you care for your students, colleagues, admin, parents, staff, community..
-
A4: 1.ClassStory-revolutionary. 2.People with the same passion and purpose. 3.Go worldwide with skype,etc
-
A4: Deciding on common language I think would be an important step for overall clarity. We backpedal because of this at times.
-
It's all about the leadership (i.e., you), my friend!
-
So key! Same page and like minded group! https://t.co/J6cDiCwOrj
-
-
A4- Solid foundation a core group of teachers on the same page who want the same things from their school.
-
Q4: Have buy in from all stakeholders by setting your priorities up front. Have a well developed action plan for growth.
-
A4 one who supports each others beliefs and is geared into one vision and mission thru open communication and collaboration
-
A4 more time to team building and creating common understanding of our goals https://t.co/gI9xYwYWpK
-
-
Q4 If you were to start completely fresh, what would the first steps be to building a supportive school community?
-
A4 I would start by creating a system to reward caring and supportive behavior. Ss need encouragement to support and collaborate.
-
A4 Common goals and expectations clearly stated, decisions made by the team together, getting parents involved & present in school
-
A4. LISTEN!! Get to know ur audience, find out what their needs are, what interest them, where they would like to go
-
A4: I'm going to go back to positivity here and that Ss are at the core. All stakeholders involved from the beginning!
-
A4: Take time to build trust, listen to each other and learn collaboratively.
-
I would like to add there should be very little government involvement when it comes to "knowing" what the Ss need.
-
agree -- important to set the foundation on trust.
-
Right on! Your sense of inclusivity is inspiring!
-
A4 group of people with a vision for the NEED for a school that includes the community
-
A4: Begin with and build processes to support that!
-
At least as far as people with no background in ed!!!
-
Q5 coming up in 30 seconds!
-
-
A4: Buy in from teachers, students, parents, & community
-
A4 Getting more teachers on board to ue Class Story by sharing positives at school and home.
-
Awesome start for my Thursday everyone, sorry to miss the latter part of the chat. Have to go! Thank you
-
Q5 If you work in a negative school culture, what are the 1st steps to transition your school to a more supportive/open culture?
-
A5- I try and stay out of drama. Both with parents and co-workers. Focus on the positive and things we do well!
-
-
A5 Growth Mindset would be a great start! Stay positive and keep your eyes on the goal.
-
A5: see if you can rally a 'morale booster' club, or as it was called at my old school "the morale corral... yehaw!"
-
A5: BE the change. Model the vision. Bring the passion! Hook 'em in!
-
A5 Open communication about what the school should ideally look like. Set shared goals and make a plan to meet them.
-
What is up ? Imma bit late to the party.
-
-
A5: Care enough to listen to the concerns, be compassionate, but challenge the 'status quo' respectfully.
-
A5 DO NOT GET SUCKED IN keep doing what you do and encourage others
-
A5: Understanding negativity is often misplaced and not personal. Providing more opportunities for growth can help foster a shift
-
A5: Behave yourself, set an example, be positive, keep your chin up, do amazing things, don't get dragged down by negativity.
-
A5 Maybe a reflection survey. Staying focused on the positive in school
-
A5: Be the change you wish to see in the [school]. And get others on board.
-
what do you mean avoid drama with parents?
-
A5: Share at least one positive thing a day in the staff lounge that you are trying in your classroom.
-
Q5: Staying positive & helping all to see the silver linings, the beautiful rainbows after the storms
-
A5 collaborative workshops with close colleagues, baby steps and spread positive feedback https://t.co/5oAQmFSIgl
-
-
Q5 If you work in a negative school culture, what are the 1st steps to transition your school to a more supportive/open culture?
-
A4 mentor program, nonevaluative, for new teachers, students, parents
-
What a positive approach and a real growth mindset!
-
A5 Collaboratively decide on goals to help, build trust & respect, support each other, acknowledge the celebrations w/ each other
-
Start a conversation and be as positive as you can be! Will definitly be tough but don't get discoraged. https://t.co/31L21fpJ3j
-
-
Q5 If you work in a negative school culture, what are the 1st steps to transition your school to a more supportive/open culture?
-
-
A5 My team will not start a meeting until we each share a positive. Sometimes it's a struggle, but worth it.
-
A5 secret gift program! Nothing makes a better morning than coming in to a little gift
-
Q6 coming up in 30 seconds :)
-
Q6 What is a Principal's role in a school community? Is the culture set by the Administration? The teachers? Both?
-
A5 When students are invested everyone wins. A well-managed class encourages buy-in and ownership
-
A5. Listen for concerns that may have created negativity. Find out what the needs are. Be supportive and open
-
A4: implementing class story in every room! I love the safe space it provides my parents + kids love it
-
Diplomacy and commitment! Right on!
-
A5 First steps to changing culture are to lead by example, enthusiasm, and willingness to help others.
-
A6 Admin has a big role in school culture. Everything trickles down. We can be the change, but it needs support, too.
-
A6 I think the principal leads staff in creating a collaborative, trustworthy environment where teachers have a voice
-
A5 Focus small first.Start the day positives hen focus on Ss then team and so on.
-
A6 The principal overall sets the tone, but it is crucial that Ts and Ss have input in what the school community looks like
-
A5:All Ts want feel valued...find ways to fill that in ppl who least expect it-Compliments, smiles and sharing go a long way.
-
A6 a P is the quarterback fir the teaching team! They see a play going bad and they need to change it up.
-
A6: Know how Ts should to be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage? Same thing. Top-down admin is hard to swallow.
-
Q6: Admin can set the tone, but teachers have to believe in the goal.
-
- Q6: BOTH! I'm so blessed to work with and for very forward-thinking admins! https://t.co/VPLMLdzS3m
-
-
Q6 What is a Principal's role in a school community? Is the culture set by the Administration? The teachers? Both?
-
I agree. It might help to have a school wide behavior plan for consistency and to increase buy-in school wide
-
A6: Know how Ts should be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage? Same thing. Top-down admin is hard to swallow.
-
A6: The culture is set by both and reassessed by both. The principal works to help and remind everyone of our joint vision.
-
A6 Culture is set by all. In 1 school we, the teachers, made positive changes. My School Culture page https://t.co/v07UJLONaZ
-
A6: Set by both but without the support from top it will fall apart
-
A6- I feel like we all set the culture! It starts top down though! Positive gives positive!
-
A6 Big picture, supporting the community, leading towards the vision, trusting the staff, enabler https://t.co/VuI0Q2Ak6F
-
-
Q6 What is a Principal's role in a school community? Is the culture set by the Administration? The teachers? Both?
-
Oh, dear the offspring had an incident involving a 1/2 gallon of milk - must abandon
-
A6: P and Ts are learning leaders...shared leadership...but P can really set the tone and direction for sense of community.
-
-
Q6: Definately both.The Principal sets the culture and tone, prioritizes, leads and should communicate a vision for the future.
-
Q7 Once you've established this school community and culture, how do you keep the positive spirit alive throughout the year?
-
A6 Admin. decisions can greatly determine vibe of school community. Tchrs can either be excited or squashed easily!
-
A6 a principal must come off as genuine! Encouragement is more than just words
-
A7: Find ways to pay it forward. Making others smile is a great way to spread positivity and a community feeling!
-
A7 Team building! Occasionally, we all need a reminder of why we are here. Refresh & rejuvenate each other :D
-
A7- I second team building! It may seem lame, but we all love it. Even if it's just going to dinner one night!
-
A7: Chances to come together, evaluate, and discuss ways to further strengthen climate. Highlighting individual moments of success
-
A7 Team building, revisiting how things are going, setting new goals, thanking each other and celebrating accomplishments!
-
Chili's has a great 2 for 1 deal! lol
-
Q7: By working on it and nurturing it! Simple but difficult at the same time.
-
A6 We have SAC Which is our Sch Accred Committee (Ps, Ts, Princ, Alumni) they wk on estab culture. Not set in stone
-
A7 I would like to see committed effort to keeping teacher's spirits lifted throughout the year.
-
A6: Both!! I think it's important for both to trust each other and value each other's opinions!
-
A7 encourage acts of kindness and collaboration amongst Ss, Ts, and classes. Make everyone want to be there.
-
A7: shout-outs & recognition! my old P would send out a weekly newsletter with +s from the week!
-
A7 Celebrate accomplishments. Practice gratitude. Maybe a glass of wine together? Just Ts... :)
-
That sucks! I'm sure there's a restaurant near you w/ a good deal.
-
The same thing you would do if your Ss think it's dumb. Show them what they're missing!
-
Small town Alabama probs =)
-
A7: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE change, learning, successes, growth.
-
A7: Find ways and reasons to celebrate daily!
-
Students should be a part of this conversation whenever possible
-
Final question coming up in 1 minute!! :)
-
A7. Tri monthly town hall assemblies (done in sch) And a "Walk w/ us" set via sch webpage/class pages
-
A7: 2 words. Happy. Hour. J/k...don't 4get to recognize the small stuff.Take the time to get to know your staff.Listen.Remember.
-
Q8 What is one thing you can do this week that will have a positive influence on your school community?
-
Gotta ring the dinner bell! Ha ha ha! Peace out! This was awesome!
-
A8 I can choose to show up with a good attitude. Simple.
-
a8- Simply be positive! Show up with a good attitude and let it spread!
-
Principals should be a resource. As a new teacher, I want a principal that gives advice and encouragement
-
Never lame...relationship development always worth the investment!
-
A8 Have a positive attitude and encourage others!
-
A7 I would love to start doing gallery walks through other teacher classrooms - chance to let them know how awesome they are!
-
A7: Whatever is needed.Educators differentiate, right?
-
A8: Compliment someone, stop in someone's room to say hi, smile at others in the hallway - don't get lost in your busy
-
A8: In the process of writing some new curric docs w/o being asked. These suckers are going to make a bunch of people VERY happy.
-
Q8: Continue to believe in my Ss, my colleagues, and myself.
-
A8: Remind people of your excitement and appreciation for them. Tweet your teaching partner to surprise them! :)
-
A8 "borrow" a not so positive student for a hour
-
True! We don't all have to do the Trust Fall to team build! Go to dinner, the gym, get drinks!
-
A8 Walk in the building with my happy pants on and make sure they stay on all day 😜.
-
A8: I like to leave anonymous notes and candies in mailboxes!
-
-
A8 Happy High Five Friday. Spread happiness with one quick smack. Leaping in air with Ss, quick pass with administration in hall
-
Loving your 'happy hour' suggestion!!!
-
Great ideas! teachers need to model what a positive school community looks like
-
A8- The Dojo Read Across America went SUPER well today. Made a TON of people happy (and connected!) Lots of planning but worth it.
-
A8: Lots of collaboration this week so I will take time to thank, tag and share it in school and on Twitter! Also helps culture!
-
Q8 Check on newbie Tchrs.ASK how I can help. Veteran teachers can sometimes forget newbies need support from more than a mentor.
-
Fantastic as always tonight! Thanks, !
-
Need to head out, but thanks for the wonderful evening. Best wishes to all, and glad to have talked with such passionate people!
-
A8: Laugh, have fun, celebrate, share the positive!
-
Thank you for a wonderful time chatting! Have a great night!
-
A8 Take the time to tell others how incredible they truly are.
-
-
This concludes for tonight! Thank you to everyone who joined - be sure to follow each other and continue to support this !
-
You are TRULY incredible!
-
So encouraging tonight. Thank you. :)
-
Gave my fellow coworker (art teacher) my guitar and gave her free reign to design. Check it out! https://t.co/otm8z5ojnN
-
A8: I can greet every student and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
-
-
A8. Dress up as your favorite book character This was usually done by lower grades. I know whole sch would love it
-
Join us next week for a all about TEAMS with !!! :)
