#vachat Archive
#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday September 19, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Welcome Everyone! Please introduce yourself and share your role in your building.
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Tiawana, AP in VA your guest moderator for tonight. Ready to collaborate!
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Good evening everyone. Good to be back and welcome newbies. Reed, HS AP from Charlottesville
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Christine. Elementary gifted specialist. Charlottesville.
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Sound off, tell us who you are and what you do.
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Evening , glad we are back! Phil, Elementary Principal out in Rockbridge County VA. !
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So happy you joined us tonight
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who's out there lurking... jump in
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Hoping we have educators from all over Virginia https://t.co/PJIsE3qHqV
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Evening , glad we are back! Phil, Elementary Principal out in Rockbridge County VA. !
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Forest, Salem va. Principal, Andrew Lewis middle.
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Question 1 on the way...We will use Q1:A1 format. Remember to use the for all responses. Graphics are welcomed.
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Director of Administrator Learning and Leadership for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I will be in and out, this evening.
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Q1: What is your definition of "School Culture".
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on my way...technical difficulty!!
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Natalie. Instructional Technology Coach, Richmond. Happy to see the is back!
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A1: The general "feel" of a building. What's important to it - spoken and unspoken. What they value, what they celebrate.
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Your expertise is always welcome. https://t.co/FHpO6o9Qqt
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Director of Administrator Learning and Leadership for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I will be in and out, this evening.
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A1: School culture is the heartbeat of a school - rituals, values, norms.
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School Counselor hopping in from VB, VA!
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School culture is the attitude and the way people act/way things are done, that is fairly fixed, and a challenge to change.
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School culture: Common set of expectations/norms both formal and informal that shape everything
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You nailed it! https://t.co/D9sCWIjNLd
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School culture is the attitude and the way people act/way things are done, that is fairly fixed, and a challenge to change.
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A1. BIG question! Established and expected norms, patterns, and assumptions in a building. https://t.co/4jJim8A1rk
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Q1: What is your definition of "School Culture".
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Yes, who "we" are and what we believe in = School culture. https://t.co/2Ansp0GVke
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A1: School culture is the heartbeat of a school - rituals, values, norms.
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on the plus side, the attitude can be positive! On the downside... They can be negative or apathetic...
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A1: Agree that culture is difficult to change.For better or worse, it's a powerful force
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A1: It is hard to describe. I think you feel it as soon as you walk into a building. You hear it, see it and feel it over years.
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we know it takes a long time to change and a concerted effort.
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Q2: Now that we know what culture is... what are you most proud of in your building?
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A2: Proud: The desire and passion to meet the needs of ALL students. No matter what!
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Culture is human capacity. Building, investing, and celebrating as well as challenging humans is culture.
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A2: Our school motto is "We Are Family" and our building lives and breathes that motto.
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John Bennett, soon moving to Midlothian. Emeritus engineering faculty.
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A2: We have a collaborative culture. Peer observations, we are a PLC, Professional development.
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A2: being new to my building, I haven't truly changed/molded the culture. What I am proud to see is how generous our students are.
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How will I know if I walked into your building. (love it) https://t.co/tzSXbcwbCJ
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A2: Our school motto is "We Are Family" and our building lives and breathes that motto.
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what are some examples you can share with the tribe. We are learning from you. https://t.co/7JZKr37Hx4
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A2: being new to my building, I haven't truly changed/molded the culture. What I am proud to see is how generous our students are.
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haven't you been moving for like a year?!? come on, winter is coming!
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A2: No longer in a school building, but I was most proud of us doing whatever it took...for kids. We didn't give up on kids.
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A2. Raw passion for students, a true belief in the power of education https://t.co/TjfJQMxIIB
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Q2: Now that we know what culture is... what are you most proud of in your building?
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A2: At GQES, we are a THRIVING LITERACY COMMUNITY or TLC (tender loving care) It works for us at GQES.
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The adults know the kids, we know their parents, older students work with younger students, teachers collaborate.
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A1: The mood of the school, the real commitment to learning, relationships, empathy, ... https://t.co/hb3XbsKyQj
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Q1: What is your definition of "School Culture".
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Powerful! We are only as strong as our weakest link. https://t.co/SEwoo7cx8H
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A2: No longer in a school building, but I was most proud of us doing whatever it took...for kids. We didn't give up on kids.
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it's a true challenge when you encounter a staff that has given up on kids. Almost better to blow it up & start fresh
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Good Stuff. That's the kind of culture where kids run to school, and never what to leave. . https://t.co/qAxGCpIwQP
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The adults know the kids, we know their parents, older students work with younger students, teachers collaborate.
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People carry hurt in weird ways. Listen first; make changes second.
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Love 's questioning: How will an outsider see it? Easy for us on the inside to see it/say it but is it apparent/happening
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you've had some time to impact the culture in your building. How long have you been there now?
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A2: When I have strangers who are in our school & talk about our kind kids, passionate teachers and feeling welcomed.
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Yes, Seek first to understand-S. Convey. So important. https://t.co/1HfgK4T2RA
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People carry hurt in weird ways. Listen first; make changes second.
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A2 I am most proud of how our T's & S's are innovative within the classroom. Four C's are embedded daily.
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The office staff play a major role in school culture. Customer Service.
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Hi all! Sorry I'm late. I'm Rebecca. Principal from Henrico.
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Year 5. Year one; listen and make changes; share vision, OVER-COMMUNICATE & Work hard 4 kids. Celebrate often
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So true. From the custodial staff to bus drivers to the principal. Only as strong as weakest link
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A2: Not in a classroom / building. But I'd hope the PLC would be active in discussing & always refining the… https://t.co/JfS4NTSZMi
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Q2: Now that we know what culture is... what are you most proud of in your building?
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Q3: What knowledge & skills do educators/instructional leaders need to have in order to promote a positive school culture
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Absolutely- ours are amazing. Completely sets the tone when people walk through our doors https://t.co/ug1rhqWu0v
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The office staff play a major role in school culture. Customer Service.
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Absolutely. https://t.co/APja9tPccr
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A2: Not in a classroom / building. But I'd hope the PLC would be active in discussing & always refining the… https://t.co/JfS4NTSZMi
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Q2: Now that we know what culture is... what are you most proud of in your building?
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We are on to something special. Thank them for promoting a positive school culture. https://t.co/IILXpbPQKH
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Absolutely- ours are amazing. Completely sets the tone when people walk through our doors https://t.co/ug1rhqWu0v
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The office staff play a major role in school culture. Customer Service.
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Not a skill, but crucial component of + school culture is a culture of 'we' & 'our', vs. culture of 'I' & 'their'. Shared ownership.
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so true -everyone who walks thru our sch doors regardless of gender, color, income, language deserves positive interaction
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A3: I think bottom line repeats s/t said: You have to believe in your students. Wholeheartedly & without reservation.
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A3: Simple answer: Passion for students.
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You must have a vision, be able to communicate that vision, flexible, and stubborn to make sure that vision is implemented!
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Started building in January, have long-standing commitment in October-->Late October! Hoped to move in abou… https://t.co/xgVQlOOvcZ
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haven't you been moving for like a year?!? come on, winter is coming!
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Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical-Thinking. These are my classroom "look-for's" daily.
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A3 Be a great at your own learning. Ask good questions that speaks to your schools reality. Why...why...why..
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Non-negotiable 2 do what is best 4 kids. Take on negativity. Reveal your own mistakes. Be determined. Seek input.
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A3: I've watched the pre-k Ss wave at our secretary as if she were the queen of England, high-5 our custodians. We're all a team.
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A3. Active listening -with acquired trust to leave defensiveness at the door- followed by purposeful action https://t.co/wWXKVksDQX
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Q3: What knowledge & skills do educators/instructional leaders need to have in order to promote a positive school culture
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We must embody this daily. https://t.co/wvbx1h5xuO
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so true -everyone who walks thru our sch doors regardless of gender, color, income, language deserves positive interaction
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Throughout the year- great reminder!
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A2: Not in a building anymore but I am extremely proud of the accomplishment we achieved during my tenure
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A3: A sense of humor, the ability to laugh at yourself. Relationship skills. Know your staff & kids. Know their names & stories.
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A3 1 demo emotional intelligence 2 listen carefully and reflectively 3 find common ground 4 be compassionate 5 empathize
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A3: A positive culture is all about relationships & expectations.
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I learned the hard way that I'd much rather work FOR someone than around them. I want to believe in that vision.
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feedback is a key point.. Celebrate what you want to see.
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A3: Empathy, relationship building, and student empowerment most especially... https://t.co/KGS6RL0O5X
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Q3: What knowledge & skills do educators/instructional leaders need to have in order to promote a positive school culture
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That's were it all starts...and if it ain't there that's where it all ends https://t.co/bEZFsFj7Zb
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A3: A positive culture is all about relationships & expectations.
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Q3: we all need to listen as leaders and have a sense of the culture we want to promote
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What we do in schools when no one is watching defines who we are as individuals and also the culture we desire for all
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I learned from a great sup one day....better to work WITH vs DO to. Makes good sense. In the classroom, too.
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You can listen all day but without a sense for the culture you desire, you will just lead your school down the wrong path
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Q4 In your role, share what have you done to help build a positive culture? (will do-now).
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Yes. Great job passing it on. we are better together. https://t.co/0xnWxQtNbi
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I learned from a great sup one day....better to work WITH vs DO to. Makes good sense. In the classroom, too.
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How could I leave out personal learning??? https://t.co/fINOAyLOK9
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A3 Be a great at your own learning. Ask good questions that speaks to your schools reality. Why...why...why..
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A3 Leaders need to be able to share the vision of a positive school climate.Making this part of your core values will go a long way.
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Hey . I'm late to the party! Sorry! I've got a dozen donuts to share tho
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Q4: Know vision & why we are doing what we are doing, overcommunicate, coach folks to other jobs, & keep a relentless focus on kids.
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Right now, being new... I smile, I listen, I laugh, and I start to nudge by celebrating what I believe we need to value
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A4: Have fun during breakfast: skip counting, sharing, greeting Ss w/a smile. Interacting w/all Ss, not just "mine" learning from Ts
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Better late than never. We are so glad to have you. Topic: School culture https://t.co/ee1oLS0pX0
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Hey . I'm late to the party! Sorry! I've got a dozen donuts to share tho
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A3:Never forget what it is to be a teacher. Entire school is your classroom. Reflect. Listen. Ask-Would I want this for my own child?
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Doing whatever I can to build relationships with all students and teachers. Sitting at VB game right now...we're up 2-1 btw
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A4 starting meetings at old and new school is a def step to celebrating positivity. Saying good morning to everyone
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Make it a part of all that you do. https://t.co/9t19uCBLOE
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A4: Have fun during breakfast: skip counting, sharing, greeting Ss w/a smile. Interacting w/all Ss, not just "mine" learning from Ts
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A4 We spent time this year focusing on core values and what we do to reflect those values.
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This year we started Morning Meetings school-wide.
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A4 Model, Model, Model!!!!
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I like this. You have to share more on how this looks school wide. https://t.co/ZCcbKH4Dak
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A4 We spent time this year focusing on core values and what we do to reflect those values.
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Our focus has been to Embrace, Inspire and Innovate. Frame everything we do with that in mind
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do you find them,worth while? Are students buying in?
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Collaborative planning with our reading and math specialist helped our Ts build trust.
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do you do them as a school or just all in own classroom?
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A4: You rock! T's know how 2 fix cultures if they r given a voice. U are building human capacity. Super important.
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A4 Take the role of "Lead Learner" seriously and model a enthusiastic desire to continually learn & grow.
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I've done them since I started teaching. Very valuable, esp student led. Trying to shift a bit this year
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I had staff come up for values in their classroom. We looked for similarities in their ideas.
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A4: Acknowledge contributions and celebrate culture! https://t.co/HAvsK1Zf75
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Q4 In your role, share what have you done to help build a positive culture? (will do-now).
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Each grade lvl meets weekly with the math/reading specialist. They add differentiation and read aloud. https://t.co/GYNNcvHqKk
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do you find them,worth while? Are students buying in?
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as hall counselor, I hear the heartbeat w/my ear to the ground. Add good admin&T relationships and it's unstoppable
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Whole group, formative assessment, closure, done collaboratively. https://t.co/GYNNcvHqKk
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do you find them,worth while? Are students buying in?
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A4: Sun nite phone call/email, ROAR program, AM/PM parent drop off/pick up, visible, articulate high expectations/vision for all
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building teacher leaders and teacher voice are essential in my new building, can't grow with it this
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How do you share school-wide? https://t.co/cNjlqnJVOg
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I've done them since I started teaching. Very valuable, esp student led. Trying to shift a bit this year
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Well said https://t.co/BjrITNIpfC
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as hall counselor, I hear the heartbeat w/my ear to the ground. Add good admin&T relationships and it's unstoppable
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finally we brainstormed actions for these values. It was very powerful!
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modeling the principles of really make a difference in school wide culture when embraced by entire staff
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Side by side learning is critical. Sit in team meetings. Learn together. Too many people outsource that role.
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inviting others to watch. Ps help spread to other Ps. Start small and let grow naturally
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We already see the difference. . https://t.co/RY96oBvoGl
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modeling the principles of really make a difference in school wide culture when embraced by entire staff
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We also focus on pd and improving customer service during our meetings... https://t.co/0punz8AcUd
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Q4 In your role, share what have you done to help build a positive culture? (will do-now).
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Trust and transparency help schools grow. https://t.co/SnUqOr1Xer
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inviting others to watch. Ps help spread to other Ps. Start small and let grow naturally
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saw saw shifts N ambience of whole building as teachers implemented RC
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Q5: As a school/classroom, what are you most proud of in regards to your school and the culture? We Are...
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Are they trained at the state, national level? I like RC. https://t.co/oUabmgn6EI
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saw saw shifts N ambience of whole building as teachers implemented RC
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A4: We do Acts of Kindness on our am announcements each Monday am for staff & students who catch each other doing good things!
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A5: In my classroom? We are risk-takers and mistake-inspectors. We are supportive and encouragers. We laugh a lot!
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Don't look now but we are trending!!!!
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This is how every classroom should look. Fail Forward. https://t.co/j31vxGuQ88
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A5: In my classroom? We are risk-takers and mistake-inspectors. We are supportive and encouragers. We laugh a lot!
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A5 When I came to my school last year, I heard We are a family over and over. I want my staff, students, and families to feel this.
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A5: We are the Wolverines. We never give up and we always try our best. This goes with our PBIS.
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A5: (Bragging, sorry) We were 1 of 15% high performing, high poverty schools in VA. GQES: Thriving Literacy Community.
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Doing this while watching is not easy! #@Eagles all day!!!
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Q5 Everyone should brag about something great in their building. Share pics.
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I just saw that!!!!! Way to go .
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Dont apologize. Tell everyone about it...and how you do it. Kudos to you and your team. https://t.co/J94MstNjuA
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A5: (Bragging, sorry) We were 1 of 15% high performing, high poverty schools in VA. GQES: Thriving Literacy Community.
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A5 I'm thrilled with how our Ss embrace our motto and . Happy to be in a school that values the whole child
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Do you have a pic of this? https://t.co/meWTWevp0x
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A5 I'm thrilled with how our Ss embrace our motto and . Happy to be in a school that values the whole child
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This was us learning about our brains and how mistakes help us grow! https://t.co/ya10cNZmRw
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This morning we're learning about our fantastic, elastic brains. J is showing off our pipe cleaner neural network. https://t.co/9OZzhqciYc
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Q5: what are you most proud of about your school?
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A5: To inspire and influence are the greatest outcomes of a good culture.
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A5: Willingness to break the mold. Try something new. OK to fail as long as we learn from it and try again
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A5: Again, not in one: Would really be proud of wide celebration of culture - leading to exciting if unexpe… https://t.co/kHO0FGFXgo
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Q5: As a school/classroom, what are you most proud of in regards to your school and the culture? We Are...
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A5 We have the hardest working teachers in the building. Who will challenge me on this? We are Oak Grove-Bellemeade
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Well said... I would add and empower. https://t.co/zNH6ba4DlA
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A5: To inspire and influence are the greatest outcomes of a good culture.
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Fail Forward https://t.co/XmodobUrk5
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A5: Willingness to break the mold. Try something new. OK to fail as long as we learn from it and try again
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Q5: I am proud that we as a school value the individual, each child & each staff member. From office staff to teacher to custodian.
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Hi-Sorry to join late(bedtime routines take precedence😬)but wanted to see what is all about!!
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A5 My staff is amazing. They care about kids and are taking risks to meet their needs.
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Work w/people. Listen, make mistakes, get out of the box, study daggoned data & have fun.BRING energy & passion celebrate
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Q6 on the way... its all about kids
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Say when! Come on up! We painted ceiling tiles like a 4-H camp mtg at a faculty mtg----gotta love creative thinking!
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just head back and check out the conversation. has done a great job with the Qs tonight!
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Love it. Tell them every chance you get. What about them is amazing. https://t.co/Q6PU4XfM96
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A5 My staff is amazing. They care about kids and are taking risks to meet their needs.
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passion and energy is underrated.
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Yes energy. https://t.co/AIKIgdRRtt
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Work w/people. Listen, make mistakes, get out of the box, study daggoned data & have fun.BRING energy & passion celebrate
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so I noticed!! Super impressed!
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Our tribe has done an amazing job. You guys rock! https://t.co/FRYnYI3LNn
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just head back and check out the conversation. has done a great job with the Qs tonight!
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Celebrate international day, all the cultural holidays, acknowledge Ss heritage. Let them know because they are here we are better.
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We put staff shout outs on our blog, have a shout out board in the office, and share positive events at faculty meetings.
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Can't wait until we're moved to Virginia... Hope I might be invited to some classrooms!!!
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Tribe. Thanks for your energy tonight, connect on voxer. We will be back next Mon. 8EST bring a friend, & follow the tribe members.
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So amazing https://t.co/IyvbGMIkhh
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We put staff shout outs on our blog, have a shout out board in the office, and share positive events at faculty meetings.
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I include shout outs in my weekly staff bulletin.
