Happy Spring everyone! Welcome to #mnlead tonight! Introduce yourself and tell us your favorite spring activity....now that spring has actually arrived! :)
I'm Mark from So. St. Paul. I teach American Studies, #MNstudies & Current Events in St. Paul. Favorite spring activity is simply getting outdoors! Campfires, garden getting ready, walks.... SUNSHINE!
#mnlead
Curt Slater Proud Team Member of the Wyoming Wildcats! Love spending time on the deck watch the sunset. We have a PD day tomorrow and excited to watch staff be part of an ED Camp. #mnlead
Tonight we will discuss school climate and how it affects students/staff! Hopefully everyone can take something away to implement as we close out the school year! First question in 2 minutes! #mnlead
Hi Everyone! Bret, Elementary Principal in Lakeville. Today I raked all the pinecones in the yard and pulled out all of our deck furniture. FINALLY!!!! #mnlead
Great to see everyone jumping on board tonight! Welcome to all the new and returning faces! We will use the Q1/A1 format for this chat and don't forget #mnlead with your answers!
A1. When you have a guest teacher or a visitor in your building how are they treated and what was their experience or when you have a new student what does their first couple of weeks feel like or look like. Here is an example of how we have changed our climate! #mnlead
#mnlead A1 School climate is the concentrated effort by everyone in a school building/district to promote a safe, inclusive environment and atmosphere for all students.
A1. How you feel when you walk in the building. The way people respond to situations. It's that special way someone is welcomed or greeted. It is in the way staff, students and families treat each other. Climate is all that and then some. #mnlead
LOVE THIS!!!!! We have a lot of discussion about attendance and this is a positive spin on something no always so positive! Thanks for sharing! #mnlead
I'm also enjoying the fact that a well ago the was 2 feet of snow in the ground. Today it's in the 60s and the birds are chirping! (Still a frozen lake though) #mnlead
A1. When you have a guest teacher or a visitor in your building how are they treated and what was their experience or when you have a new student what does their first couple of weeks feel like or look like. Here is an example of how we have changed our climate! #mnlead
A1: lots of people say it's a feeling you get walking into a building...but its the smiles and genuine conversations amongst adults and students, celebrations, smiles and high fives. People feeling empowered and working towards goals they help set #mnlead
A1) I travel to all our buildings in the district. Each one has a little different feel. I try to make sure to say hello or hi to everyone I see in the halls. #mnlead
That is how you welcome a student to school. You're not tardy. We are glad you are here. We want you here more! Thanks for sharing that @Slater_Curtis_#mnlead
A1. When you have a guest teacher or a visitor in your building how are they treated and what was their experience or when you have a new student what does their first couple of weeks feel like or look like. Here is an example of how we have changed our climate! #mnlead
A1. How you feel when you walk in the building. The way people respond to situations. It's that special way someone is welcomed or greeted. It is in the way staff, students and families treat each other. Climate is all that and then some. #mnlead
This has become part of our culture! When a T is gone, the T’s around them go and introduce themselves “We’re here if needed”. We leave treats for our Guest Teachers too… #mnlead
A1 #mnlead#SchoolClimate is the atmosphere that your entire community has about your school. It doesn't stop at the physical walls of the building. A positive school climate needs a chance to grow. It needs to be real & authentic. It needs to be inclusive.
A1: I was the "New Kid" many, many times in my K-12 career. School climate is what anybody new to that place experiences over their first year in the school. Often times the first weeks let's you know what lies ahead. #mnlead
A1: lots of people say it's a feeling you get walking into a building...but its the smiles and genuine conversations amongst adults and students, celebrations, smiles and high fives. People feeling empowered and working towards goals they help set #mnlead
Nice shift! BC obviously if they're walking in minutes after the bell or whatnot, T knows they're tardy. No need to announce it or make the child feel less welcomed. Your new way is great! #mnlead
The culture of the building is easily “felt” when coming in the building. The culture should be welcoming, safe and ppl should be greeted by students and staff as they move through the bldg #mnlead
A1: I was the "New Kid" many, many times in my K-12 career. School climate is what anybody new to that place experiences over their first year in the school. Often times the first weeks let's you know what lies ahead. #mnlead
Q2: Most experts would say that school climate includes physical, social and academic dimensions. How are you/your school fostering a positive physical climate? #mnlead
#mnlead Sorry, will from VA checking in late.
A1: It is the attitudes, projections, relationships, work ethics (kids and adults), and values that define your school/classroom/district. #chooseyourculture
Thanks @bretdom! We are still in need of 3 sleeping pads that will be given to the students to keep. I want them to be able to take this experience & use it as a stepping stone to future explorations. #mnleadhttps://t.co/TMWdtfUcfW
#mnlead Inclusive because the default school climate tends to be mainly White centric, even with many efforts of individual schools, this is still the norm throughout, especially in MN.
#mnlead A1 School climate is the concentrated effort by everyone in a school building/district to promote a safe, inclusive environment and atmosphere for all students.
Agree. School climate is the result of thousands of small actions each day. It is built through honesty, civility, and a common altruistic commitment to every child and adult in the building. It understands no learning takes place without healthy relationships. #mnlead
A2 We have an All school #PBISMN frame work to support the student, staff and community! We have common language and positive messages all over the school @pilpinc is a great place to start to support the process. #mnlead
A2 One of our first things is getting a picture of EVERY student that is new to the building. We hang the pic in our staff center then have at least one adult(not class T) commit to making a connection w the child. We have a group of S's that want to help too.Great start. #mnlead
A2: We strive to keep our building clean and well repaired. Lucky because our district supports these efforts to a great degree. Also have lots of student work displayed in hallways and other areas. #mnlead
#mnlead As a Male EoC, esp as a student teacher, I have wanted to see a social justice-centered classroom. seen snippets throughout my TeachEd career (courses, mentor teachers, evn schools), but nothing so comprehensive, esp. the ones I see from Ts in other states (NY, IL, CA..)
I have a lot of thank you notes I need to send out! I've been telling my students that THIS is how you grow community. Community doesn't have to have geographic parameters. #mnlead
A2: We have a multi-age, looping advisory called "Tiger Connections" that imbeds the social with the physical component. We also partner each new student with an ambassador to show them the building for a few days and ensure they are not alone at lunch. #mnlead
A1 @chris_bussmann I think the “New Kid” intro is a sticky wicket… Between making a Big Deal abt them being the New Kid 2 not acknowledging them…I welcome them, intromyself, ask abt them, and then get into treating them like they’ve been there all yr #partofthefamily#mnlead
A2 Our buildings are kept clean and updated by our great custodial crew. Our school counselor does a great job assisting with all social concerns. Our teachers and coaches meet weekly to discuss curricular objectives. #mnlead
Q2: Most experts would say that school climate includes physical, social and academic dimensions. How are you/your school fostering a positive physical climate? #mnlead
A2: I work in 12 schools asa Literacy specialist. I see different ways that positive climate and culture can come to life. I can’t shake this article out of my head, though. I do think greetings, affirmations, and high fives matter. A lot. https://t.co/0aAvej5y6X#mnlead
#mnlead A2 Making sure representation matters, physical representations of a diverse Student/Staff population, it may not seem much but is. Also, showcasing S work outside classroom, like Media, display cases, etc.... Clean spaces implied requirement already
A2: our walls are covered in student work and art and positive messages students create. We don't do silent halls - we talk and high five and have small groups meeting all over. And parent volunteers abound! #mnlead
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A2: I try to focus on the social pieces as they will have so much more of an impact on each of the other 2 focuses. If you don’t feel valued, you will not care about the building/grounds/equipment nor your academic responsibilities.
A2. #mnlead We have a WEB program that we are rebuilding after numerous years of neglect. We want our students to become leaders in and leaders OF our school. This year's students know they are building the foundation for future cohorts to build upon.
Q2: Most experts would say that school climate includes physical, social and academic dimensions. How are you/your school fostering a positive physical climate? #mnlead
A2 Take care of the physical plant. Inside and outside. Ensure basic maintenance and a feeling of safety. Make sure to have a long-range plan of updates to keep the building fresh. #mnlead
Borrow away. I learned it from another principal when I was a teacher. It makes a difference. It goes back to the line, "Someone, somewhere, knows my name." The actions that follow only build on it. #mnlead
This looks fun! Jumping in!! Hello, #MNLead, Lucy here, education consultant in south Tx. My favorite Spring activity is bike riding around many beautiful parks around the area.
#mnlead A2 Altho, I will say, a schooI work/volunteer recently finished an outdoor classroom area, that's pretty dang cool and positive. Student/staff-maintained garden, reading areas, tents made from the wood from the trees located on-site....
A2 Great Question! Theres 3 ways to look at this question Ts, S’s & Community #mnlead Ts should be engaged w/ a #GrowthMindset S’s should be engaged, safe & willing to take risks/learn Community - the school should feel like it’s a part of the community, besides just sports! ;-)
A2 I try to foster a positive physicsl@environment by allowing my students to choose where they work-which tables to work at, on the floor, on the carpet, standing or sitting, or sometimes in the hallway #mnlead
I say: "Think about growing up as a child in a neighborhood when kids went out to play. Age didn't matter and you often met new people through common activities. If you can welcome 150 new students into your class each year then this is cake." #mnlead
A2 You know, I think it just dawned on me that the only staff in our building that have their pictures up, are the teachers. That isn't the way to show how every member is a part of our team. I'll be talking to my admin tomorrow to add custodial, lunch staff, etc. #mnlead
A3. When we have visitors in the building we play Be Our Guest during morning announcements. We also teach lessons on the importance of hospitality. Anyone who visits our building should feel seen and feel better leaving than when they entered. #MNLead
All in our building have pics up for all to see, except the custodial and lunchroom staff. Makes me think about who should have pictures up, too! #mnlead
A2) working in a Setting IV program, we work to keep a physical culture that is safe (no broken glass, see where Ss may injure self) and respectful (if something gets broken we fix to “start clean”). #mnlead
Yes. That’s why it’s important to be authentically positive. Too many sugar blowers out there bringing fake positivity. That doesn’t work either. #mnlead
A3: not well enough! We have a full time psych coming in next year, second step, Peace Jam, and vertical student groups once per month, and more - we have a plan! This year we started student goal setting and reflection so we will continue that too #mnlead
A3 check out the great things happening at our school around the SOCIAL part of the day. #schoolwallstalk would love for you to add some of the stuff you are doing. #mnlead
Social climate comes in many ways.
We started an advisory program this year to build a sense of community.
Our academic teams do a lot of team building and positive reward activities.
Always looking for new ways to promote SEL.
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A3.1 More simplicity. Praise in public and offer constructively critical feedback in private. Be specific with both. Honesty and tact are not mutually exclusive. #mnlead
A3. When we have rainy days, we play music and dance into the building. When the weather is crummy outside we make our own sunshine. Love dancing with our Kinders. #MNLead
A3. When we have rainy days, we play music and dance into the building. When the weather is crummy outside we make our own sunshine. Love dancing with our Kinders. #MNLead
A3. I help foster s healthy social environment by letting students sit where they want and with who they want. I also let students come work on their art projects in with their friends during indoor recess. #mnlead
A3) we have cohorts of learners 7-11 year olds together in a community. We have slowly started to blur lines of grade levels and started shifting the culture to be about their learning journey. It is powerful to see the community these cohorts have. #makeshifthappen#mnlead
A2 You know, I think it just dawned on me that the only staff in our building that have their pictures up, are the teachers. That isn't the way to show how every member is a part of our team. I'll be talking to my admin tomorrow to add custodial, lunch staff, etc. #mnlead
A2: signage matters. It shows what we value. Spreads how the mission / vision is coming to life. Blank walls don’t. Nor does a ripped, faded sign from 1999. The walls can talk, incidentally. #mnlead
A3: It's about taking what you learn and then DOING something about it. We have a group of Ss using KIVA to micro-loan money to causes around the world to make a difference. It's beyond incredible what they are doing. #mnlead
A3: The best part of my job is getting to be in the hallways, in classes, in the cafeteria talking to kids and getting to know them. Someone else said knowing their name...that’s so important. #mnlead
We also play music on Monday mornings during ingress. We #celebrateMonday b/c we get to come back together as a family. We want our kids to literally and figuratively dance into school. #MNLead
This is an important take. Positive school climate ≠ a place with no disagreement or problems. It is a place where people care unconditionally for one another and commit to using their talents (and differences) for continuous improvement. #mnlead
I'll post a picture of the current wall tomorrow. We'll see how long it takes to change. If it is too long, I will try to make the change myself! #mnlead
#mnlead A3 Plenty of workin w/Ss but part of having a healthy social climate is also when staff support each other, willing to be able to coop, collaborate evn with differences.
A3 #mnlead I love seeing other schools implementing staff & student interactions. @StPaulOpen just posted pictures about a staff vs student basketball game. This enhancing school spirit. We did a pie your teacher earlier in the year... but little to expand on it. #mnlead
A3: Time to talk. Time to celebrate.
PLC work was huge, in my experience, for fostering more collaborative opportunities.
Also, proactively calling and connecting with parents is huge, IMHO. Call before it might be “not a fun” phone call. #mnlead
A3 #mnlead We also need to start posting these memories in our school for students, their families and the prospective families to see. Heck, we need to post them to remind teachers to keep trying to CREATE experiences for & with their students.
A3 check out the great things happening at our school around the SOCIAL part of the day. #schoolwallstalk would love for you to add some of the stuff you are doing. #mnlead
Yeah it has been a journey. We have 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and high school. We have started the shift in 2 elementary schools, 2 middle and our HS. It has been incredible! #mnlead
Well, that is something Travis. If you think Dan Marion or Larry Czonka is going to come walking through the door in SD, you might be waiting a long time. Come to the Purple side. It's nice over here. :) #mnlead
We celebrate #scholarsofthemonth. Nominated by staff. Pic with admin. Photo posted outside the office. Celebration on Twitter and our parent letter. We love to share our #RamseyPride for academic successes! #mnlead
A4 #mnlead This is the one I think our school is really struggling at right now. There is a lot of confusion over the mission of our new standards based grading scale and that confusion has led to a lot of inconsistencies for students & families. :( #mnlead
We also play music on Monday mornings during ingress. We #celebrateMonday b/c we get to come back together as a family. We want our kids to literally and figuratively dance into school. #MNLead
And your use of @SmorePages. I use it for our weekly newsletter. By having pics and links, it sure makes it easier to celebrate the good things happening in the building. Definitely check out @RobSahliAP 1-5-15 letters. #mnlead
We celebrate #scholarsofthemonth. Nominated by staff. Pic with admin. Photo posted outside the office. Celebration on Twitter and our parent letter. We love to share our #RamseyPride for academic successes! #mnlead
Awesome! We are trying a #TeacherOfTheMonth, completely driven by students. Our WEB students created a form that allows students to nominate a teacher and tell stories of how/why they are important to them & the school. #mnlead
A4 Watching the staff move away from homework to practice NOT grading it and If the Project is for school it happens at school. Having the #equity conversation around support at home. So proud of the staff that is willing to change. #changeisHARD#mnlead
Yes! I try to stress this all the time....we may not agree or be best friends, but we still need to have respect....and I think this is important for Ts and Ss! #mnlead
A4 Commit to continuous improvement for EVERY student and adult. This includes relationships (again), high-quality and flexible instructional practices, using data to understand our impact, and amplifying student choice. #mnlead
A4: We talk a lot about reading culture and how we create a buzz around books. This means everything to book clubs, a library culture that is open & accessible, staff talking incessantly about books. But the high expectations, clear and rigorous, in our classes is key. #mnlead
Thanks @bretdom! The letter is one of the greatest ways we communicate with our parents, and often times we are highlighting the great things going on in our building! #mnlead
A4: Not enough in the realm unfortunately. We do a student of the week, but that’s not entirely academic. We’re not real consistent in promoting academic excellence. #mnlead
A4 I'm going to bring this up to my co-wrokers tomorrow and throughout the week.
Seriously... how are we celebrating growth in our students Do they know we are seeing it? So they know we are proud of them? I am not so sure right now. #mnlead
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A4: We celebrate successes as much as possible. And I try to suppress the pressure of state testing as much as possible. I don’t talk about it all year long, it’s not an emphasis for us. That’s been key for us in achieving state awards and having a year with 0 T leaving
A4: Embrace the exploration regardless of the perception or outcome. I was told by my high school counselor I "wasn't college material". He was right....at that particular moment. #mnlead
A4 We tried Teacher Talk videos this year, short video of teachers sharing a strategy that worked in their classroom. Embedded into staff newsletter #mnlead (and hi friends, just popping in here)
A4 I wonder what it would look like if each subject area celebrated a scholar each month for their gains or strengths in an area. They could be the "go-to" person for the next month when others need help. #mnlead
A4 We tried Teacher Talk videos this year, short video of teachers sharing a strategy that worked in their classroom. Embedded into staff newsletter #mnlead (and hi friends, just popping in here)
Our 6th-grade team keeps a log of their calls for the whole team to see. Keeps track of who is being called and why. Helps us find our gaps and make the good phone calls as often as we can! #mnlead
Hey my #mnlead friends if you are looking for a great PD opportunity come join us Saturday in Brookings SD for #sdedcamp sign up here https://t.co/Ya4wS3jbpx
I think we do a great job of publicizing the obvious achievements... #HistoryDay folks going to state, Jazz band kids taking 2nd place in a major regional competition.... but the achievements in the classroom, we struggle with that much more. #mnlead
A4 Student Scholars! Any 3-5th grade student demonstrating growth or mastery gets to "show off" their skills with another grade level(k-2). It could be reading, performing or a share out. They get to own that celebration and share it with others. #mnlead
I agree completely. We have the same struggles. Some of our accomplishments, like the Million Word Club, are academic in nature, but the day-to-day growth often gets overlooked. #mnlead
A4 public praise for student achievement, morning announcements for academic goals that are met and hallway signs for academic goals and school wide PBIS recognition #mnlead
Yes, life is a journey that doesn’t have a prescriptive path. My goal is to help every student have the skills to make their own choices after HS and to look forward to being a lifelong learner. #mnlead
A4: Embrace the exploration regardless of the perception or outcome. I was told by my high school counselor I "wasn't college material". He was right....at that particular moment. #mnlead
A5 Our community is that which we make it. If I show up sullen and quiet and hide in my office, that is felt in the building. If I am moving and grooving and giving "shots" of energy to all, that is also felt. We must first decide to be positive. Everyday! #mnlead
what a great idea! Positives are important for teachers and students! I have all 6-8 graders write thank you cards at the end of the year to recognize staff! #mnlead
A5 I wish more principals would be seen in the halls, stopping in classrooms. Create positive interactions. I love seeing how @Craig_SPPS, @RyanVernosh, @MarkJWestpfahl and so many more actively engage with students They. are more than paper pushers and punishers. #mnlead
In reply to
@RobSahliAP, @Craig_SPPS, @RyanVernosh, @MarkJWestpfahl
#mnlead A5 Engaging in self-reflection, especially regards to how we treat Ss. Reflect on school environment. "Have we left anyone out? How are school attitudes towards all students?" Always bring it back to the Ss.
A5 I read recently that up to 70% of our communication can be negative or neutral(verbal and written) with only 30 being positive. This was across multiple venues. It made me think about how I speak, write and think. We have to find the positive whenever possible. #mnlead
For Ss - its about connections. How often are we connecting with them on their level? And for Ts - make it fun. Get out and do something outside the building (ie. scavenger hunt at the MOA, or go to the Twins game). And engage with all because they matter! #mnlead
A3 Hall Duty is my favorite part of the day! I ask for my spot and it is prime real estate! I speak to every student in the building and address them by name! I get the chance to get 600 hugs, smiles, fistbumps! #mnlead#betheone
A5 My strategy, call out the greatness. Find ways to say the things we do rather than "not do."Build on the greatness ppl show. Let kids know we see the good things they do rather than catching them doing something wrong. #mnlead
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I think the addition next year of positive @PBISRewards for the students and staff will have a huge impact as we continue to push our positive culture up.
A5: Community can be defined as “a feeling of fellowship with others.” Building relationships, one person at a time, is the #1 thing we can do. It may seem a little thing, but it makes the big things possible! #mnlead
A5.1 Morning rounds. Check in w/those around you. Ask about their start to the day. Greet kids, with a smile, at your door, by name. Research says this increases engagement by 40%. Kids (& adults) like those who like them. And they can easily tell when you’re faking it. #mnlead
A5: So many things to talk about but we shifted our before/after school mindset from staff "supervision" to "GREETERS". It's all about mindset on one end and acceptance/welcoming on the other. #mnlead
Hey my #mnlead friends if you are looking for a great PD opportunity come join us Saturday in Brookings SD for #sdedcamp sign up here https://t.co/Ya4wS3jbpx
Students ❤ hand written notes. I'm getting a jump start on my #HistoryDay notes this year. We have 26 students who qualified for State @MNHistoryDay. I want them to know I'm proud of them & believe in them. It's the little extra that inspires & motivates them. #mnlead
In reply to
@cook_amy24, @RobSahliAP, @MNHistoryDay
This is a great example of how attitude makes all the difference. Looking at what we “get” to do vs. what we “have” to do is subtle, but has a gargantuan impact. #mnlead
A3 Hall Duty is my favorite part of the day! I ask for my spot and it is prime real estate! I speak to every student in the building and address them by name! I get the chance to get 600 hugs, smiles, fistbumps! #mnlead#betheone
#mnlead
I think the addition next year of positive @PBISRewards for the students and staff will have a huge impact as we continue to push our positive culture up.
A5: Gratitude is key. People are often under appreciated. Time to share wins- big and small- and keeping it all authentic. The more we communicate and are able / willing to be our honest selves, the more we’ll feel on the same page. Transparency and kindness often win. #mnlead
A5: Gratitude is key. People are often under appreciated. Time to share wins- big and small- and keeping it all authentic. The more we communicate and are able / willing to be our honest selves, the more we’ll feel on the same page. Transparency and kindness often win. #mnlead
CTA I am going to change our attendance forms for tardies. @Slater_Curtis_ use of those notes changes the tone in such a big way. That is going to happen in our building. #mnlead
Thanks @cook_amy24 for leading an AWESOME #mnlead discussion tonight. She chose to lead, will you? Please do! we have openings on 5/6 and 5/13. Sign up here https://t.co/yzNroB8zjV
We help you the whole way!
CTA #mnlead This is my goal this week - write a hand written note to at least 3 staff members & at least 3 students letting them know how much they mean to our school community.
A5: Gratitude is key. People are often under appreciated. Time to share wins- big and small- and keeping it all authentic. The more we communicate and are able / willing to be our honest selves, the more we’ll feel on the same page. Transparency and kindness often win. #mnlead
In the last weeks of school I’d like to find a way to recognize more kid for their academic growth. Lots of good ideas about how to do this during this chat tonight. Great work! #mnlead
Thanks @cook_amy24 for leading an AWESOME #mnlead discussion tonight. She chose to lead, will you? Please do! we have openings on 5/6 and 5/13. Sign up here https://t.co/yzNroB8zjV
We help you the whole way!
#mnlead adopted a shared leadership philosophy several years ago. It is amazing to have people from all over the country moderate this gathering space. It isn’t hard and it is incredibly gratifying. Plus…@bretdom and I can help you!
Thanks @cook_amy24 for leading an AWESOME #mnlead discussion tonight. She chose to lead, will you? Please do! we have openings on 5/6 and 5/13. Sign up here https://t.co/yzNroB8zjV
We help you the whole way!
CTA #mnlead - I plan on coming to our schools spring carnival this upcoming Friday. I want me students to see me bringing my own kids. I want them to see that I care about their our community. Plus, they love seeing us outside of teacher mode!
