This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
Angela Clark Little | @EdmondSchools parent | SVP | co-founder of https://t.co/AqmRkgxF67… | #oklaed advocate | Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter ~ MLK
Jack Reed, Principal of Emerson North Alternative High School in @OKCPS My favorite MLK thought is, "We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education." #OklaEd
Tyler Bridges, @k20center Associate Director, @oueducation PhD candidate, and lover of #oklaed. This MLK quote is so important in the current times we are living. #MLKDay
Alberto Morejon, 8th Grade United States History Teacher at SJHS.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” - MLK
#OklaEd
Shari Gateley, ELA, PC West
“Men often hate each other bc we fear each other, they each other bc we don’t know each other; they don’t know each other bc they don’t communicate; they can’t communicate bc they are separated.” MLK, Jr. #oklaed
Staci Kindergarten Teacher
My favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." #oklaed
Speaker Charles McCall - HD 22. I am proud to be called a #oklaed regular and plan to live up to the title. This is a great MLK quote - In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Bradley Ward, #HigherEd Leadership & Policy Studies doctoral student & advocate for #oklaed community.
MLK quote: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”
#oklaed 🍎
Kim, I teach 4th for Norman Public Schools. I am also running for City Council for Norman Ward 7. How can I choose just one quote?
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” #oklaed
Speaker Charles McCall - HD 22. I am proud to be called a #oklaed regular and plan to live up to the title. This is a great MLK quote - In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Rep. Tammy West HD 84 #oklaed "Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." MLK
I don't think there are many truths that fit all teaching--but here is one. Excellent teaching never feels rushed, hurried. When we are hurried we cease to be present.
A1 @DuncanSchools Ts and Admin meet regularly with local business & industry to discuss economic development goals linked to internships, ICAP & #careerpathways. #oklaed
Sally Clickner, Garber Business Teacher. -“The reason I can’ t follow the old eye-for-an-eye philosophy is that it ends up leaving everyone blind.” #oklaed
Wendy Pratt, CIO, @AlphaPlusEdu | “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent." #oklaed
#oklaed
A1: We partnered with our local chamber for Classroom Partners. All of our Elem. Ts had a community partner that contributed $300+, volunteered, partnered directly with the T for what they wanted to enhance their classroom, etc.
A1. Not sure that it is an innovative way, but we offer S's in OKCPS way to see what jobs are available to them in the local and surrounding areas. #oklaed
A1: We've seen some great community engagement efforts through the CSI strategic planning process that's a partnership between @ossbaoklahoma@k20center and participating districts. It's created buy-in & a common sense of purpose/direction! #oklaed
A1) Clinton Middle School has a student assembly each Monday. Awards are given and many students are recognized for their endeavors. Parents can watch this on their devices. #oklaed
A1: At K20, we regularly build partnerships into our schools and their strategic planning process. For ourselves, we build mutually beneficial strategic partnerships built around our core mission and devlivering that to #oklaed.
A1: @tulakestwisters our school was so integrated into the community through outreach. The schoolhouse was the heartbeat of our community and when the doors were open there was always a sense of taking care of one another through various aspects. #oklaed
A1 #oklaed Working on our strategic plan with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members - facilitated by @OSSBAoklahoma and @k20center
A1: we have a program called PAT, parents as teachers, we also regularly invite community members to our school to read to Ss, or assist in some way. And I think I found a builder for a food pantry for outside 4the public. #oklaed
A1) I don't know that it is innovative but we have a career exploration class and our Ts have guest speakers lined up throughout the semester from the community. #oklaed
Jessica Robinson, Altus High School, Social Studies/ELA - my first course starting my Masters in History was over Dr. King and through him found Ella Baker who became the focus of much more of my coursework. #Oklaed
A1: Some of my Key Club students volunteer at the local SPCA. Other than that, I don't know of any innovative ways my district partnerships with the community. #oklaed
“It’s all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps.” https://t.co/dvJsWGdIfW#oklaed
Brilliant King. Powerful King. This is my father at his most truth-telling, yet love-centered, self. Watch and share on today, his 90th birthday. #MLK90#MLKhttps://t.co/eCJWCVnD1k
A1: At K20, we regularly build partnerships into our schools and their strategic planning process. For ourselves, we build mutually beneficial strategic partnerships built around our core mission and devlivering that to #oklaed.
Jo @JoMabeeLein checking on behalf of TLI. We train and coach novice teachers in partnership with school districts. I believe MLK day is one of the most important days of the year. #oklaed#equitableeducation
A1) We have several community service events throughout the school year. One of my favorites is the Veterans' Day Program in which students Pre-K thru 8th sing to veterans'. The veterans also speak of their experiences to students. #oklaed
#oklaed I sponsor a club for students interested in medical careers. Friday we had an optometrist lead the students in a cow eye dissection. One student was able to observe surgeries over winter break because of connections she made at a club meeting.
A1: Some of my Key Club students volunteer at the local SPCA. Other than that, I don't know of any innovative ways my district partnerships with the community. #oklaed
A1: I think right now as our district beings to unveil our bond issue I see an effort of partnerships between all of these groups toward a common goal. #oklaed#altusps
A1) I don’t know if this is innovative, but my school has a 30 min class every T and TH for things like enrichment and remediation. Sometimes we have guest speakers from around the community speak.
#OklaEd
A1. With running the stuco/leadership program, we go out in the community a lot with other organizations and volunteer. This week about 100 DC students and teachers will be going to the regional food pantry to volunteer follow with OKC Thunder Game. #oklaed
#oklaed
A2a: Begin looking at who has interest in student success, can impact success, can assist in sustainability of success, willing to collaborate for success of Ss.
A2b: Transparency, communication, on going collaboration, feedback loop 4 improvement, compliment educ.
Shane Sanders, Asst. Principal, @NeaVikings, @OKCPS. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Pressure bust pipes. #oklaed
A2 #oklaed Some of ours are obvious - Tinker AFB, Rose State College; others take more work to develop - chambers, the four municipalities in which we have schools, various business leaders.
A2: First, we examine our vision for the project and how that relates to our core mission. Then, we identify the BEST organizations for fulfilling that vision and we find a way to make it happen! #oklaed
A1. With running the stuco/leadership program, we go out in the community a lot with other organizations and volunteer. This week about 100 DC students and teachers will be going to the regional food pantry to volunteer follow with OKC Thunder Game. #oklaed
A2) Key stakeholders are ones that impact the school beyond just planning and meeting. There must be action that benefits our students in learning and benefits our partner so the relationship can be sustained. #oklaed
A1: #oklaed Mid-Del partners with community business and individuals for our Senior Conference. We survey students for the topics, then go into our community to find the experts!
I also have to shoutout my district for allowing me to bring in Gubernatorial candidates, media, etc. during the Governor’s race. They were so supportive and helped me weather some of the scrutiny that comes along with that exposure. #oklaed#altusps#jrobgov
Dawn Brockman, OASC Executive Director/Norman High Student Congress Advisor “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge & controversy.” MLK #oklaed
We have an "askEpic" page on FB to talk about all things Epic with parents. We communicate through FB and a parent portal to with families. Messaging is also shared with Ts as they are the direct line to our families. #oklaed
A2b #oklaed Also, as the only district in the state with our own Career Tech center, we work hard to engage our business community and fill workforce development needs @MidDel_Tech#MDPurpose
A1) The @oksde working w/ schools around the state to develop guidance for new initiative Champions of Excellence supporting community & school partnerships ensuring every child has a champion supporting their interests and learning opportunities https://t.co/4OmCy3YtiT#oklaed
Q1) from a special ed perspective, Southmoore does innovative Community Based Instruction w Students receiving special ed services. #ittakesavillage#oklaed
Our notifications were blowing up so we decided we should jump in! Our partnership with @OSSBAoklahoma for Continuous Strategic Improvement is a PRIME example of what collaboration & true partnership can do for the benefit of kids and communities. We love our CSI schools! #oklaed
A2: Partnerships for the groups mentioned in A1 and for the goal area I chair represent our diverse population. I look at data, then reach out to those that would bring knowledge and valuable input to our district. #oklaed
A2: So important to work through identifying all the key influencers in a community you want to engage & need to engage. Parents, biz community, civic groups, faith leaders ... the sometimes most underrated group: school/district employees. #oklaed
A1) One local church offers free tutoring, another church offers a mobile food pantry to 3 of our schools. We collect non perishable items for local food banks every year. #oklaed
A2) An effective partnership should be active and forward thinking. Interested individuals should be a part, but we also need to reach out to those who don't feel like their voice matters. I'm working on this more actively this semester, now that I've settled in some. #oklaed
A2 Key stakeholder groups would be as many groups as possible. An effective partnership is one that allows all people to have voice in education for the betterment of our Ss and as a result a better community #oklaed
My school has a partnership with a local hospital that was born out of a friendship with our admin. Students write thank you notes as well as get well notes to patients. #oklaed
A2 - I believe my Ss are the most important stakeholders & I try hard to get people in my classroom to hear their voices.
2b - I think effective engagement happens when we honor cultures in our community - mine is incredibly diverse & we should work at celebrating that. #oklaed
A2) Many speakers from the community come and speak at our assemblies. An effective community partnership has shared visions, communication, and feel optimistic about our community and school. Clinton graces these ideals between community and school. #oklaed
A2) civility and respect. You can’t expect anyone to partner with you if you don’t treat them with respect and form a two way relationship. No one takes kindly to demands and bully tactics. #oklaed
A2: I don’t just want those that already believe in education being top priority. I want those that need convincing to visit my school. After you leave, you will be convinced. Visiting schools changes you.
B: someone open minded, wanting to learn. #oklaed
A2 Two-way communication is necessary for effective partnerships. Schools should listen to community needs and help to bridge the gap either with community service or workforce needs. #oklaed
A2) One of the tools that we just rolled out with our partner districts is a change management tool. In it, we use a stakeholder mapping tool to make sure that all of the people are considered as change is planned and executed #oklaed
Making sure we as educators value what non educators thinks is very important.Building relationships with community and parents also a key ingredient. #oklaed
#oklaed Obvious choices for Altus would be the Air Force base and hospital. I was fortunate to have had the Commander of AAFB and the JCMH nursing recruiter in my classroom this school year. It’s all about exposure for my HS students.
A1b) another great community project is our collaboration with Beautiful Day Foundation that celebrates every kids birthday at our 5/6 center. Awesome time for community members and kid and they always have cake. #oklaed
A3) Ensuring our partnerships are with those that represent and respect the diversity of cultures of our students is vital and something I hope we are intentional about. #oklaed
A1) The @oksde working w/ schools around the state to develop guidance for new initiative Champions of Excellence supporting community & school partnerships ensuring every child has a champion supporting their interests and learning opportunities https://t.co/4OmCy3YtiT#oklaed
A1: We are working on a vision/strategic plan. We still have much work to do but relationships with community stakeholders have been developed throughout this process. #oklaed
A2) An effective partnership should be active and forward thinking. Interested individuals should be a part, but we also need to reach out to those who don't feel like their voice matters. I'm working on this more actively this semester, now that I've settled in some. #oklaed
A2 - sometimes they come to you, churches, etc. They help fulfill student needs. Transparency and communication is KEY to effective partnerships. #OklaEd
#oklaed
A3:a)Time for collaboration, too many hoops,poor communication, lack of defined outcomes/needs, no follow through.
b) Take time to communicate needs, outcomes, expectations. Have a well defined plan to maximize time for all. Flexible, open to listen, make adjustments
A2) There many people who contribute and help out in my school district (Stillwater), parents, business leaders, etc. Also partnering with OSU. #OklaEd
#oklaed Kathy Dunn, Mid-Del Assistant Superintendent. I often ponder that Dr. King came to preach at Calvary Baptist Church in OKC in 1951 in hopes of becoming their pastor, but he was not offered the job. How might that have changed the timeline of American history?
A3) Ensuring our partnerships are with those that represent and respect the diversity of cultures of our students is vital and something I hope we are intentional about. #oklaed
We take our students of the month to our little community center once a month to be recognized. We also provide free coffee/desserts to our senior citizens at all b-ball games. Our community loves that. #givingback#oklaed
A3) The key word is "partnership". Schools/districts have to be willing to give as well as receive. Show that a partnership is beneficial to both sides. #oklaed
A3) Time is one obstacle. It is critical to build partnerships with a team so time can be managed. If it is left to one person it is too easy to get caught up in everything else and not make these critical partnerships important. #oklaed
Norman High has partnered with the community to work on a tiny house as a class for those struggling with homelessness in the community. #oklaed Our charitable giving week always focuses on on a worthwhile organization in our community—this year @TheVirtueCenter
A3: Time & money, but most oftentimes it is simply not knowing that an organization exists that could be a prime partner for delivering our missions. When I came to @k20center I was amazed at how many in #oklaed had no idea who we were or what we do. Its all about outreach!
A1. I know in-service days can be long on responsibilities and short on classroom work time, but half of one of our PD days was spent volunteering as a staff at The Regional Food Bank. #oklaed
A3 Perception-some groups feel they are not permitted to be involved or have been excluded.
Negative Experience-some groups have negative memories of school and fear getting involved.
Must overcome perception and fear by reaching out and repairing relationships #oklaed
I think that sharing the load is key in overcoming time/scheduling problems. Teacher leaders need to be free to coordinate community efforts- not just the admin team #oklaed
A1) From what I’ve seen, certain teachers have created student projects to practically solve a problem in the community. Then the students can present their solutions to people in the community, teaching problem solving and citizenship. #oklaed
A3 A3 Being on the defensive when we get negative feedback can be an obstacle. It is important for schools to be transparent about challenges and celebrate success with our community friends. #oklaed
A3- Language barriers, perception issues (which are not reality) keeping people away from my school
3b - We overcome these obstacles by continuing to invite & continuing to tell stories. My Ss are amazing, resilient, and inspiring! #oklaed
A2. Sometimes, the ones who you believe are the worst/not effective because they think differently than you, ARE THE ONES WHO YOU SHOULD HAVE AT THE TABLE THE MOST.
#oklaed
A3) I don’t think we really have any obstacles in our community. Community leaders support the district and there is a excellent relationship between community leaders and our district.#oklaed
A3) Time is a huge obstacle, but it shouldn't be an excuse. Utilizing key stakeholders to help increase the partnership experience is key. Admin are not alone on the ship but sometimes we don't want to share control. Working smarter, not harder is essential. #oklaed
A1. With running the stuco/leadership program, we go out in the community a lot with other organizations and volunteer. This week about 100 DC students and teachers will be going to the regional food pantry to volunteer follow with OKC Thunder Game. #oklaed
Q2: Key stakeholders are ALL of those that connect to the school and programs (athletics, band, choir, stuco, ALL...) A good partnership is one that allows rumbling meaning we can truly talk about what’s good and bad and trust each other to work for the good of the Ss #oklaed
A1) For various projects this year, we have community members/Partners in Ed involved each step of the way. We meet regularly and establish action steps when we adjourn. Not sure that it meets “innovative,” but it’s been highly effective. #oklaed
A3 When the community gives negative feedback, we must address concerns honestly & show how we create action to improve. Negative feedback can be re-framed if we clearly communicate our vision and values. #oklaed
A2) thanks to @mbryant0526 we put together a senior conference this year. We asked many members of our community to be speakers. We felt like the students in Grady Co would benefit from people they see around or know. Know the audience. #oklaed
A3) A couple years ago we realized that we weren’t really partners because we didn’t have any skin in the game. Partnerships can’t just be taking. #oklaed
A3) schools have to be open to collaboration, more of a community school mindset. No one can do it alone. Ours students need everyone engaged. Schools, families and the community #oklaed
A3. One thing that inhibits is tends to be the school's perception. The old thought of the school being an institution and not a place of creativity, learning, and love. One way to overcome this is to be open to the community and reach out in positive ways. #oklaed
A3: A strategic vision for the partnership. Goals and metrics will get external partners to the table but commitment comes from ensuring they see the aligned vision of the partnership.
#oklaed 🍎
A2. Sometimes, the ones who you believe are the worst/not effective because they think differently than you, ARE THE ONES WHO YOU SHOULD HAVE AT THE TABLE THE MOST.
#oklaed
A3: Time is always going to be a challenge, however providing an opportunity for all partners to be heard is important. Partnerships are two way streets, each have to give as well as receive. #OklaEd
#oklaed Community engagement is the first thing I will put on the back burner when I get behind. The best solution for me would be to plan early. Seek out involvement early in the school year before the madness begins 😂.
A2: Parents, Ss, Ts, admin, board members, community members and businesses are all a vital part to the success of #oklaed. Depending on the project you might target a specific grade level or sector of the business community to achieve a thriving and mutual partnership.
A2. Sometimes, the ones who you believe are the worst/not effective because they think differently than you, ARE THE ONES WHO YOU SHOULD HAVE AT THE TABLE THE MOST.
#oklaed
Like I said, it's a work in progress. It'll get there. It's amazing how much people will reach out once they feel they've been heard. Again, I'm no where near perfect at this, but I'm trying. #oklaed
A3) Most who know me would not expect this...I am borderline introverted...or I just have some social anxiety. Regardless, I found this article helpful when it comes to building relationships, networking, connecting, etc. https://t.co/FB8pz7XUzH#ownit#oklaed
A3) time and not knowing who to reach out to. Think outside of the box and don’t rule anyone out. For the most part, community members care about their surrounding schools and they want to be involved. #oklaed
A4) Communication is a two way street. Listening and having a mindset that allows for flexibility and change is vital in building a partnership. #OklaEd
Q2: Key stakeholders are ALL of those that connect to the school and programs (academic, extracurricular, university, business, ALL...) A good partnership allows rumbling meaning we can truly talk about what’s good/bad and trust each other to work for the good of the Ss #oklaed
A3: lack of poor communication to the community. I’d try to develop a communication team to try and empower people to help come up with ideas to navigate through the obstacles #oklaed
A3) Burning Bridges. Social media is a blessing and a curse. When you attack someone on social media for disagreeing on one issue, you lose a potential ally on another issue or project in the future. This isn’t helpful for community engagement. #oklaed
Said almost the same words at our Instructional Leader PD meetings last week. Ts so often have to find work-arounds to problems that @AlphaPlusEdu doesn’t hear about issues w/which we could help. ... Principals really need to have their radar up. #oklaed
A) Seek out those who might disagree with you but would be willing to have an honest conversation. The goal is to keep truth from becoming the first casualty. #oklaed
A4 - Getting out of the office, calling parents prior to assigning discipline. Encouraging parents and community members to be part of your school day. Still working to get these things off the ground.I didn’t start it but we have therapy dogs and they are great! #oklaed
I left the Student Success Summit Friday and went home to start creating a community partnership survey to gather info. Community service projects are a part of it! #oklaed
A4: Ensuring all demographics are on committees, surveys to all stakeholders (personnel, students, community), community & town hall like meetings #oklaed
A4 #oklaed 1. Be open to people who make you feel uncomfortable. 2. Avoid edu-speak. 3. Create consistent opportunities for feedback. 4. Lead transparently.
A4: Being available during faculty meetings, available during alumni meetings, available during board meetings, available doing student council meetings- just. Being. Available. It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do #OklaEd
A4- Not sure other than to say it needs to be consistent, transparent, and authentic. Feedback should mean something. No point in asking for it if you don’t do something with it. #oklaed
I wish that kid and that teacher knew that there are no bad kids, just judgmental people who maybe need to question if education is their true calling. #Oklaed
A4 Provide opportunities for communication, PT Conf during various times to best meet the need of all parents, communication with civic groups, cooperation with churches, community groups, newspaper articles, townhalls, feedback forms, etc #oklaed
A4. Start with 2way communication, but most importantly follow up/through. A lot of times the first step is taken and the conversation starts, but there is no follow through or action. #oklaed
A2 cont. When your meetings and decision makers all think, act, believe, look and talk the same, but your school/district/organization is more diverse...
#oklaed
A3) Developing shared mission & goals for a partnership can be difficult. I love the tools developed by @RPCollaboratory Although they center on research partnerships, great tools for all partnerships https://t.co/u3PZMSRfn5#oklaed
A3: Sometimes there is mistrust on behalf of any of the stakeholders. In order to move conversations fwd you have to be upfront about the past, & have a clear direction for the future holds. Effective communication and clear expectations always yield the best results. #oklaed
A3)Not communicating about what many are doing in the school is a huge obstacle.We have to work at being noticed for all the good we do. To overcome any obstacle we have to reduce negativity of talk,reorganizing things,and realizing that personnel are on the same side. #oklaed
A4: I think it's important to ask how people want to be communicated with & try to respect those preferences so you can build the strongest possible relationship. #oklaed
A4: Being available during faculty meetings, available during alumni meetings, available during board meetings, available doing student council meetings- just. Being. Available. It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do #OklaEd
I think you hit on an important piece! Even your supporters will not want to give input if they feel it doesn’t matter in the decision making process. #oklaed
A4- Not sure other than to say it needs to be consistent, transparent, and authentic. Feedback should mean something. No point in asking for it if you don’t do something with it. #oklaed
Q3: I would say time most inhibits engagement. Communication is another obstacle....making sure we are reaching everyone. Sometimes we get blinders and rely on those that are easy to get to. #oklaed
A4) I sound like a broken record but this is also relationships. You won’t get feedback if you are deemed unapproachable and disrespectful and you most definitely won’t be asked for yours either. #oklaed
A2 cont. When your meetings and decision makers all think, act, believe, look and talk the same, but your school/district/organization is more diverse...
#oklaed
A4) "All" is hard. I think as long as we are working toward reaching "more" we are moving in the right direction. I added in multiple social media pages this year, updated the website, send letters, and make calls and some people still feel out of the loop. #oklaed#notperfect
A4a) I have an open door policy with my the Ps in my room. They know that they can come to me with any questions and concerns. I try to state aware of community events through PTO and ball games. #oklaed
A3: Sometimes there is mistrust on behalf of any of the stakeholders. In order to move conversations fwd you have to be upfront about the past, & have a clear direction for the future. Effective communication and clear expectations always yield the best results. #oklaed
A4). I also think student voice,regardless of age, is important to stakeholder communication. Use multiple pathways to communicate often and allow authentic input #oklaed
I left the Student Success Summit Friday and went home to start creating a community partnership survey to gather info. Community service projects are a part of it! #oklaed
A4a) In our classroom discipline series we did in partnership with Oklahoma Schools Advisory Council, we discussed and practiced 4 competencies for engaging with families and leveraged the @FlamboyanFDN resources https://t.co/XWkeIviZOg Educators are responsible #oklaed
A4 Communicate in a variety of ways...realize that not all families have internet access. Make time for face to face communication. Build real relationship! #OklaEd
Schools will continue to be a reflection of our values not only as a community but a nation. Our kids are the heart of our schools, and we need to remember that they always come first. #oklaed
Very cool, @ByrneCharissa ! Del City High School has gained some great supporters by reaching out to community groups for athletic events. They follow our students' success now and provide for them when they see needs they can fill. #oklaed
We take our students of the month to our little community center once a month to be recognized. We also provide free coffee/desserts to our senior citizens at all b-ball games. Our community loves that. #givingback#oklaed
Sharing credit is a great way to ensure communication continues. If all people hear is "I, I, I" they will tune you out and communication will stop. #oklaed
A2 - I’m learning that effective community engagement is more about listening than talking— and is richer when we purposely seek to include those who seldom show up to engage. #oklaed
Q4: Using all avenues to connect is big...surveys, online, meetings, but also ballgame chats in the lobby, coffee at local breakfast hangout, city council and community organization meetings. Being available in nonschool places. #oklaed
A4 #oklaed 1. Be open to people who make you feel uncomfortable. 2. Avoid edu-speak. 3. Create consistent opportunities for feedback. 4. Lead transparently.
A5 This is a weakness of mine. I used to be able to say I was new to the comm, but I'm not anymore & seeing how more recent transplants have been able to involve the comm makes me push myself. I'm awkward & get too excited about school & babble. Gotta work on it. #Oklaed
A5- I invited legislators, school board members, and OSDE people to my classroom earlier this yr to listen to my Ss presentations on a HS redesign. It was incredible! #oklaed
A5: Asking parents and community members to serve the school on various committees. Most are willing and excited to be asked to be involved. We just have to reach out! #oklaed
A5 #cpsreds has parents/grandparents that read with Ss, businesses have presented at career days, community members also serve on the ongoing strategic plan committees #oklaed
We want to encourage servant leadership with our students. Instead of a philanthropic week where we raise money we go into the community and serve. We have a partnership with Parmalee Elem and Stanley Hupfield where our students are mentors. #oklaed
Sharing credit is a great way to ensure communication continues. If all people hear is "I, I, I" they will tune you out and communication will stop. #oklaed
A5 - We have 3 churches who support our school, in various avenues, including finances. We are asking parents to shadow their students to assist with behavior rather than send them home. Our PTA is very supportive. #oklaed
A5) Invite then and include them. But make sure if we do we really, really are sincere and don’t marginalize them when they are engaged and involved. #oklaed
A5) For the two years I have been at Emerson, one critical partner we have is @FoundationOKCPS They have been able to provide funding for proms, graduation & diplomas, AEDs, and most recently moving our intercom system. They are wonderful. #oklaed
A5: all this be available time is nice, and in a perfect world we would be available when any person needed us. Now let’s be realistic. At plan we have meetings, at lunch if we don’t have duty we have an IEP meeting, or need to make copies, or counsel a student. #oklaed
A5: Make sure that they know that their children are putting on the "show". I don't think any Parent wants to see a school fail. They want to be involved. #oklaed
A4: Communication is a 2-way street. The only way to know if things being implemented are going well, is to ask for honest & constructive feedback. When stakeholders feel like a valuable part of the process, it creates buy in & helps keep the momentum forward. #oklaed
A5 Community members have been involved in our strategic plan & continue to serve on district committees in finance, operations, STEM, G/T, etc. We teach a School Finance 101 class & ask for community input everywhere we can. #oklaed
Invited an architect to teach 1st graders how to draw a blueprint, asked city workers to show how recycling works to PreK, visited businesses like Cold Stone to learn about goods and services, ask parents @ beginning of yr abt expertise #oklaed
A5: I’ve had K-12 schools ask me to come speak with their students and I’ve been “principal for a day” a few times.
Great opportunities to gain further insight, listen and take that information back to the at-large community.
#oklaed 🍎
A4b) I ask for classroom volunteers during special projects/events in our classroom. I have even been honest at times. I am not always the best at asking for assistance so it is okay if Ps ask what I need as I work towards a goal of asking myself. #oklaed
We ask for help. We ask for input. We listen to their comments and complaints. Sometimes the truth hurts. But if you don't ask hard question then you don't get real answers. #oklaed
I’ve had plenty of people in my classroom. But social media is the best place to tell stories and give people an idea of the amazing things our students and schools are doing. #oklaed
I'm looking to do a PBL-style research project w/ my ENGL I Ss this semester. We've always done a more traditional, individual research paper, but I've never really liked that approach and neither have my Ss. I'm not sure where to start, though. Any suggestions? #oklaed#elaok
When I was still a principal we had family nights that were fun and engaging and let students “teach” their parents through interactive experiences. We often hit on objectives we were trying to improve #oklaed
A5. Even though I am no longer in a district, I am elated to still connect with the community through social media. I try my best to keep all informed through articles, posts, sharing stories strategies, etc. #oklaed
We ask for help. We ask for input. We listen to their comments and complaints. Sometimes the truth hurts. But if you don't ask hard question then you don't get real answers. #oklaed
Schools will continue to be a reflection of our values not only as a community but a nation. Our kids are the heart of our schools, and we need to remember that they always come first. #oklaed
Held events w/schools where families & community members were invited to join children in doing science investigations. Adults saw how engaging & meaningful learning in science could be & the support that would be required for all Ss to have this opportunity. #oklaed
A5) Guest speakers, invitations to assemblies, subbing, volunteering, booster clubs are very active. Hoping to grow community involvement after sending out an interest survey. #oklaed
A3: An obstacle that inhibits community engagement might be fear. Some worry that they won't know how to relate to young people because they haven't been around them. Some fear because of the negative impression that bad press might have left with them. #makeiteasy#oklaed
to establish appropriate communication, boundaries are important. I have spent a lot of time establishing appropriate boundaries for adults and students who work with our school. In addition to boundaries you need common goals, or you will have chaos. #oklaed
A4 communication- control the information through school messenger and social media
Feedback- communicate availability in office, through email, etc. #oklaed
A6) We should be looking to partner with a variety of groups that feed into our schools. If we ensure diversity on our committees and truly listen to them then we can move toward equity in our schools. #oklaed
A6 If we don't hear or listen to the voices of all stakeholder groups we will never be able to see where there is inequity and you can't fix a problem you don't know exists #oklaed
A6: Having our “customers” in the building frequently keeps us accountable to them and keeps us in tune with what they need from their local school. #oklaed
A6: When you ensure everyone has a seat at the table, then everyone can truly have a seat at the table.
Nothing disenfranshises the underrepresented more than being underrepresented when talking about the real needs of the community you serve. #oklaed
A1 recently Oologah High School hosted a senior summit this past week. Professionals within our community participated and answered questions from our seniors in regards to their professions and education. #oklaed
A5: I try to find a local group to score my students' research papers each year. They use the same rubric as my students, so it shows both groups about each other. #oklaed
A6- They can only help if they are representative of the Ss in the school. Representation matters and it matters in those partnerships as well. #oklaed
#oklaed My students have heard from a public health microbiologist, a nurse recruiter, an athletic trainer, optometrist, Colonel/pilot so far this school year. I teach science so I try to get speakers with a STEM-related focus. Many are parents of my Ss
Q5. Social media can be the easiest to share what’s happening in your school—people can see your pride for your school, classroom and students. #oklaed
Many of the schools in my district go to camp classes, we will go for the first time this spring. We have community members helping with the finance since we are over 70% free & reduced #oklaed
A6 #oklaed Share the needs of your students and how they vary from site to site with stakeholders who serve on your GT, Title I, technology committees...and the like. Let them steer that ship for you.
A6: When you ensure everyone has a seat at the table, then everyone can truly have a seat at the table.
Nothing disenfranshises the underrepresented more than being underrepresented when talking about the real needs of the community you serve. #oklaed
A5) our 5th-12th grade Ps and Ss had to meet with us one on one @ the beginning of the school yr to go over expectstions and this year’s goals. We had 100% participation. Our elementary has reading night & math night and it’s interactive for Ps & Ss #oklaed
When I was still a principal we had family nights that were fun and engaging and let students “teach” their parents through interactive experiences. We often hit on objectives we were trying to improve #oklaed
A6.
- Attend community events to understand vs to reply
- Attend not trying to be the savior on the mission field.
- Learn the culture, not to appropriate it for likes on social media, but to understand what can work best for students.
I have more but...
#oklaed
A6 Great ideas come from diversity. If we do not seek out diverse voices, we cannot meet the individual needs of our Ss. We can't do our best work in an echo chamber. #oklaed
A5: @DCAntlers always has robust parent involvement w fundraising activities to support the school, Ts, and Ss. This amount of inclusion speaks to the strength of communicating the needs of the school & having engaged parents who have a variety of ways to help the school. #oklaed
A6: When you ensure everyone has a seat at the table, then everyone can truly have a seat at the table.
Nothing disenfranshises the underrepresented more than being underrepresented when talking about the real needs of the community you serve. #oklaed
#oklaed Exposure. Community members need to see what goes on at school so they can be a part of the progress. With a bond issue coming up, this is especially important in my district.
A6- They can only help if they are representative of the Ss in the school. Representation matters and it matters in those partnerships as well. #oklaed
A6: Get as many different partners involved in your schools. Different churches, competing businesses etc. Show S's that others can work together. #oklaed
A5: #oklaed Mid-Del is starting an evening English Learning Lab for our parents of EL students. Stay tuned! We hope to brag about it in the next few weeks.
A6) Various community partners can reach different groups of Ss to see future possibilities. Every kid should know there is a purpose for their life and have people investing in helping them reach it. #oklaed
A6) Listen to what the community's needs are. Listen to the people these students will one day serve. Build empathy, skills, & capacity in Ts and Ss through highly-effective, research-based practices so they are prepared to serve in2 these needs. #oklaed
A7) It is our responsibility to educate our community members who will be our strongest supporters with complete understanding of our mission and obstacles. #oklaed
A7) We can begin by inviting them into our schools to celebrate with our students and staff. Nothing turns off a volunteer or donor more than the feeling that their only use is their pocketbook. We must have true partnerships. #oklaed
A7 A community will support and advocate for the school when there are shared values. If there has not been communication and collaboration to build those shared values then the community will be at odds w/school or administration #oklaed
LOL! It’s basically kind of like summer camp (in the turner falls area) for 3 or 5 days. It helps build community in your students and lines up with 5th grade science curriculum #OklaEd
A6 Encouraging Ss, Ts, and Admin. to engage in service projects like United Way Day of Caring creates advocates all around our community. We serve our larger community and the result is tremendous advocacy for public education. #oklaed
A6 Great ideas come from diversity. If we do not seek out diverse voices, we cannot meet the individual needs of our Ss. We can't do our best work in an echo chamber. #oklaed
A4: Not everyone within our district has internet access, this limits our communication. We use the local paper and allcall for contact. We are in the beginning of building electronic surveys, with hard copies available, to get feedback. #oklaed
A7) Information! Inform community members of your needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Invite them into schools and classrooms. Ask for their help and expertise. Don't let potential go untapped. #oklaed
Community engagement/partnerships can be life changing for students w disabilities. It can impact Employment and Community Living #inclusionmatters#oklaed
A6: Valuable communication happens w frequency. If stakeholders are invested in the vision it can bring inspiring levels of engagement. These kinds of partnerships can help fill any number of gaps for the Ss within the school. #oklaed
A7 #oklaed Invite them to your professional development. We had more than 50 community stakeholders at a trauma-informed schools training this month, and many of them left the meeting asking what they could do to help our students.
A6) As we think about partnerships and equity, we must first, of course, look inward. To what extent are our classrooms culturally responsive to our kids? All kids need windows and mirrors. Some of us can serve as both... many of us cannot. #oklaed
A7: Develop trust and communicate to the point of overcommunication. To ensure consistent advocacy we have to create clarity of our mission and ensure everyone is on the same page. Clarity, clarity, clarity. #oklaed
A7. Have them be substitute teachers (without the press, pomp and circumstance). They'll learn the culture, the difficulties and more.
They'll walk away truly understanding and appreciating educators. #oklaed
A7: during the teacher walkout the Norman community came together and supported us 100%! It was phenomenal! We had bfast every morning donated. We had food, drinks, supplies, etc. our community is with us and has our back. Which is why I want to give back! #oklaed
A7) Invite them into our schools. Tell them stories. On another note we have a funding issue in Oklahoma, this would help community members understand even more the struggles teachers deal with daily.
#OklaEd
A7) talk about our school, our Ss, our Ts. Let them in and let them see what we love! Invite them! @Alex_Longhorns has some of the best community members who advocate for us. If you don’t believe me, come see our facilities. #oklaed
A7 - Be real, be genuine. Share your successes and your needs. Invite them into your building so they can see what is going on. Be aligned with your district’s goals. Be THANKFUL and APPRECIATIVE when they support you. #oklaed
Excellent idea! Why not share what we are learning with our community?! We can expand our educational experiences beyond the walls of the school house. #oklaed
A7 #oklaed Invite them to your professional development. We had more than 50 community stakeholders at a trauma-informed schools training this month, and many of them left the meeting asking what they could do to help our students.
A7: The Golden Question. If we are seeking equity there is bound to be some deviation of message depending on the populations we serve. I value the community members who continue to show up for our Ss, therefore we should value the stakeholders that cont. to show up for #oklaed
A7) We have to tell our story! Blast the positives as often as we can, so the positives outweigh the negatives. If we tell our story as often as we can and correct the misinformation wisely then it'll help make the message more consistent. #oklaed
A7) Engage them with things they are interested in - draws them in, gets them interested, helps them to have a reason to want to help when they connect to a purpose they understand #oklaed
Relationships, relationships, relationships. We won’t always agree on everything but strong relationships and trust will keep community members advocating for the school. Ongoing communication keeps us all on the same page #oklaed
A7: Once I was first invited to visit and speak to students I was hooked.
I began facilitating conversations with both parents and teachers so I have both variables of the equation.
Continuing to listen and be engaged helps me to be a stronger advocate.
#oklaed 🍎
A7) Gratitude and kindness will inspire your community to stick with it. Losing the sense of entitlement and celebrating small victories will keep them passionate and feeling like they make a difference. #oklaed
A8: The @k20center partnership with 46 #oklaed schools and multiple organizations are helping to deliver amazing services to over 12,000 students across the state. #GEARUPworks
Q6 I think the walkout exposed inequities in public education and by educating the public, communities stand ready to help more than they did before to get us get where we need to be. #oklaed
A3) Time, lack of opportunity to talk with various partners and potential partners in one room, irregular communication, disorganization. Re: overcoming-formulate a plan and stick to it (e.g., reg mtgs, defined action steps, collaborative decision-making). #oklaed
Emerson North High School in @OKCPS received from @ContinentalOil Angel Tree gifts for all of our parenting students. The generosity shown to our students and staff is appreciated beyond words. Every student and staff in attendance received a gift. @WmStubbs@FoundationOKCPS
A8) I gotta go back to community 5/6 grade birthday parties hosted at school by community leaders and Beautiful Day Foundation. It’s really fun to watch. #oklaed
A7) Perhaps we are attempting to build a coalition but only building a network... coalition building requires a shared investment and this means doing work together. #oklaed
A7: Relationships! Give our community members opportunities to sit with our students and hear our students advocate for their schools. You just can't help but love them! #oklaed
A7) communicating w parents/community members on advocacy priorities. Also provide advocacy/leadership training to your parents/community members #oklaed
A8. For 3 years now, Del City HS with the community has hosted a city wide Big Event. Different groups work on different projects from painting fences and fire hydrants, to trimming crape myrtles and picking up trash. To building a bocce ball court for our sped eagles. #oklaed
Every speaker this year has commented on how thoughtful and forward thinking my students’ questions were. That kind of stuff spreads in a small town 😊. The community needs to know how great my students are and what resources could propel them even more. #oklaed
Imagine if they spent a day in kindergarten… they’d be offering up all kinds of help… :) #OklaEd
In all seriousness the trauma is becoming an epidemic. We need more programs, LPC’s, and behaviorists #okaled
A8: Clinton Parents as Reading Partners has directly helped our students in that we are putting books in future students hands, meeting with parents, engaging them in the reading process. #oklaed
A8 Our local economic development foundation hosts CO2 races each year at the secondary level. Business & Industry members sponsor prizes and participate alongside Ss. #oklaed
A7 #oklaed Invite them to your professional development. We had more than 50 community stakeholders at a trauma-informed schools training this month, and many of them left the meeting asking what they could do to help our students.
A8 - As a result of people showing up & listening to my Ss ideas to improve their HS experience, we are looking at adding an after school program & changing the bell schedule next yr. My Ss gained confidence & felt valued! That is the best “help” they can get! #oklaed
A8) our surrounding churches feed our athletic teams at least once during each season. Our local bank (First National bank) did an angel tree project for our students with our school & community members at Christmas time. #oklaed
A7b) This is why districts should have someone who educates their staff on issues and then directs them to educate their friends and neighbors. It has to be ongoing and not just when crisis arises. Proactive > Reactive. #oklaed
A8: I take nearly 100 freshmen every Thursday to the church next door for free lunch and fellowship. So thankful for this partnership! Thank you Sunnylane United Methodists! #oklaed
Q8) Our school partners with a local lawyer's office that provides Christmas gifts/clothes to Ss/families in need. I have had a Ps that have cried on my shoulder because without those gifts/clothes. This family would not have had a a Christmas. #oklaed
A8) Like @k20center , TLI has partnered with school districts to provide training and support to novice teachers. Who is pouring into our educators who sacrifice so much for our kids? #newteachersmatter#yearoftheteacher#oklaed
A8) I gotta go back to community 5/6 grade birthday parties hosted at school by community leaders and Beautiful Day Foundation. It’s really fun to watch. #oklaed
A8) Students Striving for Success is our mentor program. 125 k-6 grade students have adult community members that spend 45 minutes per week with them. It’s incredible. #oklaed
A8) Grief counseling available by clergy after a S death. With only 3 counselors in the district we needed extra support and they graciously provided it. #oklaed
A8: we have the rotary club at our school monthly to donate 2 bikes to top attendance children. We have a school resource police officer that attends assemblies, we have many community members that attend various things. #oklaed
A9) I am going to encourage all stakeholders to attend community meetings in @OKCPS to hear about the Pathway to Greatness project so informed discussions can follow. #oklaed
A9: I will be sending out reminders of two committee meeting coming up within the next two weeks, along with attachments so everyone will be ready to dig in #oklaed
Q7 Keep those conversations from last year going. We aren’t there yet. Tell them what our needs are in the areas of funding, class size and what it will take to recruit and keep teachers in Oklahoma. #oklaed
@OklahomaPTA we partner with schools everyday. We will be partnering w @OKCPS Westwood Elementary in March to host a bilingual PTA STEM+Families Science Festival. #oklaed
@UCOBronchos hosts the Winter Glow, President’s Christmas Party and other events for Edmond’s students to spend time on campus and help celebrate the holidays and receive free school items and gifts. I’ve volunteered since 2008.
#oklaed 🍎 #RollChos 🐴
A8: We invite industry ldrs, retired Ts, elected officials, & other stakeholders to judge our 4th grade science fair. The best part is watching the pride on the Ss face as they present & defend their projs. Incredible testament to awesome things happening in our schools #oklaed
A9: I am running for City Council. I am out in my community canvassing, door knocking, attending meetings. I am out there! Trying to give back to a community that took me in and loves my students. #oklaed
I love that I get to help T's in my job. I know that my help can in turn help them help S's. I am thankful for #oklaed chats like this to remind me why I do what I do. Thank you @ShawneeSup and @melhau11 for a great chat tonight.
A9: I am meeting with a new group of Mid-Del area community partners this week as Leah's Hope has its first community event to discuss serving and helping families rise out of homeless situations. #oklaed More than a hand out, Leah's Hope is a hand up!!
