Facing Our Giants

Just as Coach Grant Taylor and the Shiloh Eagles football team in the movie Facing the Giants confronted their modern day Goliath, our students often struggle with “giants”- imposing upon and impacting their lives each day of school. From home, to friends, to social media, to school, they often face issues that simply “get in their way” of enjoying school and life. Knowing this, it is important that we “meet them where they are” and provide a support system to help them while they are with us at school.

Often just by knowing that there is a caring adult nearby to listen to them, our students find this comforting; it is an added assurance that “things will be ok”. In working to help our students to be successful, here are three steps you can implement to help them in this process:
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Maintain Open Channels of Communication with your students (and colleagues):  Communication is the key and this helps your students understand that you want to stay “connected” with them. Talk with them about their interests, likes, and goals. Showing a sincere interest in your students will create a positive bond with them. Keep the “team” in the loop, as colleagues may have additional insight in to ways to help. Also, keep channels of communication open with parents, since they can provide information that is beneficial to their child’s welfare.

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Home Base: Establish a Home Room setting where students can touch base with a specific teacher throughout the year. This creates a “safe” zone of comfort for the student. We’ve established the Character Connection Class that addresses the Home Base factor (see March 6, 2013 Blog Post: Character Connection Class…Building Relationships in a place to call “Home”). This is more than a home room or Academic Lab, it is a scheduled time for a small group of students to meet with a specific teacher on a regular or semi-regular basis.

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Watch for Signs of Change: In the event you see a change in behavior, attendance, social groups, or appearance, make contact with the counselor, parent, and grade level administrator. Changes in these key areas are often signs which signal a concern for the child. Always follow up with the counselor and administrator to check on the student’s progress.

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We all want what is best for our students, and often they need us for support and assistance far more often than they will admit. Knowing that they have us in their “corner” always helps. Taking proactive steps to create a positive and conducive learning atmosphere is best for all students. Tackling the 21^st century Goliath will help our students become productive citizens both in school and in the greater community! Make it a great day - the choice is up to you!

Student Voice

I have always been a proponent of student voice in the classroom and greater school community. Mrs. Royce and her Character Connection Class (CCC) invited me to attend their class. In meeting with Mrs. Royce’s CCC, the students wanted to share their insight, thoughts, and ways to improve the use of our “annual theme” at Francis Howell Middle. This year’s theme Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships was the focus of CCC discussion. The class created a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement with this year’s theme. Using similarities and differences the class analyzed the theme in relation to last year’s theme How Full is Your Bucket? They explained that this year’s theme did not live up to the school’s traditional “theme” standards. They voiced their concern of how they were disconnected from the theme, the lack to continuity, and how the theme was not embedded throughout the school community.

Following their presentation they sat quietly waiting for my reply or “rebuttal”.  First I thanked them for making the time during CCC to discuss, plan, and create this PowerPoint presentation. Secondly, I explained that I was impressed with the way they collected their thoughts and shared their opinions about the theme in a positive and productive manner. I reminded them of the importance of “student voice” in our school and without their voiced input, we cannot truly move forward in supporting their educational endeavors. Simply stated, we need their valued input. I shared with the class that there were definite facets of the theme that we failed to roll out in a way that would connect the students to the theme.

I am so proud of this CCC and their endeavor to reach out to me by sharing their voice in a matter that is very dear to our school community. On that day, I became the student and they led me through an empowering and empowered lesson on student voice. I am proud to be the principal of a school where my students have been affirmed and know that it is “ok” to speak their mind when they have a concern, question, or thought on the subject of “their” education.