As we enter a new school year, school administrators often reflect on how the previous school year went and how they can go into the new year with a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. A positive school culture not only enhances academic performance but also fosters emotional and social growth. An inclusive and safe school environment is something we are all striving for and each year seems to be increasingly important.
SHARE THIS! Tips for students and families to set the tone for a positive year
Here are some practical tips to help you start the school year on a positive note and cultivate a school culture where every student feels valued and included. While you likely are already familiar with these strategies, it's always beneficial to revisit the foundational principles that support the welcoming school culture educators strive to maintain.
1. Establish a Positive Tone from Day One
Start with a warm welcome. Send personalized messages to students and parents before the school year begins, expressing excitement about the new year. Some examples include:
- Signage: Use school signage and bulletin boards to display inclusive messages and diverse representations of students.
- Activities: Ensure staff provide fun and interesting first day activities for staff and students to get to know each other. Icebreakers, group activities, and school tours can help newcomers feel comfortable and integrated.
2. Focus on Relationships
Build Strong Teacher-Student Connections: These connections really make a big difference and sometimes teachers and school staff are the main source of support for many students. Encourage teachers to spend the first few days building relationships with students. Simple actions like greeting students at the door, learning their names quickly, and showing genuine interest in their lives can make a significant difference.
Cultivate Mentorship Opportunities: Offering mentorship programs can also be a great way to establish a welcoming environment. Establish peer mentorship programs where older students support and guide younger or new students. This not only helps the new students feel connected to older students but also offers leadership skills among the youth mentors.
3. Celebrate Diversity
Take steps to ensure that the district curriculum reflects diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. This not only validates the experiences of all students but also broadens everyone’s understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds. In planning events that celebrate diversity and various cultures, traditions and holidays, encourage students to share their own traditions and experiences.
4. Encourage Student Voice
Multiple Pathways for Student Input: Create platforms for students to voice their opinions and contribute to school decisions. Student councils, diversity committees, and providing many ways for students to share ideas with staff can help students feel heard and involved in shaping their school environment.
Pulse Checks Throughout the Year: Be sure to ask for regular feedback from students at different points throughout the year about what their perceptions and experiences are like of the school culture. This information can inform improvements that need to be addressed but also what is going well at your school.
5. Protect Physical & Emotional Safety
Take Strong Action on Bullying & Discrimination: Establish and communicate clear policies against bullying and discrimination. Ensure that all students and staff are aware of the procedures for reporting and addressing such incidents. A few ways to do this is to enact proactive measures such as implementing programs that teach empathy, conflict resolution, and respectful communication. Initiatives like peer mediation and restorative justice can help resolve conflicts and build a supportive school community.
Physical Accessibility and Safe Space: Ensure that the school’s facilities are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This includes ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Designate safe spaces where students can go if they need support, whether it’s a counselor’s office, a quiet room, or a peer support center. Additionally, ensure your school safety plans are trauma-informed.
6. Engage Parents and the Community
Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians. Use newsletters, social media, and school websites to keep them informed and involved in school activities. Each month, Alongside’s LeadWell blog offers community resources to help you out. These shareable resources on timely topics are ready-made for you to share in your school and district communication channels.
Beyond this, be sure to collaborate with community organizations to provide resources and support for students and families. This can include after-school programs, counseling services, and cultural events.
7. Professional Development for Staff
Offering training throughout the school year on inclusivity can go a long way in equipping staff with the skills they need to handle diverse classrooms and support an inclusive school culture. Strive to offer ongoing professional development for teachers and staff on topics such as:
- Cultural competency
- Anti-bullying strategies
- Inclusive teaching practices
Set up systems and norms that promote peer-to-peer learning among staff members by offering adequate time for staff to collaborate and support each other throughout the year. Peer observations, team teaching, and staff meetings focused on inclusivity can also provide opportunities for building a supportive professional learning environment.
8. Celebrate & Reflect
Schools and districts that excel at providing welcoming and inclusive learning environments prioritize celebrating and success and reflection to foster continuous improvement.
Recognition Programs: Set a tone for celebrating not just academic achievements, but also positive contributions to school culture and improvements in behavioral trends. This can be done through awards, shout-outs, and bulletin boards showcasing student and staff efforts. It is important to make it a priority that recognition programs are inclusive and diverse, celebrating a wide range of talents and contributions from all.
Continuously Reflect and Improve: Regularly assess the school culture through surveys, focus groups, and observations. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and to measure the impact of your initiatives. As the school year progresses, adapt and evolve with the students. Be open to change and continuously seek ways to improve. Involve students, staff, and the community in this process to ensure that the school culture evolves to meet the needs of everyone.
Keep the Momentum Going
Creating a welcoming and inclusive school culture is an ongoing effort that requires both commitment and collaboration from administrators, staff, students, and the community. By implementing these tips, you can help ensure that your school is a place where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. As the new school year begins, let’s embrace the opportunity to build a positive, inclusive environment that nurtures the growth and well-being of all students.
Written by: Dr. Blanca Jaure, Ph.D.
