I hope you had a great first "Before School Interview Day" with students and families. It feels so good to get people back into the building. A huge thank you to everyone for your countless hours in making this day smooth!
Welcome Back Slideshow
Personal Connection:
After Joe Beckman's keynote, I keep thinking - "how do we continue to make that personal connection, each and every day?" I think this will be our continuous challenge this year - how do we move to deep, meaningful relationships with each other, our students, and our families? How do make sure each of them feel respected, valued, and loved?
As we move into the year, take time (lots of time) to get to know each other. Hear stories. Hear voices. Hear each other. This will set the foundation to making that personal, human connection.
The Language We Use...
It's just words, right? Words and the language we use can't be that important? Right?
Wrong. The language we use directly connects to our beliefs and actions around students. When we use words like, "Oh, they are a behavior kid..." or "They are a low student", we've added a clause in what we are saying. That clause is indirectly changing the way we think, believe, and act about that student. Let me give you an example....
Imagine if people called you "that struggling employee". Even if they aren't saying it to your face, they no longer see you as an employee. They see you as someone who struggles. They see your deficits, instead of the strengths you bring. And, those deficits could be something that are temporary- should this define you?
Every student at McKinley is a student-first. Some examples include - "A student who is on an IEP", "student who struggles with comprehension", or "a student who is showing some behavioral needs". These examples alone put the student first. This allows our brain to make a connection, seeing the child as a student instead of their deficit. This brain connection will impact your beliefs and actions toward the student.
Challenge yourself - student-first language.
Building Weekly Newsletter:
Have a great weekend! Do something you enjoy and be around those you love! Take care of YOU!
-Justin
