{"content":{"sharePage":{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"63972656","dateCreated":"1379976908","smartDate":"Sep 23, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"MartineSiravo","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/MartineSiravo","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63972656"},"dateDigested":1532253163,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Martine","description":"One of the activities that I think is important is a beginning of year assembly. Each year my school has a "flag-raising" ceremony where we stand around the flagpole and sing our "theme song" together while listening to the principal give a short speech. I think it's important for the students to meet the principal of the school and hear him\/her speak. This creates a positive climate where everyone feels connected to the school.
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\nAnother activity that I think is crucial is a welcome and informational letter to new hires. This is something that I have not received at either school at which I was hired, and I think it would have been a great resource. Often times the newest teachers can feel the most isolated. Especially in an elementary setting, where they might not see another adult for hours at a time, teaching can be one of the most isolating jobs. If someone was on a difficult team, it would be nearly impossible to feel a part of the school climate and culture. This letter might help provide a window to some of the school ways so new hires feel more at ease.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"65366522","body":"Great points! All of my new teachers receive a handwritten "Welcome Aboard" card from me prior to the start of the school year. I want them to know how excited we are to have them as a part of our staff and that we are here to help them to be successful. I went into a classroom on Friday and I saw one of the cards hanging proudly behind the teacher's desk - and I see this often. I can share a couple of other ideas that I have used to help build positive connections with staff.","dateCreated":"1379985386","smartDate":"Sep 23, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"63889444","dateCreated":"1379535250","smartDate":"Sep 18, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"sblowe","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/sblowe","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63889444"},"dateDigested":1532253163,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Susan","description":"The first practical activity I believe would have a positive impact on school climate would be to begin to build a productive relationship with the student body by holding Beginning-of-the-Year assemblies for each grade level. I feel that this would allow the principal to communicate all the necessary information while setting the tone for the year in an upbeat manner. I like using approriate popular music to set the tone of the assembly and to get the students' attention. Having the school mascot and cheerleaders present to perform would build school spirit. Giving the students a chance to converse and interact with the principal makes them feel valued and excited to be at the school. This coupled with being in the cafeteria at lunchtime should help the principal to build strong relationships with the student body.
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\nThe second practical activity would be for the principal to coordinate timely communications with the faculty and staff. Communications like Welcome Letters, Schedules, Staff Bulletins, and Weekly Updates keep everyone informed and organized. I feel the principal can use these messages to convey his or her appreciation for the faculty and staff, affirm their efforts, and encourage them to seek him or her out should they need help or advice. All communications, I feel, should be positive and concise so as not to become burdensome. This coupled with being present in the classrooms regularly should help the principal to have a positive impact on the school climate.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"65361794","body":"I just realized that we chose the same two activities Susan! I agree completely about the communication. I think frequent communication is essential and important for all staff to feel part of a school community.","dateCreated":"1379976970","smartDate":"Sep 23, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"MartineSiravo","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/MartineSiravo","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"65366406","body":"Excellent points - we begin setting the tone immediately - even before the kids set foot in the building.","dateCreated":"1379985135","smartDate":"Sep 23, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"63871004","dateCreated":"1379464969","smartDate":"Sep 17, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"kmw007","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/kmw007","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/cabriniaspiringleaders.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/63871004"},"dateDigested":1532253164,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Karen","description":"One activity that can have a positive impact on the climate of a school would be establishing the tone for the school year. Principals need to set what the tone is going to be for the entire school year when school actually starts. The principal should be positive with the students and teachers, be a cheerleader for the school, and model what is expected of them. You could achieve this by having an assembly for students when school begins and meetings for teacher before school even starts.
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\nAnother positive activity from the text was building productive relationships with students. Once you have set the tone of the school year, the principal needs to start building rapport with his\/her students. By building relationships with your students it will show you care for them. A principal could have grade- level meetings, assemblies, classroom visits, or lunch in the cafeteria with students to build relationships with them.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"65366606","body":"Part of building connections with students really hinges upon your visibility and ongoing interactions with students. Susan mentioned the importance of being in the cafeteria - this is a great place to interact with students!","dateCreated":"1379985485","smartDate":"Sep 23, 2013","userCreated":{"username":"DrSal","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/DrSal","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1289772999\/DrSal-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}}