As we dive into this next blog, let's take just a second to think about how crazy busy schools are on a daily basis. In my position (which I love), I tackle MANY different tasks on a daily basis. I sometimes assist with morning duty, do morning announcements, check and respond to emails, take phone calls, meet with parents, discipline students, visit classrooms, observe teachers, score evaluations, update social media, sign checks, etc… I could keep going, but for the sake of anyone reading, I'll give it a rest. I know my duties do not vary much from any other administrator, and as I said before, I love it! My job is definitely not monotonous. I face different challenges every day! I say all that to ultimately lead up to this: It's important that school leaders DO NOT FORGET THE LITTLE THINGS! It's the little things that often mean the most!
For me, the term "little things" refers to small invaluable actions that show others that you appreciate them and care about them. Your faculty and students need to receive these "little things" once in a while. Here are some strategies that I have used as an administrator to show my appreciation to our faculty, staff, and students:
Ideas For Teachers:
I try to visit several (if not all) classrooms on a daily basis. I don't always stay long, but I do try to stay long enough to pick up on what is being taught and see how the teacher and students interact. I have found that these short visits are a great opportunity for me to leave behind positive notes, about the size of a postcard. I make these cards in about ten minutes using my office printer and card-stock.
Starting this year, I partnered with our booster club to stock and send around a teacher snack cart every four to six weeks. I sent a google form to find out everyone's favorite snack (healthy and junk). We used the results to mix up the items on our cart. The booster club president and I roll the cart around to every teacher's room and let them choose a snack and drink.
At least a few time each year, I try to feed my faculty/staff. Sometimes, it may just be doughnuts and juice in the lounge. Other times, it may be a catered lunch from Zaxby's.
Ideas For Students:
Teachers periodically send me information for students that they would like to see recognized on the morning announcements. I put those celebrations into a video announcement that gets sent out via Google Drive to every homeroom teacher. The teachers share the video with their class.
During this COVID-19 crisis, teachers approached me about making a video for our students. We developed an awesome video, which included a message from the principal, and pictures of our teachers holding encouraging signs. Since posting this video, it has received more than four thousand views (and still rising) and many parents sent in some very positive feedback.
See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb8X1sIGwwQ&t=51s
Periodically, we plan special treats for our students. We will get the local ice cream shop to come out and give every student a cup of their choice of flavor. We also do snow cones and movie days for students throughout the year.
For Everyone:
I end the morning announcements the same way every single day! I always say, "I love each and every one of you. Let's have a great day!" I do this for two reasons. I want every student to know they are loved, and hear it from at least one person every day. I also want the last words they hear before starting the day to be encouraging and positive. We never know the mindset of our students when they come to us each morning. Some are happy and ready to roll. Others may be upset because they are experiencing trauma at home. I always try to keep that in the forefront of my thoughts each day.
We do much more than this, but these are some examples that immediately come to mind as I began writing this entry.
In conclusion, there is a multitude of different ways to express appreciation and gratitude in our schools. With all the hustle and bustle, this may seem like a minimal task (that can easily get put on the back-burner). However, it's the "little things" that matter most, and can have the biggest impact on school culture. Even as I write this blog, I realize that I don't do this nearly enough at school…or at home. Don't forget the little things! It's doesn't take much, just a thought and some time. Sometimes, a simple "thank you" or "great job" means more than you may ever realize.