Spirit Week: Five Questions School Teams Should Address

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Spirit Week can have good intentions, but it is important to make all students feel included each day. Considerations are offered for the following Spirit Days: Beach Day, College Spirit Day, Disney Day, Fancy Friday, Jersey Day, School T-Shirt Day, and Tacky Christmas Sweater Day. Make sure you school’s theme week aligns to your school district’s mission statement. Spirit … Read More

Intentionally Supporting Your Staff All Year Long

Martin SilvermanBlog, Lead Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: School leaders should be intentional all year when facilitating positive school culture. Supporting your staff all year long means you need to treat each part of the year differently. In the beginning of the year, develop routines, build relationships, and get to know where everyone is academically. The time of the year approaching spring break is a great time … Read More

Developing School Culture No Matter Who You Are

Martin SilvermanBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: When hiring new staff, consider those who move your vision forward.  Non-teaching staff members (counselors, librarians, paraprofessionals, custodians, etc.) play a big role in developing school culture. Parents and community members are vital to the building of school culture.  My assistant principal is involved in a book study for a book that is based on the premise that you … Read More