Who We Are Makes a Difference SCHOOL CULTURE Who We Are Makes a Difference

Reasons for the lesson In my job, I frequently talk to students who are frustrated with the “culture” at SVMS Most of our issues are not unique to us. They are developmental and common to the middle school experience. Academic success and mental/emotional well-being are directly impacted by school culture.

Objectives Create a safe environment for us to talk about the culture at SVMS Speak in general terms, NO NAMES or situations that easily identify individuals Allow others to express thoughts without judgment Take turns speaking and allow others to complete their thoughts Don’t monopolize the discussion Don’t use words that escalate tension Use body language to show that you are listening

Objectives Identify potential consequences of a negative school culture Identify potential benefits of a positive school culture Identify immediate changes YOU can make to improve our culture

What would a Dream School look like?

What about a place where… no one ever got picked on there were no put downs students don’t fight there is no drama students build each other up students look for ways to help others who are struggling students successfully resolve conflict students celebrate each other’s success

Food for Thought The concept of culture refers to a group’s shared beliefs, customs, and behavior. A school’s culture includes the social interactions that occur. Those interactions help give a school its look and feel as friendly, elite, competitive, inclusive, OR unfriendly, undisciplined, combative, exclusive, and so on.

Survey says! Who do you think has the greatest impact on setting the culture of the school? Where do people first begin to experience the culture of a school?

Partner Up! What are some consequences of a negative school culture?

Partner Up! What are some consequences of a positive school culture?

More Food for Thought Mahatma Ghandi once said… Be the kind of change you want to see in the world. What do you think he meant?

What would a positive school culture look and sound like?

Your Assignment On a piece of paper, please describe the current school culture of SVMS as you see it. Identify and explain three consequences (positive or negative) our current culture has on others of which you personally are aware. Discuss at least two actions you personally can take to “be the kind of change” we need at SVMS. Implement at least one of those actions today!