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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. What would a Dream School look like?

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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?

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

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

11. 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?

12. What would a positive school culture look and sound like?

13. 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!