School Culture Committee - School Year '23-'24 by Natasha Jenkins

General Definition

natashajenkins3_1 — 2023-08-08 21:25:15 UTC

School culture is the way things are done in the school (the personality of a school), the underlying norms and values that shape patterns of behavior, attitudes and expectations between stakeholders in the school.

Proposed Questions and Thoughts

natashajenkins3_1 — 2023-08-08 21:31:20 UTC

What is our definition of culture?
What does it mean to have attributes as a Drew student?
How can we use the creed to build from?
Should we build from the creed?
How can this be measurable?
Ultimtely: What is the Drew Culture?

We are known for being high achieving – but there is more.
We have an established climate. How can we build our culture from there?
We want students to have fun and enjoy school - teachers should feel the same way.

Announcements have included more information about SEL Scholar of the Month and Eagle Strong Student

natashajenkins3_1 — 2024-02-16 20:37:59 UTC

If your role is not a main role (timekeeper, summarizer, etc...), add your name and contributing member. Thanks!

natashajenkins3_1 — 2024-02-16 20:43:08 UTC

My name is Hannah Pariseau, and I am a member of the School Culture Committee

2024-02-19 12:36:38 UTC

Drew teachers...

2024-02-19 12:38:20 UTC

1.) Smile a lot more at work than at any other school I've worked at. Seriously, by a long shot.

2.) Have hope for their students, and use that hope to push their students in the right direction.

-Hannah Pariseau. Orchestra Director

Drew Students....

2024-02-19 12:43:12 UTC

1.) Rise to the challenge. At other schools I've taught at, a majority of students (and parents) demand that the bar be lowered for them if they can't get something right away. Drew students reach for that bar because they know they are in a safe environment that encourages them to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

2.)Understand why they are in school. Instead of looking at teachers as obstacles, or as another adult who doesn't believe in them/can't help them, they know teachers are there to guide them through their education, and to help them grow and succeed.

-Hannah Pariseau, Orchestra Director

Drew Learning Community...

2024-02-19 12:48:21 UTC

1.) Encourages students to take risks and grow from their mistakes. Students feel empowered, and have a positive outlook on the educational process. I attribute this to the emphasis on the creative design process. As a teacher, I also feel empowered to try new things in my classroom.

2.) Emphasizes SEL concepts in real time. SEL isn't just a buzz word-it is upheld throughout the school. There is a much deeper sense of empathy, understanding, and caring between the students. Proof of this is that they are able to engage in debate without resorting to a fist fight (not the case in other schools).

-Hannah Pariseau, Orchestra Director

Hi

markpeay — 2024-02-19 14:24:55 UTC

My name is Mark Peay and I am excited to be a member of the School Culture Committee. "Culture affects Climate which Cultivates Consistency"

Mark A. Peay, EA Chorus Director

markpeay — 2024-02-19 14:27:26 UTC

1) Drew teachers carry a sense of community pride that differentiates them from other teachers.

2) Drew teachers carry an elevated work ethic that stands out from other teachers.

Mark A. Peay, EA Chorus Director

markpeay — 2024-02-19 14:28:59 UTC

1) Drew students have a sense of belonging and acceptance.

2) Drew students carry an elevated level of pride in their work.

Mark A. Peay, EA Chorus Director

markpeay — 2024-02-19 14:33:37 UTC

1) Our learning community should serve as a "lead domino" for other communities for how to serve and enhance communities.

2) Our learning community should cultivate leaders to create positive systemic change in Atlanta.

Mark A. Peay, EA Chorus Director

Attendance

laurentippins1 — 2024-02-19 14:47:24 UTC

Lauren Tippins, 2nd Grade teacher, and part of the school culture committee.

Drew Teachers

laurentippins1 — 2024-02-19 14:49:05 UTC

Drew teachers are passionate about education and intrinsically motivated. We are creative and bold thinkers that teach as a form of social justice.

Drew Students

laurentippins1 — 2024-02-19 14:49:48 UTC

Drew students hold their heads up high and know that they belong! They know we have high expectations of them because we love and respect them.

Drew Learning Communities

laurentippins1 — 2024-02-19 14:50:44 UTC

Our learning communities are intentional and data driven. We meet with purpose for the intention of putting our children first.

Next Steps

laurentippins1 — 2024-02-19 14:51:42 UTC

Let's brainstorm some ways we can take our amazing thoughts into tangible and trackable action steps!

Rachel Strobel (Ehrlich)

2024-02-19 15:47:40 UTC

2nd grade RTI teacher and committee "summarizer"

Drew Teachers

2024-02-19 16:08:52 UTC

Drew teachers are passionate and here for the right reasons. We work hard and laugh even harder! Drew teachers also recognize that there is always more that can be done and go the extra mile to support their students, families, and community.

-Rachel Strobel

Drew Students

2024-02-19 16:13:23 UTC

Drew students are excited about school! They are provided with numerous enrichment and learning opportunities and approach tasks with enthusiasm. Additionally, Drew students know that they are part of a safe and loving community.

-Rachel Strobel

Learning Community

2024-02-19 16:23:49 UTC

Our learning community is inclusive and equitable. Standards for academic excellence are high and staff are knowledgeable and well-equipped to cater to a variety of student needs

-Rachel Strobel

Ms.Walker

2024-02-19 16:31:11 UTC

Hall Monitor

2

2024-02-19 16:37:00 UTC

Some Drew teachers build more 1 on 1 bonds with the kids vs some other teachers who just come to work, get paid and go home.

Drew teachers want the best for students and some go above and beyond to make sure every child they come across reaches their full potential.

Drew students vs others

2024-02-19 16:40:02 UTC

Drew students tend to have a lot going on at home which sometimes pours into their energy at school.

Drew students in the community sometimes have less of a chance than others due to economic situations and other reasons.

Standards

2024-02-19 16:43:46 UTC

We strive to give students in our learning community different ways to succeed whether it be extra support classes or extra help on the side.

There are small group classes and activities given in our community to encourage growth and development of all.

Action

2024-02-19 16:48:07 UTC

Create proactive strategies to ensure both student and staff success.

Other responses given:

natashajenkins3_1 — 2024-02-19 16:58:08 UTC

1) More progressive and constructivist style teachers

2) The try more student-centered approaches to their classroom and lesson delivery

3) Their methods of assessment keep in mind standardized testing but they choose not to let that drive their everyday instruction.

4) They genuinely want the kids to be great.

Shelitha Nelms

2024-02-19 18:20:06 UTC

1st Grade Teacher

Drew's teachers use the constructivist approach to teaching by allowing students to construct their own knowledge. The teacher becomes the facilitator of learning for students.

2024-02-19 18:22:49 UTC

2024-02-19 20:55:47 UTC

Eleanor Daniel

Drew Students

2024-02-27 15:33:20 UTC

Drew students are very unique and know that they are a part of a loving and caring school community. They strive to do their best and meet all expectations. The staff makes sure all students are held accountable for their behavior and is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure all students are on task.