Guide to Parent-Teacher Conferences

Sara Peters, Possip Team Member and former Elementary School Teacher, provides a wholesome breakdown (based on school-level), to create a guide to parent-teacher conferences. 

 

Fall is in the air, the school year is in full swing. It’s also School Conference time. The Fall Conference, for many families, is the first in-depth glance into how their student is progressing academically.  Generally, reviewing (beginning of the year) assessment data is a central part of conferences.

So, what are assessments?  Why are they important?  When do they happen?  How do you, as a parent, better understand their significance?

We went straight to the experts to make sense of assessments!  We spoke with  Stephanie Fuhs, Assistant School Leader at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools, and Savannah Staley, former High School English Teacher at LEAD Public Schools in Nashville, TN. Before breaking down what to know at each grade level, there are a few important things to know across the board:

• Assessments can look different at each school, each grade, and in each state, but there should be a clear assessment policy

• Assessments are an essential part of ensuring student’s individual needs are being met and critical to strong instruction

• In many instances, the pandemic has interrupted or affected assessments, especially at the state level

• State testing happens in all states at the end of the school year, beginning in Grade 3

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To begin, it’s important to understand three basic “types” of assessments: 

1️⃣ Diagnostic assessment measure what students know and help teachers tailor instruction to fit student needs and are generally given at the beginning of the year or unit of study.

2️⃣ Summative assessments occur after instruction and are assessments of students’ learning of the material taught.

3️⃣ Formative assessments happen during instruction, are often less formal, and are meant to provide feedback to both teachers and students.

 

Assessments in Elementary School (Pre-K-5)

If you are a parent/family member of an elementary school student, you can expect:

• Standardized State Assessments.  These measure student mastery of the state standards. As a condition of receiving federal funds, states must administer assessments in mathematics and English language arts every year in 3rd through 8th grade (and only once in ninth through 12th grade.)  Last year, many states allowed students to “opt out” of these state tests because of the pandemic.  It’s important to note that these tests can be stressful especially for younger learners, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or counselor to see how you can help lessen the stress.

• NWEA (or MAP Assessment/Testing).  This is a normed based assessment that measures student achievement against their peers across the country. Schools typically use this to get an understanding of where kids are academically in math, reading, and science.  Parents should receive a “Parent Report” to help them understand their student’s scores.  

According to Fuhs, who is also a former elementary classroom teacher,

“MAP is generally administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.  While it is sometimes used as a ‘screener’ for Gifted/Talented programs, it is not a determinant of promotion to the next grade.”  

• At the school and classroom level, in elementary school, you will often see the use of literacy and math assessments, as these important foundational skills are taught and developed.  Dibels is a widely used literacy assessment. It is a phonics/reading assessment that measures a student’s ability for foundational reading skills and progresses based on age. DRA is another reading assessment that measures a student’s ability to read fluently and comprehend.  These are assessments that students might take more frequently to see how they are progressing (ie, formative assessments).

 In terms of Math, it’s important to understand what the school, district, and/or teacher uses to assess learning.  Some commonly used assessments include:

• Georgia Numeracy Project (GNP) assesses students’ mathematical thinking and usage of strategies and is generally used at the beginning of the school year.
• Star Math assesses students according to nationally normed data, providing a percentile ranking and approximate grade-level equivalent.
• Freckle assesses students according to their knowledge of grade-level standards.  This assessment is meant to be a summative assessment, used at the end of the year.

 

Assessments in Middle School

If you are a parent/family member of a middle school student, you can expect:

• They will still use Diagnostic, Formative, and Summative Assessments. 
• State testing will occur at each grade level in middle school.
• MAP Testing is often still used in middle school for diagnostic purposes. 
• At the classroom level, students can expect formative assessments—including verbal “checks” for understanding like “exit tickets”, quizzes or projects.  And lastly, you likely remember mid-terms and end-of-unit tests which are commonplace summative assessments.

In middle school, it’s important to note that assessments have a slightly different secondary purpose.  Many of the foundational skills assessed in elementary school are already in place for middle schoolers.  For students in Grades 6-8, assessments are also used to teach students goal setting and time management as well as empowering students to take an active role in their own learning process. 

Assessments in High School

If you are a parent/family member of a high school student, you can expect:

• They will still use Diagnostic, Formative, and Summative Assessments. 
• 9th and 10th graders are usually tested at the state level for English Language Arts and math, at least once, per the federal guidelines.  For some states, you must pass the state tests in order to be promoted to the next grade or to graduate, so it’s important to understand the implications of the assessments given. 
• You can also have School/Classroom-based Assessments and AP (Advanced Placement) Assessments. Students can earn college credit for taking and passing these AP exams.  We chatted with former high school teacher Savannah Staley to find out what is important to know for these types of assessments. 

Here is what Savannah Staley mentioned about School/Classroom-based assessments and AP (Advanced Placement) Assessments:

“Oftentimes, assessments like tests and quizzes are more about time management and judgment than the actual assessment” offered Staley, who taught English at LEAD Public Schools in Nashville, TN.  “Students assume a lot more responsibility for understanding when assessments are, preparing for them, and understanding why they are important.” 

Staley provided some helpful tips for both students as parents as they navigate high school assessments. 

For students, Staley suggests the following: 

• Be Proactive: Classroom assessments should be listed on the Syllabus, so you should know when they are what they will assess.
• Ask if the teacher has a Revision Policy – oftentimes, especially for interim exams, teachers will let students “make-up” a test or gain points back for correcting errors.
• Understand how assessments are weighted— as mentioned above, at the high school level, teachers are looking to help students develop time management skills as well.  So if a quiz is only 10% of your final grade, and the end of the unit test is 50% of your final grade, that should dictate how students spend their time.

For parents, Staley suggests the following:

• Know where you can find your student’s grades—increasingly, these are stored online in student/parent portals, but you can always ask the classroom teacher.
• Be an advocate for your student, and encourage your student to advocate for themselves.  Stress around assessments is common, and teachers are generally aware of the stress students can feel around big tests, especially as students are reacclimating to the classroom.
• At the high school level, it’s important for you and your student to understand the implications of assessments.

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Do you still have questions? Here is an email or call guide to help you ask the right questions to your student’s teacher or guidance counselor!

For Elementary School:

Dear Classroom Teacher or Principal,

My student NAME is in the ____ grade.  I have questions about what assessments SCHOOL is using. 

What tests does the school use?  Why are they important?  When are they given?  Will I get a copy of my student’s results?  If so, what if I don’t understand them?

What tests are used in the classroom to determine reading and math placement?  How often are these given?

When is the STATE test given?  What is important for me to know?

Thank you!

Parent

At the Middle and High School Level:

Dear Guidance Counselor or Teacher,

My name is _________ and I have a child in ___ grade.  I’m wanting to better understand classroom and school-level assessments administered.

When is the state test given?  What are the implications of this test?

Does SCHOOL use MAP or something similar?  Will I get a parent report?

Can you provide me or my student a calendar for classroom assessments so I can help them be prepared?  Can you help me and my student understand the make-up or revision policy?

How can I best support my student as it relates to assessments and testing?

Thank you!

Parent

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We hope this guide for parent-teacher conferences benefits parents and teachers in understanding what is to be expected and how to discuss their child’s academic progress!

The post Guide to Parent-Teacher Conferences appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Finding Thankfulness During A Pandemic

Amanda Richards, Possip Reporting Team Lead, discusses the impact that thankfulness can have and ways to help you find thankfulness during a pandemic.

 

Last year around this time, I wrote a blog on some gratitude strategies for teachers and students to use inside and outside of the classroom. Even though a year has now passed, the importance of finding thankfulness during a pandemic and building intentional gratefulness still feels like a big need in our current context. Giving thanks may feel contradictory during difficult times, it can make a huge impact on mental health. Thankfulness has been proven to improve relationships, increase work motivation, and improve your overall health. Knowing all that, I will definitely take an extra scoop of gratitude on my mashed potatoes this holiday season! 

 

But seriously, how can we continue to do small things each day to feel more thankful. Especially as things start to reopen and life is somewhat starting to return to a new normal. By beginning to practice intentional gratitude will be key to lifelong “happiness” habits.

 

Here are five strategies to try out this holiday season

 

Be present and appreciate the little things 

Seeing challenges as opportunities

Be intentional about your inputs 

Celebrate and encourage positive self talk 

Spend time with loved ones and do things you love

 

1. Be Present and Appreciate the Little Things

 

I’ve always tried to be a “stop and smell the roses” kind of person, but I found that hard to do during the pandemic when I really wasn’t smelling anything except the inside of my apartment. Now that things are reopening. I’m really trying to stop and be present, and appreciate the small things that bring joy. Being grateful in your day-to-day situations can actually create something psychology calls “positive memory bias” that allows you to recall positive memories more frequently throughout life. Set alarms for “gratitude moments” during your day, leave sticky notes around your house or in your car as a reminder to find something you’re thankful for today or find an accountability buddy for gratitude to text throughout the day. Whatever works for you, it can help to remind yourself to be present, appreciate the little things, and start building gratitude “muscle memory”. 

2. Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

 

Isolation, death, grief, financial struggles–just a few reasons why the pandemic has been a challenge for many people. Although this is all true, valid, and important to the process, it may be helpful for some to think about how the pandemic has provided new or positive opportunities. A psychology term called “benefit finding” refers to the process of mentally listing out all of the positive things associated with a challenge. Research has found that some people find a greater appreciation for their own personal strength, increase feelings of self-reliance, strengthen relationships, have more compassion, or find new spiritual beliefs. Try to focus on and intentionally pick out the “benefits” you have encountered during this challenging time. 

 

3. Be Intentional About Your Inputs

 

Personally, any time I watch a dark or negatively emotional tv show, my whole day is thrown off. Once the evening finds me, I find it hard to fall asleep. Being intentional about what you are watching, reading, listening to, and “taking in” can help keep positive and grateful emotions flowing. For me, The Science of Happiness podcast is always a positive “input” and I learn more about topics like gratitude. Here are a few more podcasts you may want to add to your “Gratitude Input List” this holiday season!

 

4. Positive Self Talk

 

Most times, you are your biggest critic. I know I can relate! Make sure to keep the inner thoughts you have positive and realize when those thoughts become negative. When we keep our thoughts about ourselves positive, that positive self-talk can spark gratitude towards other things in our life. As you become aware of your internal monologue, find a few specific questions to ask yourself:

• Are my thoughts positive right now?
• What is one good thing about my current situation?
• What helpful things did I learn from this situation?
• How can I bring joy to this situation?

Use one of these questions or find another question that you connect with to ask yourself throughout the day. Positive self-talk will not only make you feel more grateful, but it will also decrease stress and improve your immune system. 

 

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones and Doing Things You Love

 

You’ve probably had some time to take on new hobbies, experience new outdoor activities, or find at least one new routine you enjoy during quarantine. Continue doing that and prioritizing finding things you enjoy doing. 

 

On a similar note, you’ve probably had more time with loved ones than ever before. Many, including myself, know the benefits and hardships of seeing maybe a little too much of your loved ones. However, I undoubtedly would never give up the quality time I was able to spend strengthening relationships with family and close friends. Research shows that social support and spending time with loved ones can lower stress, improve recovery time for illnesses, and positively benefit your overall mood.

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All these benefits of gratitude make me grateful for gratitude! And Possip is grateful for YOU! We hope you all have success in finding thankfulness during a pandemic.

 

The post Finding Thankfulness During A Pandemic appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Possip Spotlight: Making Every Parent Known at Amqui

Amqui Elementary, in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is a tight-knit school community led by Principal LaToya Cobb. Amqui’s school culture is a reflection of the leadership of Principal Cobb– which influences the students, teaching staff, and parent body. As an MNPS School of Innovation, Amqui uses Possip weekly to learn from parents and has since 2018. We talked to Principal Cobb to understand how she uses parent voices to inform her decision making and how it helps her with leading a school during a pandemic.

What did you learn through Possip last year?

“Last year was interesting because we were virtual and in-person. Through our Possip surveys, I learned that virtual learning was difficult for a lot of our parents, especially families of ELL students. So I loved that a lot of our Hispanic parents completed the survey because it can be translated for us. [In spite of the challenges of last year], we learned that parents appreciated our safety protocols.”

Amqui Fun Fact:

Students and staff participate in “villages”– groups across grade levels that compete and have fun together through different initiatives throughout the year. The villages help reinforce MNPS’s goal to “Make every student known” at Amqui. Not only are students known, however.

Parents and teachers are known too.

How is what you learned last year informing your decision making this year?

“When we returned we kept the safety protocols up, and parents are still appreciative of the protocols, which is something I’ve noticed in this year’s Pulse Checks. Leading a school during a pandemic, [it’s good to know] they’re happy that we’re standing at the door passing out masks to students as they enter the building. They’re happy that we’re taking temperatures. Possip is a quick way for parents to give some input in a non-threatening way. They feel comfortable giving feedback through the platform.”

Why is parent voice important to you?

“It’s important because we’re partners. We have to work together [with parents]. Parents know their children best. Collaboration [with parents] is very important for us, so we can know how to best meet the needs of kids. 

And if [students] see that there’s a partnership, then they perform better in the classroom, whether it’s academically or behaviorally, because they know that their parents are supporting us and them. 

We’re at a school where we don’t have a lot of parental involvement. Our parents do care about their students. When we have events that showcase the students’ learning, they will show up. But, most of our parents are either working parents or they’re taking care of their kids. So they aren’t able to come into school and volunteer. 

Possip is a way for us to get the feedback [we need] from parents because we don’t always have face-to-face conversations or interactions with them. Information from Possip allows us to know what programs we can put in place, what works, what doesn’t work, and times that work best for families. I love that we can have a Bonus Question. We can gear towards something coming up at the school to get feedback on.”

Have you ever used Possip highlight quotes or praises to encourage your staff? What are some ways that you like to do that?

“I always read my reports, and then I’ll do Possip shout outs, so I will cut and paste quotes directly from the parents and put them in an email to shout out the teachers. My teachers really love that recognition [from Possip]; it validates their work. It’s always good to get praise, but when we get it from our parents, that’s really great.

We do Possip Spotlight emails, mention the Pulse Check in our newsletter, and recognize our teachers every month through something called “Teacher on Fire.” We take Possip feedback and some other factors into account to determine who receives Teacher on Fire.

I refer to Possip when I’m having meetings with my supervisor. I can point to the data and say, ‘my parents are really happy here. Over 90% of parents are saying they’re consistently happy with the school this week and what’s going on. Or this is the feedback.’

And when we get feedback on something we need to work on, I take in that [parent feedback] and meet with the leadership team. We discuss how we can change certain processes. If we cannot change them, in the next parent meeting, I explain why we do things the way we do.

We always want to encourage our parents to give more feedback and positive praise for our teachers because it’s a valuable tool for us and we need their feedback.

Information from Possip is really good for me as the leader of the school. It helps me know what teachers are doing a really great job in the parents’ eyes, and also helps me receive feedback on things we may need to consider.”

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Thanks to Principal Cobb for the spotlight! Learn more about Amqui and why it’s as Principal Cobb says, “the best kept secret in Madison” by visiting their website: https://amqui.mnps.org/. Leading a school during a pandemic and teaching are not easy. Our Possip partners are supporting their students, family, and staff in powerful ways. Read more Possip partner spotlights here.

The post Possip Spotlight: Making Every Parent Known at Amqui appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Ways to Retain Teachers

The Great Resignation – Teacher Solutions

 

Savannah, a current Possip reporter and former educator, shares real ways for Administrators and Education Leaders to combat the “The Great Resignation” with ways to help retain teachers. 

 

The nature of COVID-19 inevitably changed our day-to-day lives while simultaneously asking us to reflect and reprioritize. Our social circles grew smaller. Masks became something we grabbed along with our car keys and wallets before leaving the house. Many of us who once worked in offices or schools were suddenly working remotely from our own homes. Some, unfortunately, lost their jobs due to the nature of the pandemic, while others chose to willingly walk away. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that during the month of August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs due to a variety of reasons. This is why providing ways to retain teachers is so important!

 

This massive exodus within the workforce is now being called “The Great Resignation”. This statistic includes many industries, education being one of them. In fact, one in four teachers considered leaving their job during the 2019-2020 school year, according to Rand Corporation. 

 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. After earning my Bachelor’s in English and Master’s in Education, I was finally ready to enter the classroom. During the fifth year of my teaching career, I was teaching 11th and 12th grade AP English and receiving high-performing scores. I was the ELA Content Lead and the Upperclassman Grade Level Chair. I was supporting DEI and school culture, and leading a weekly club called Courageous Conversations Club. Along with many teachers, I too was swimming in student debt, struggling to pay my medical bills, and feeling incredibly overworked. I was one of many teachers who decided to step away from the profession. Not because I didn’t want to teach. In fact, I loved my job. However, the work itself no longer outweighed the exhaustion and stress, so I decided to step away. 

 

This then begs the question, how do we maintain high teacher retention rates amidst the pandemic? While trying to ease teacher workloads and show teachers appreciation are thoughtful, this systemic issue requires a larger response. Here are a few topics we think are important conversation starters when thinking about ways to retain teachers:

 

Rethink Compensation

 

According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary for teachers during the 2020-2021 school year was $63,645. While this may seem like a livable wage, it’s important to consider that most teachers spend a significant amount of their own money on classroom and student resources. Medical bills, student loans, child care expenses, and additional unexpected costs make this wage rather unsustainable long-term, especially in a single-income household. 

 

There are few teachers who work 40-hour work weeks. The one hour a day that’s reserved for planning five hours of lessons is not enough. Then of course there’s the grading, parent contact, and daily duties that add to a teacher’s workload. Teachers are fundamental to the system of education. They not only teach the necessary curriculum but also how to think, how to grow curious. Teachers are caretakers, mentors, and support systems. If we are to truly think about changing the education system and want to prioritize teacher retention, we must rethink compensation. While this may feel overwhelming, continuing to advocate for higher teacher compensation within your district and state matters. Stay informed about bills for education funding. Also, considering creative ways for teachers to make a more substantial income. This could be a great way to retain teachers!

 

Staff Shortage Coverage Ideas

 

In a recent Possip Pulse Check, one of our partner schools asked the question, “what is the one thing you want to take off your plate that would help you focus on daily student growth?” While the results varied, “subbing” was a common trend. Given the national shortage of teachers, it’s incredibly difficult to find substitutes, leaving many schools forced to ask teachers to substitute during their designated time off. This results in teacher burnout. 

 

If you do need teachers to cover for staff shortages, consider compensating teachers for their time. Consider asking for a volunteer list of teachers rather than creating a “batting order” with the entire staff. If you need a teacher to fill in unexpectedly, consider alleviating one of their other additional duties or responsibilities. 

 

Rethink Team Connections

 

When teachers are already feeling overwhelmed, additional tasks, meetings, or to-do’s can feel exhausting. Team bonding or community events that normally feel light-hearted and intentional can suddenly feel taxing. Consider investing in teachers by canceling unnecessary meetings. Limit team collaboration time and make it focussed and intentional. 

 

After spending an entire day making decisions and supporting students, taking time after school to brainstorm or problem-solve can feel like a burden, even if it is intentional. While PD and Team Time is usually meaningful and serves as a designated time to prioritize teachers’ voice, COVID has undeniably changed the way teachers relate to this set-aside time. This does not mean we should cancel all meetings, or completely exclude PD. However, we should be mindful of what we ask of teachers.

 

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Ways to retain teachers is a difficult and sensitive topic, especially because there are many factors that are out of our control. However, teachers are speaking. They are telling us what they need: more staff, higher compensation, sustainable workloads, etc. While we may not be able to meet all of these requests today, thinking strategically about how we can create change matters. Using tools like Possip that empower teachers to share their voices is one way to gather feedback in order to support our teachers. We are so grateful for all of our teachers!

 

To review Possip’s recent staff trends, please click here!

 

The post Ways to Retain Teachers appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Teacher Retention Trends

Possip Reporting Team Lead, Amanda Richards, writes about teacher retention trends she is seeing from the 21-22′ school year pulled from our Possip Pulse Checks.

 

Trends from Teacher Feedback Comments

 

I always led my school with the belief that great teachers make great schools. I believe that even more through pandemic learning and how teachers made schools exist despite physical buildings, carlines, or cafeterias. Teachers are irreplaceable elements to almost every part of the daily school functions. At Possip, we are seeing some trends in our staff pulse checks that set off “retention red flags” in my head as a former principal. 

 

The great news is that we have both the data and the means to hear from staff members through Possip. This can assist to make big improvements in teacher sustainability and retention. We wanted to share some of these “retention alarms” more broadly. We hope this can shed light on how teachers are feeling and why we believe focusing on teacher sustainability is important. 

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After analyzing over 4,000 staff comments from this school year, here are some big trends:

 

Trend #1: Teacher Workload

 

Teachers are feeling stretched very thin. The number one trend mentioned was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work, requests for support to manage the workload or requests for decreasing the workload for teachers. Teachers feel they need more time to keep up with all the new requirements and duties. The keywords WORK, TIME, SUPPORT, and HELP are mentioned by teachers over 1,400 times in their comments. Here are a few staff comments:

 

• “We need to prioritize reducing the workload and stress of our teachers before they all quit.”

• “I need the workloads to be distributed more evenly.”

• “Please figure out how to reduce the workload of teachers.”

• “Teacher aids would be really nice especially if principals keep adding to a teacher’s workload. You can’t keep adding to our overfilled backpacks. Teachers are humans with lives and families outside of the classroom.”

 

Trend #2: District Level Topics

 

Many teachers commented on district practices, expectations, and decisions. District decisions are very intimately and immediately impacting teacher’s lives and work environments like never before. Some teachers are feeling like they are not cared for, thought about, or respected at a higher level. Over 430 comments referenced the word DISTRICT. In addition, teachers feel like compensation and salary are not fair or reasonable. Over 300 comments reference PAY, BONUSES, or COMPENSATION. The way district leaders communicate to teachers and make district-wide decisions is very important for teacher retention during this time. Here are a few examples of real staff comments:

 

• “COVID is not being handled well by the district, and is putting all of us at high risk, including our at-risk family members.”

• “When will the district hire a [elective] teacher for every elementary? Larger classes of 30+ students and also adding special need classes to the same class is a lot!”

• “When is the district going to extend some grace to their teachers?  we keep being told to take on more and more tasks daily, and weekly and are expected to do so with a smile while extending grace to others.  when will that grace be extended to us?!”

• “I’ve dedicated 23 years of my life to [my district] and since covid began, I feel the district cares more about its political aspirations than it does its employees at the school level.”

 

Trend #3: Teacher Mental Health

Teachers are sharing that they feel burned out, overwhelmed, unsafe, and stressed. More teachers than ever are reaching out for mental health support, resources, and the ability to focus on their self-care more frequently. As a former teacher, I know that the role of a teacher is so much about others, that it can be hard to focus on yourself. However, teachers are calling out for that and need this mental health support more than ever. Over 100 comments from staff used the words MENTAL HEALTH or STRESS. 

• “I am still struggling with work/life balance. The feeling overwhelmed by action items is more prevalent and I am being asked to stay in the building far later than I would want. I would prefer more alignment with joy and mental health, not just for students but for teachers. Taking care of one’s mental health requires time to invest in ourselves, beyond just eating and going to bed.”

• “Teachers need more support with mental health. There is not enough time for teachers to get everything done that is expected of them and have a personal life. “

• “I don’t feel like the district leadership is truly taking teacher mental health seriously. This is not a normal school year, yet we are being asked to function as though it is.”

• “Teachers are stressed and overworked. Please consider that before adding more tasks to our plate. We love our students and want the best for them. However, I think we should consider subtracting action items or replacing them with something more sufficient. This can make room for teachers to complete all that is expected of them.”

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I would like to conclude with an important note: The word STUDENT is written far more than any other keyword found in the 4,000 staff comments. STUDENT was written about 800 times by teachers and staff members, which shows their dedication, selflessness, and motivation. Students are the focus of teachers, and it’s important to keep in mind that supporting teachers is supporting students.

 

If you are interested in getting district or school-specific data from your staff members through staff Pulse Checks, reach out to amanda@possip.com. This could be the first step in assisting in teacher retention! 

 

The post Teacher Retention Trends appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Possip Spotlight: How Williamson County Stepped Up Amidst Recent Tiktok Trends

Possip intern, Isha Soni, shared the story of her Alma Mater, Ravenwood High School, and how students and parents came together! 

Trends on TikTok Led to Tennessee School Students to Act

 

After a year of online school, social media was one of the only ways that students could communicate with each other. Tiktok trends became more creative, in both good and bad ways. More and more students started to jump on the bandwagon. 

Unfortunately, for some, online class made it easy to forget all of the people who were unseen on Zoom, but who are integral to everyday operations. When in-person school resumed, the Tiktok trends continued. A recent trend has disrupted school operations accross the nation. This trend encourages students to steal and cause damage to their school. Students are then encouraged to post about it on social media. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to steal items from the restroom. This has resulted in diligent monitoring of student facilities, which both parents and students have expressed frustration about.

It was disheartening to watch the lack of regard for the custodial staff at schools who have to clean up and repair the damage. That’s why I am proud of students at my Alma Mater, Ravenwood High School in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Students and parents came together to raise money to host a luncheon for custodial staff and give them gift cards. Ravenwood sophomore, Keri Daniels, led an effort to organize this event and make custodial staff feel seen and appreciated following the damage caused by her and her peers. This is a positive example of a parent and student partnership! Additionally, this is a great example of student leadership!

Keri, her friends, and the supporting parents together show that humans are always more powerful than social media. Community triumphs trends making their way accross the digital nation. The community at Ravenwood High School thought about how their actions impacted others. They chose to step up as leaders within their community. Great work!

The post Possip Spotlight: How Williamson County Stepped Up Amidst Recent Tiktok Trends appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Sustaining Joy Beyond Back to School

Savannah, a current Possip reporter and former educator, shares some ideas for sustaining joy beyond back-to-school energy throughout the school year.

Finding, Sustaining, and Exploring Joy.

How is it already late October!? Autumn is in full swing, and the newness of back to school is starting to wear off. The energy that comes with the first few weeks of each school year is contagious. New school supplies and fresh faces bring a welcomed newness and excitement to school communities. 

 

However, it’s now about the time of year that some of this newness starts to wear off, and we begin to settle into normalcy. The structure is important in order to maintain daily operations. Classroom norms help students to hold themselves accountable. Yet, as our to-do lists and “asks” of us grow, and we fall into a routine, it can be difficult to maintain that back-to-school energy. COVID has only added further challenges. Teachers have had to oscillate between virtual, hybrid, and in-person teaching all while adhering to safety measures and navigating student needs. Teacher morale boots are needed now more than ever! Here are a few ideas to increase morale and maintain back-to-school spirit throughout the school year.

 

Celebrate Students and Staff

 

Regularly create opportunities for students and staff to feel celebrated. Consider adding a staff shout-out bulletin board in a common space. Encourage staff to share shout-outs throughout the week, then publicly share a few during your weekly staff meeting. Meaningfully select students of the week and share them during announcements. Send teachers a surprise coffee gift card! Establish a culture of joy by asking students to share announcements, moments of personal success, or exciting life updates at the beginning of class for an allotted period of time. Encourage student spirit weeks, and prioritize student-led events if possible.

 

Prioritize Classroom Connection and Check-Ins

 

As the school year progresses, the day-to-day can begin to feel overwhelming for teachers. When you’re trying to meet standards, advance through the curriculum, and meet student needs simultaneously, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When I was a teacher I found it especially important to slow down in these moments and remember that our students are always the priority. If you as a teacher are feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely your students are too.

 

Provide opportunities for students to connect meaningfully in inclusive communities. Each Monday in my classroom we took about twenty minutes to connect, share, and reset. While still following classroom norms, students were encouraged to share openly during this unstructured time. Sometimes students shared academic specific celebrations or anxieties or took space to process what was happening in the world around them. We discussed our academic priorities for the week, and came to an agreement on due dates as a learning community. Even though I worried this time took away from instructional time, allowing students space to process while showing them their well-being was always the priority, helping them intentionally focus while establishing trust.

 

Spark Moments of Joy

 

Sometimes, it’s the little things. Playing music during transition time, or taking the time to eat intentionally with the community can be a real game-changer. When our days are weighed down with tasks, grades, emails, and to-do’s, we can forget how much the little moments matter. When we slow down and prioritize joy, our ability to be productive only increases. Encourage football jersey Friday, or create a hallway bulletin board dedicated to pets that belong to students and staff. These small moments may not have an “academic” purpose, but they allow us to feel seen, and that matters just as much.

 

Support When Possible

 

Teachers have a lot on their plates. If you’re an administrator or school leader, think about ways you can support your teachers. If possible, offer to cover a class period for them so they can have more time to plan or grade. Encourage teachers to share what’s happening in their classroom, and if they could use an extra pair of hands. If you’re a coach, surprise the teachers you mentor by reserving a meeting time specifically to help them a grade. If you’re a teacher, offer to cover lunch or recess duty for another coworker you want to show you an appreciation for. These small acts can have a BIG impact on staff culture.

 

Involving Family and Community

 

Many families are anxious to support teachers but aren’t sure how to do this COVID. While it’s a bit trickier, you can still support your students’ teachers. Never be afraid to reach out and ask teachers what would be helpful. While there may be more precautious around in-person support, there are still ways you can support your student’s classroom virtually! Or, rather than surprise your teacher with a morning coffee, consider sending an electronic gift card as an unexpected moment of joy! If your student shares something they are excited about, reach out to your student’s teacher and share it with them as well. As teachers, we often aren’t able to see how students process what they learn during class. Or, consider sharing with Possip that you’re interested in teacher appreciation-related activities and planning.

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As we wave goodbye to back-to-school feelings, we want to acknowledge how hard our teachers are working. We are still facing a pandemic, and the majority of the school year is in front of us. We have noticed teachers are struggling with workload and morale, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge, WE SEE YOU. If you have other ideas or ways you spark joy regularly within your own school or district, reach out! We would love to hear from you

 

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