School Culture Carol Blackwell Serena Holmes Cassandra Willis Carol Blackwell Serena Holmes Cassandra Willis

Interviewees / Elementary Principal / Principal for 9 years, switching schools this year / High School Principal / Assistant principal for 6 years in neighboring county / Central Office / Director of Elementary Education / Principal for 10 years / Elementary Principal / Principal for 9 years, switching schools this year / High School Principal / Assistant principal for 6 years in neighboring county / Central Office / Director of Elementary Education / Principal for 10 years

Description of School Culture Elementary High School Central Office Hard work is valued, self sufficiency, same expectations for all, everyone is assumed an expert in their class until proven otherwise Machine culture Basing culture of school on history and her research Based on new principal’s her idea is Family Oversaw higher expectations for students Developed an atmosphere of trust Moved from Little Shop of Horrors to Family

Methods used to judge culture Elementary High School Central Office School climate surveys Speaking with teachers Observations Interviews and conversations with teachers and students Managing by walk around Surveys Personal survey for herself of building Visibility Observations

Specific strategies to encourage staff to speak freely Elementary High School Central Office Based on the interview, appeared to be a weakness Maintaining open door policy Conscious about engaging in day to day conversations Open door policy Maintaining flexible office hours Encourage dialogue during grade level meetings Models the behavior

Foster an environment focused on academic achievement Elementary High School Central Office Data sessions by grade level and cross grade level Posting data publicly at benchmark and beginning of the year Data Analysis Focused on low points Input from students and teachers Participatory Management MBWA (ELCC 2.1) Student achievement conferences Bring in speakers, books, conferences Data analysis

What role do you play in creating/maintaining school culture? Elementary High School Central Office All about expectations Cannot expect mediocrity The higher you set the expectations, the better the results By modeling Having ability and professionalism to work with all teachers and students Principals are the leaders Established traditions Keep vision in forefront

Methods used to communicate Elementary High School Central Office Connect Ed as needed School newsletter Parents monthly Weekly newsletter for parents Writing Face to face most effective Written and verbal Newsletters Snapshots Prefers visits and phone calls over written communication

Established mission and vision Elementary High School Central Office Mission defines the belief system and expectations of teachers and students Build lifelong learners of students and teachers Promoting student achievement Creating culture and community that supports each other (all stakeholders) Keep vision the main focus If its not working towards the goal, we are not doing it

What is done to motivate staff, students, and parents Elementary High School Central Office Food! Recognition programs Highlight children’s performance to parents Reward teachers with lunches and breakfast All teachers reap rewards regardless of who did the work Leadership opportunities Being authentic and real Letting them know she cares and is interested in helping them to solve conflicts that impede achievement and performance Shake a lot of hands, and kiss a lot of babies Maintain visibility Verbal praise Asking teachers how their day went Developing personal relationships Asks about personal lives Things You need to know

Recommendations Elementary High School Central Office Encourage ALL teachers to talk Maintain extended/open office hours Listen to teacher concerns and work to implement son Consider diverse backgrounds of staff in all areas, culture, symbols, customs and practices Make school more accessible and accommodating to the diverse situations of diverse families Seasoned principal had been principal for 6 years prior