School Climate
By Olivia Artusa DeKatch
How do you know when a school is inviting? Do you get a
feeling?
I love the way this video describes school climate.
Everyone can feel the school climate immediately when you
walk into a school. Teachers, leaders, visitors, parents, and even KIDS can
feel the school climate. I have been thinking about this concept a lot recently
as I am switching schools this year. As I was interviewing during the school
year, I noticed the school climate immediately when I walked in the doors of
schools. I could tell if it was warm and inviting or serious and not engaging. As
I met people throughout the schools, I could pick up on social cues of teachers,
students, and leaders. I ultimately made my decision based on the school
climate that I could observe. As I walked through schools, I could see the
principals’ effects on their schools and their efforts.
Kids can tell too. They know if the principal is someone
they can go up to and converse with or if the principal is just there every now
and then. They can pick up on social contexts and situations. They can see
smiles or frowns from teachers. They can tell if the teachers love being there
too. They can sense what their parents think about the school. It is so important
that the school climate is a positive one FOR THE KIDS.
Leaders play a huge role in determining the school climate.
Their attitude and demeanor can greatly impact relationships and the culture of
the school. It is important that the leader emphasizes the importance of
positive relationships in their practice to create a positive school climate.
With the climate, we are able to see the school’s effects on students. It is important
that we focus on the positive effects for our students and focus on their needs
first.
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