Culture of Learning

Standard 1: Leaders cultivate and sustain a culture that demonstrates respect, fairness, equity, and inclusion, and is free from bias.

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Self-Rating: 3

The leaders and professional staff members of Chambers Public School continually work to create and sustain a culture of respect, fairness, equity, and inclusion.  Communication is a key component of this process.  The superintendent/principal maintains an open-door policy and the opportunity for discussion and input is available to everyone.  An email is sent out every Monday informing staff of all upcoming events and responsibilities, and late-starts are scheduled at least once a month to provide time for staff meetings, committee work, and PLC time.  Staff members are invited to be a part of all committees including school improvement, PBIS, safety, policy, etc.  Every staff member is automatically a part of the Cognia process as our school seeks continued accreditation.  In addition, staff members are continually asked for their input regarding matters such as scheduling, changes to the school handbook, school celebrations, and policies.  Staff members have completed surveys regarding the climate and culture and the results have been analyzed and integrated into plans for the future.  Speakers, such as Dr. Darrin Peppard and Lorie Smith (the National Elementary Teacher of the Year Award recipient) have been invited to speak as part of the staff’s professional development time.  Finally, the superintendent/principal also utilizes the 5D+ Rubric for Instructional Growth and Teacher Evaluation to provide meaningful feedback regarding teaching practices and performance levels. 

 

In order for all stakeholders to feel included in this culture of equity and fairness, the leaders and staff members of Chambers Public School have held monthly parent meetings to address the current needs and concerns of parents and students.  Staff members also routinely share relevant information at the monthly board meetings.  Community members have also been invited to join various committees in order to share their input on a variety of school-related issues.  The school website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, and school app are all places where information is shared with the community.  Important dates, upcoming events, and interesting activities are highlighted every day. 

 

One of the most important changes Chambers Public School has made to bolster a positive culture is the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program. The mission of this program is to provide a positive and fair environment that encourages safe, responsible, and respectful behavior from all students.  This program is still in its infancy at Chambers Public School; however, activities have already been implemented to celebrate students and their achievements. A Student Appreciation Day involved students, staff, leadership, and community members in variety of fun, outdoor activities. School assemblies celebrate students and student-athlete achievements throughout the year. Motivational speakers have been invited to speak to the students and staff over issues such as bullying, positive peer relationships, and overcoming learning disabilities. PBIS will eventually include consistent signage and language throughout the building, as well as behavioral documentation and data. Recently the Chambers Public School Student Council initiated the “Caring Coyote” program. This program recognizes students who have been nominated for positive behavior and acts of kindness. Students are honored with a Walk of Fame. 

 

Overall, Chambers Public School maintains a positive culture that demonstrates respect, fairness, equity, and inclusion.  The leadership, staff, and stakeholders will continue to work together to continually uphold the values of the school and community.