Even though character is an area of strength for GCCS, we’ve worked this year to add new routines and structures so we can continue to sustain improvement and grow even more.
This year we are trying to involve more student voice on our school community and collecting data to guide any changes we need to make. Students provided feedback to the school by taking a Culture and Climate Student Survey (inspired by the EL Education Crew Equity Survey). Students reflected on their sense of belonging, ability to trust their community, and understandings of the strengths and challenges of the GCCS character traits throughout the year.
In Gr. 4-6 , students’ responses on the winter student climate survey were much more detailed and specific than responses from the fall survey, showing evidence that teachers are talking about character traits with students and that students are internalizing these discussions. Students feel respected and included by teachers and peers. Courage, perseverance, and collaboration were traits named by students as strengths both in the fall and winter surveys.
The data from these surveys inspired a Mix-it-Up Lunch with the intermediate grades. A student advisory crew and the School Leader organized this event and planned icebreaker and identity activities to help the School’s oldest students learn more about each other.
Additionally, GCCS participated in Teaching Tolerance’s “Mix-it-Up Day” and had a school-wide lunch integrating students and teachers from all classrooms with discussion topics for each mixed grade table.