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Capturing Kids Hearts teaches us that we cannot truly capture a student’s head until we capture their heart. Simply put, in order for our students to learn we need to make sure they feel welcome and that they belong, that they are part of an amazing school environment where they feel safe. One way we capture our students’ heart is through affirmations.
A key component of our AVA culture is affirmations. In our fast-paced and challenging lives it is easy to miss, or fail to focus on, the countless good things happening around us each day. We all have peers, coworkers, family members, and even strangers passing through our days who are working hard, committing acts of kindness, or just being decent people. It is simple to gloss over those nuggets of goodness and focus our energy on the problems and challenges. As the old saying goes, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," and sometimes we forget to squeak until we are unhappy.
While it can be difficult to find the time to affirm the people around us, there are powerful benefits to doing so. After all, being good is not always a simple task either. Each day the students, parents, teachers, and staff of AVA are putting tremendous effort into doing the best that we can, and that deserves recognition.
In walking the halls at Aspen View, it is not unusual to see notes of praise, encouragement, and gratitude taped to a locker, a classroom door, or even an administrator's door. Small as they may be, these acts of encouragement are nourishment for the spirit. Whether it is a parent getting a positive email about their child, a teacher getting a thank you card, or a student earning a Wolf Buck, it is a wonderful feeling to know that members of our community notice and value what you are doing. It is easy to fire off an email when we are upset or concerned, but much more difficult to remember to do this when things are going well, when needs are being met, and when people are happy.
In addition to the benefit it has on others, there is great personal benefit in practicing gratitude. When we slow down and focus on who/what we appreciate, we are reminded of the many aspects of life for which we are grateful.
As we continue with this amazing school year, I encourage everyone to take stock of that for which we are glad and spend a moment sharing that gratitude. Let us lift each other up and encourage those around us to continue their good work.
Now it is my turn to provide some affirmations to our amazing staff, students, and parents. In a world when our students are exposed to so much negativity either on tv or through social media, now more than ever everyone needs to hear the positives that they deserve.
I am impressed with how strong our staff, students, and parents are. We do not accept excuses and lower our standards. We change and adapt and keep pushing for excellence. Thank you to the AVA staff for their hard work, commitment, and flexibility to provide an outstanding education for our kids. Thank you to all the parents and guardians who partner with us to make sure your child is attending class, completing their work, and working with the staff to address concerns that may arise. Thank you, parents, for the support you provide our teachers and staff. The random acts of kindness are so appreciated by all and definitely puts a smile on everyone’s face. We appreciate you more than you know! Finally, thank you to our students for hanging in there and adjusting to all the curve balls that have been thrown our way. The can-do attitude is amazing.
Sometimes the simplest words mean the most. I appreciate all of you and thank you for everything you do.
Bob Barber
AVA Principal
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