As the school leader at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf, I know that creating a positive school culture is essential to student success. But what about the adults in our schools across the country? Do they feel like they belong and are valued members of the community? Answers may vary, but it shouldn’t be that way. Every staff member deserves to feel a sense of belonging. 

Creating a sense of belonging for staff members is just as important as creating one for students. When staff feel like they belong, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, leading to greater satisfaction and retention rates.

But how do we achieve a sense of belonging? It starts with recognizing their unique contributions and strengths, and valuing their perspectives and experiences. It means creating opportunities for professional development and growth, and providing resources and support to help them succeed. When they succeed, so do our students.

It also means prioritizing staff well-being and mental health. Educators are under tremendous pressure to perform and meet ever-increasing demands, which can lead to burnout and high levels of stress. By creating a culture of well-being, we can support our staff members and help them manage the challenges of the job.

So what are some benefits of creating a sense of belonging for a school community?

First and foremost, it leads to a positive work environment where staff members feel seen and supported.

It also leads to better communication and collaboration among staff members, creating a stronger and more cohesive team, which can reduce turnover and lead to greater continuity and stability for the school.

And let's not overlook the most important benefit, the impact it can have on student success. When staff members feel supported and engaged, they are better equipped to create positive and meaningful relationships with students, leading to improved academic outcomes and a more positive school environment for everyone involved.

A sense of belonging is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires commitment, resources, and a willingness to listen and respond to the needs of staff members. It is an investment that pays dividends in improved outcomes and a more positive and thriving environment for all.

As we look toward the future, let's remember the importance of creating a sense of belonging for our staff members. Let's help build stronger, more resilient schools, one that values and celebrates the contributions of every member.

 Here are some ideas to ensure a sense on belonging is integrated into your school culture:

1. Representation Matters - Creating a sense of belonging in any organization is crucial for its success, and representation plays a critical role in achieving this goal. One key aspect of representation is ensuring that the diversity of your organization reflects the individuals you serve.

2. Accessible & Inclusive Practices- Begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of your physical building and workplace practices to determine their accessibility from an ADA perspective.

3. Board Engagement- In any workplace, it's essential to create an authentic and welcoming culture where every individual feels seen and heard. To achieve this, it's important to encourage Board members to be actively engaged and visible. Board members should be viewed as representatives who support the organization.

4. DIY Makeovers-  Working in a run-down environment can be demoralizing for employees. To create a more positive and uplifting workplace, it's essential to assess the condition of your school building and make any necessary improvements.

5. Capital Improvements- It's no secret that school buildings often require significant maintenance and upgrades. To ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within the school community, it's crucial to prioritize the maintenance of large physical plant needs, such as boilers, roofs, windows, security systems, and parking lots.

6. Have Fun- It’s important to create opportunities for joy and connection within the school community. One effective strategy is to encourage lunchtime or after-school staff clubs, where individuals can come together around shared interests or hobbies.

7. Stipends- It's important to recognize the contributions of professional staff members who go above and beyond to support the business of the school. At our institution, we believe in compensating staff members for their extra duties.

8. ​Staff Appreciation - At St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf, we believe in recognizing our employees for their hard work and contributions to the school community. There are many reasons why employees deserve recognition, whether it's for their strong work ethic, outstanding job performance, or acts of kindness.

9. Professional Learning-  At St. Francis De Sales School for the Deaf, we believe in supporting our staff by offering them opportunities to grow in their field. We achieve this by hosting Professional Development (PD) programming that aligns with our school’s mission, values, and vision.

10. Be Visible- Creating a welcoming and inclusive school culture can be achieved through simple gestures such as being present and visible. Take the time to greet students and staff in the morning, visit the cafeteria during lunchtime, and stop by classrooms to say hello. By making yourself visible and approachable, you can create a sense of belonging and build positive relationships with members of your school community.

11. Celebrations- At St. Francis De Sales School for the Deaf, there are numerous occasions to celebrate throughout the school year. Monthly national observances, holidays, and school anniversaries provide great opportunities to bring joy and excitement to the school community.

Remember that we are all in this together

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Until next time,

St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf (SFDS)