In the coming months, the Parent Round Table will be scheduled. This platform has been used to discuss three questions: What is AOWL doing that you love? What is AOWL doing that we could stop? What things would you like AOWL to do differently? The purpose of this type of discussion is to use feedback to continually improve. It is a cycle that allows for essential stakeholders to have a voice in a place that is a second home.
To start this process, I would like to take this opportunity to share what I love about AOWL.
Staff: I love the AOWL staff. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated, passionate group of educators and administrators. I have seen staff:
sitting in the hallway with a student checking in, asking how they are doing, and coming up with an individualized plan.
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going on walks with their class and connecting with each student.
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jumping in to help support a colleague or class.
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worrying about their student when they are absent and hoping they are ok.
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scheduling early morning meetings to discuss student needs and accommodations.
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advocating for books, materials, and resources to support student interests.
I love working in an environment with colleagues who share the same passion. Our shared goals create a motivated connectedness and refuel our energy to continue working as hard as we can for our students.
Collaboration: I love being a part of the collaborative culture at AOWL. No decision is made without having been discussed, brainstormed, consulted, and contemplated from various viewpoints. To work within an organization that establishes collective intelligence as their culture is one that no doubt will succeed.
Community: A place where everyone knows your name...truly. I love walking into a classroom and hearing, “Hi, Ms. Brenda!” Even in this COVID year when parents are not present and students have not always been in person, I have still felt very connected. Supportive relationships are the heart of a community. Students are able to bring personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the classroom and be accepted. Maslow’s theory proposes that we need certain essential needs to be met before we can go on to achieve more. Once our physiological needs and safety are met, we have psychological needs, such as belonging and self-esteem. I am happy to be part of a community where students’ psychological needs are met.
In the coming Bridges, I will continue to progress through the initially stated three questions. I look forward to continuing the imperative work with our amazing staff and parents.
