Culture of Caring

I spend a lot of time between classes in the hallways.  Many years ago, I did this to make sure that all students in our halls were safe as there were fights now and then.  I am happy and lucky to say that fights are a rare occurrence at our school.

Why?

Well, one reason is that I am not alone in the hallways.  Our staff makes an intentional choice to be available to students in the hallways at the beginning of the day, during passing periods, and at the end of the day.  Sure, our presence wards off some possible behaviors, but I am pretty confident that something else is going on.

What?

It is about the interactions between staff and students.  We are out there say hi, giving high-fives and fist-bumps.  We are showing the we are genuinely happy to see our students walk through our halls.  We are there to help with issues like stuck lockers.  We are there to ask a student in tears if we can help them or doing anything for them.  We are there to help ill students make it safely to the nurse.  We care!

So?

I strongly believe that this creates a caring culture in our hallways, and thus, in our building.  Students feel taken care of.  They feel positive about the school environment. Our students feel heard and truly listened to.  They feel valued and appreciated.  It is difficult to imagine a fight breaking out when our students are feeling so cared for.  Sure, the drama of the day gets to some students some times and they make poor choices, but even then...there are usually positive outcomes that result from this culture of caring.

I really could not dream of working in less of a caring environment.  Maybe I am spoiled.  I know I am very lucky.  These are not the kids of wealthy parents.  They are kids of struggling parents, one-parent households, drug use, alcohol use and abuse.  Most are kids of low income households and many are truly homeless.  There is a wonderful mix of ethnicities, races, and religions.

This is an example of creating a culture of love where it is needed most.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites