How do schools foster Standards of the Heart? - Positive Relationships

Characteristic 5: Positive Relationships

Rationale:

A collegial relationship among staff and a positive relationship between staff and students contribute to a nurturing, safe, and productive environment. These relationships are critical to helping children overcome difficulty, recognize their talents, and feel individually and collec-tively valued. School staff understand that they play a critical role in helping students grow and develop as individuals in order to be academically successful.

Principles:

Schools are places children can learn and practice positive interpersonal relationship skills.
Schools are structured so all students meet one-to-one with a teacher or other staff person at least once monthly.
Use older students and community members as tutors or mentors to younger students.
Provide mentors for students as they transition from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school.
Provide special personal support to students new to the school.
Encourage involvement of staff in extra-curricular activities for students.

Expected Results of a Citizenship Initiative

Students Will	Staff Will	Families and Community Will
Feel known and cared for Have a trusted adult to turn to in times of trouble Transition more easily to new grades and schools Take advantage of opportunities to help other students Develop mentor/mentee relationships Feel their talents are recognized and valued See and experience their own and others’ cultures, contributions,and traditions	Take the opportunity to know students personally Develop more meaningful consultations with other staff when concerned about a student Intervene earlier when students are struggling Have greater appreciation of students and colleagues Support diverse students and families Employ culturally relevant and fair instructional practices	Recognize and support a child’s positive feelings about school Speak well of the school, its students, and staff Feel confident that children are experiencing positive and meaningful interactions with adults at school and in the community Honor the cultural traditions and contributions of all groups