RFE #3

Fuller Elementary does a great job building a sense of community within the school. With a wide diversity of students, as Fuller contains, it is important to work hard to develop a sense of community and commonality among students and staff. Allowing students and educators to become comfortable with one another and share personal experiences will make for a more productive and dynamic classroom.
Once a month, Fuller offers “Fuller Family Fun Night” to all the students and their parents. This opportunity allows students to come participate in fun activities with their friends while their parents listen to speakers and teachers discuss various topics relating to the school and their children. Allowing students to interact with one another and participate in group activities increases their excitement for the event and for seeing their friends. The educators also participate in the activities with the students, giving the students the opportunity to see them as “people” and not just their teachers. Connecting in this way with students is one way for teachers to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships. The school also prepares a meal for the students and their parents to enjoy while at fun night. I believe parents appreciate this because it gives them a chance to enjoy time with their children, as well as speak to other parents and teachers. This is a great way for parents to make connections with other parents and teachers, creating a comfortable environment to chat about issues pertaining to their children.
Another opportunity students are given to build relationships with one another and their teachers is through “Fun Friday”. Students with good behavior, based on their teacher’s discretion, are allowed to choose an activity to participate in on Friday afternoon. These activities include football with the assistant principal, kickball and art with the art teacher. While Fun Friday encourages students to be on their best behavior, it also gives students the chance to interact with some of their teachers and principals in different ways than the customary way they view these school officials. Seeing an assistant principal on a football field is probably not commonplace for most elementary school students. Fuller students have the opportunity to see their school officials in a different, more personable light, developing a very unique bond between them.
Fuller has announcements each morning in which the principal calls out over the intercom. The principal most always gives the students a piece of advice to think about, such as a moral or character-building statement. Many times, he also reminds the students of the Fuller Four which are Respect, Safety, Responsibility and Productivity. These four nouns are posted in all of the classrooms and memorized by the students. These character traits are encouraged by the principals and teachers everyday; the students understand the importance of the Fuller Four and most of the time successfully abides by them.
My SBTE creates classroom community in several ways. Beginning each day, she allows the students to have a few minutes of socialization time. Because these students are fifth graders, many of them are interested in their peers and want to socialize when possible. Setting aside specific time for older students to socialize is important, as they want to learn and know about their classmates. During this time, the teacher stands at the door to greet each student as they come into the classroom. My SBTE is especially sharp when it comes to noticing differences in her students. She will mention if she notices the student got a new hair cut or is wearing a new shirt. She will also converse with students about what they did the night before or anything that may be interesting to them. This allows students to recognize that their teacher is mindful and perceptive, ultimately ensuring them that she cares about them.