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Making a Difference

By Frank Bellomo, Elementary Principal From the time a child steps onto a bus or enters the building, there are human actions that can greatly impact them for the day.  The same goes for the adults that enter our buildings as well. Striving for academic success in a school is a given, but something equally important is the feeling our school community has when they are in our company.  Academics alone in a school does not equal success... Not in my book anyways.  A strong culture and climate does not exist just because there is an administrator or teachers in the building.  It takes a great deal of work to build and sustain a culture that is inviting to those who enter a school each day. The big question becomes, who can make a difference in a school?  Of course we could answer this quickly, perhaps with one word, but for the sake of giving you some ideas for your own culture, I'll give you a short list of examples of some of the people who can, and do, make a d

Relationships in the Classroom

By Frank Bellomo, Elementary Principal As you think back to your favorite teacher, what thoughts come to mind? What are some of your fondest memories of this extraordinary educator who seemed to have left a lasting impression on you? I feel pretty confident in saying that most educators at one time or another had a teacher that made a difference for them. It's amazing that school personnel can have such powerful impacts on people. All staff in a school district, no matter their role, can play a significant part in the day of students, but for the purpose of my writing today, I will focus on teachers. No other profession allows someone to have an impact on so many people. Not all teachers have the same impact though. Some teachers have found the answer in one of the most powerful strategies that exists. A strategy that can be utilized by a new teacher or a veteran. A strategy that is in fact free of charge although it does require a little extra time. Have you guessed the s