Creating Community Through Connection
Journalistic Learning Initiative
Empowering student voice, improving academic outcomes & promoting self-directed learning via collaborative storytelling.
In a time when many educators are grappling with post-pandemic challenges, Dr. Al Lewis, superintendent of Weymouth Township School District in New Jersey, is charting a path forward through connection. For Dr. Lewis, fostering meaningful relationships isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mission.
“We don’t just teach students; we teach human beings,” Dr. Lewis shares. “Building trust with our kids, families, and staff is the foundation of everything we do.”
Dr. Lewis emphasizes that creating a sense of belonging within the school community starts with intentional leadership. From hosting community dinners to establishing open lines of communication with parents and teachers, his approach is deeply personal. “People need to feel seen and heard. That’s when real learning and collaboration can happen,” he says.
Under Dr. Lewis’ leadership, Weymouth Township schools have introduced programs designed to strengthen interpersonal bonds among students and staff. Morning check-ins, team-building activities, and family engagement events are now staples of school life. The results? Students feel safer, more connected, and more willing to participate. Teachers report greater morale and a renewed sense of purpose.
Dr. Lewis credits much of this success to a shift in mindset. “Connection isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a vital part of preparing our kids for the world,” he explains.
As the district continues to evolve, Dr. Lewis remains steadfast in his belief that relationships are the key to thriving schools. “When we prioritize connection, we’re not just improving education; we’re changing lives.”
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