Relationships are the Keys to Success

No matter what line of work you are in, relationships can make or break your success. This principal holds true in education as well. The most important factor for a successful school is found in the quality of the relationships that are forged within the school walls, as well as those outside the school. As the new school year is ramping up, let's visit these relationships.

Administrators: Your teachers are fired up to get started with a new year of teaching. This is not the time to be sitting in your office working on classroom assignments and deciding what color to paint your office. You should be in the halls helping teachers move the boxes, put up the posters, and get the books out. Show and tell them that your job is to help them be as successful as they can be! Most importantly, make that personal connection with each and every member of your building team (that includes custodial, nutrition, etc). Find out what they did over the summer. See how their families are doing. Be genuinely interested in their lives (if you're not, then think about a different career). These are the people that make the magic happen. Most importantly, give the teachers permission (in fact, take the time to tell them) that the first 2-3 weeks of school should be spent building relationships with their students - don't jump headlong into academics. This will lay the groundwork for a great year of learning.

Teachers: You may have some trepidation about coming back to work. Imagine what some of your kids are thinking! Some a dreading the thought of school. Some are dreading the thought of another day of summer. Your students will be all across the board. Students will learn more and classroom discipline will be almost nonexistent during the rest of the school year if you take the time now to focus on building strong relationships with every one of your students. Keep things light and fun. Have discussions about how to build relationships and make friends. Set the tone for a collaborative and supportive environment. Don't worry, you're never going to have enough time to cover all the curriculum that you wanted to anyway. In fact, I have found that the more time I spend on building my relationships with my students in the fall, the faster we are able to cover curriculum the rest of the year.

Parents/community members: School is not a daycare! The people in the school are dedicated mentors and guides. These are the people who are working with some of the most important people in your lives - your children. They will be there early, stay late, and never give up on your kids! This is your time to connect and support the people who are helping your sons and daughters become their dreams. Stop by and say, "Hi." Bring a cup of coffee. Ask about their summer. Most importantly, find out how you can help them be successful. I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child. Talk to your teachers and administrators and find out how you can be of service. Maybe you can help with assemblies, chaperone a field trip, or be a guest speaker. The more the community is involved in the day-to-day aspect of our students' education, the more the students' see the importance of getting an education. Be a part of the magic.

Here's to a great year of fun, learning, exploration, and relationship building!