Strategies to Create a Safe Nurturing School Climate

Students will spend a majority of their life in school, they will learn how to be social with peers, expand their minds, challenge themselves like never before and be independent for the first time from their parents. As school turns into a second home it is extremely important to cherish those minds so they may flourish. Creating a safe school climate allows students to reach higher and ultimately push the boundaries. Not only should this climate be productive for students, teachers, administration and parents need security and nourishment to flourish. A successful school climate looks like an environment where students, administration, teachers and parents can cohesively work and support one another in a safe, nurturing and respectful environment. School climate can be represented by the attitude of staff, physical aesthetics of the building and culture of a building. It is the character of a school including norms, values, morals, relationships, interpersonal relationships, teachings and practices.

Key Elements in Creating a Nourishing School Climate

Students:

• Bullying Prevention
• Clear communication between staff in regards to students
• Calming corners
• Mindfulness
• Support all students’ growth
• Support individuality
• Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
• Supportive community
• Encouragement 

Parents: 

• Volunteer Opportunities
• School Plays/Music/Performances open to parents
• Parent teacher conferences
• Phone calls home for positive behavior
• Postcard home for positive behavior
• Parent University (classes for parents)
• Clear open communication between parents and faculty

Administration/Teachers/Counselors: 

• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling (blurting, being kind)
• Guidance Lessons (yoga, mindfulness, brain, Kelso’s choice, empathy) 
• Referrals to community resources
• Supporting life achievements
• Faculty parties
• Professional Development classes
• Intentional seating placements for students
• Collaboration Between BI & Special Education
• Healthy Habits (Mind, Body, Food)
• T24 (Every Student is Capable of Post-Secondary Education)
• Problem Solving Strategies
• After school activities with mentors Campus Kids - ZagDance
• School Closet & Supplies & Food
• Open communication between staff
• Refrain from subgrouping
• Offer support to other faculty
• Be accountable

Faculty Intervention Strategies: 
As leaders in the school building teachers, administration and counselors need to understand students are always watching us. How we handle a crisis will mirror how they handle it. If students are struggling faculty have options and choices in how to proceed. Discipline may not always be the answer, and taking a more positive approach may help the student deescalate quicker and be back in the classroom learning ready. Students and faculty alike feed off of one another’s energy and by implementing some of the suggested strategies above, students faculty and parents can work towards harmony and cohesion.

Picture References: 
http://barrigasdeamor.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mindfulness-kids.png 
https://ed21c.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/ml_info_brainresults1.gif 
http://wyckofflibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/kids-yoga2.jpg 
http://www.cesa9.org/cms_files/text54531_9.jpg 
http://www.starlingagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/aguilar-phone-call-home.jpg