It Starts From Day One

We welcomed 1300 students to Worthington Kilbourne High School last week.  The students were anxious to get to see one another, wear their new clothes, and test out their new school supplies.  What isn't as clear to all of them is the need to start the first day with positive habits.  First impressions are important along with setting an example for participation, promptness, and accountability.  Education is very unique in the sense that everyone gets to start with a clean slate.  Their story hasn't been written this school year and they get to be the authors.  Their habits and behaviors start counting from day one.

How do you ensure the students are getting off to a great start?  Are their things the adults in the building can do to help young adolescents?  Certainly.  Here are a few things the faculty and staff can do to help:

• Provide positive reinforcement from the first day for the small things, like
• Being on time
• Having their materials
• Participating in class
• Turning in their work
• Provide examples and non-examples of expectations, like
• What does academic integrity mean in your school/class
• What does being on time mean in your school/class
• What does collaboration and group work mean in this school/class
• Practice routines, like
• Where and when should assignments be turned in
• How to ensure all voices are heard and respected in this school/class
• What do transitions look like and how long should they take
• How does a student ask for help

We hope you get off to a great start, as well.  Good luck this school year.