Our mission statement at our school is “we will work collaboratively to ensure that students will become productive and responsible citizens. Students will engage in dynamic, rigorous and relevant curriculum. Students will develop abilities which enable them to contribute to society. Students will achieve their goals in a safe, nurturing, and respectful school environment.” (Lindo park elementary, 2015) Our mission gives great detail about student achievement and responsibility, however it doesn’t appear to include the welcoming of all cultures and the diversity of a global society. I think it would be a great thing for our area to not only add it to our mission but add some cultural awareness routines, activities or days as the diversity in the community is growing each and every year.
What did you do to assess which stakeholder group (or subgroup) could be more effectively welcomed? And what did you find?
I interviewed a few Spanish speaking parents about their level of customer service and the welcoming of our school environment. They mentioned the school was great and loved the teachers but there wasn’t much Spanish speaking support, in the classroom and office. Some parents come to me with questions about office paperwork instead of the office because they know there’s no one that can communicate with them.
Future Sphere of Influence: What would you do to improve welcoming this group if you were the school leader?
If I was the school leader I would hold an after school meeting for Spanish speaking parents about the plan we will have established to communicate with them effectively on an ongoing basis. Maybe assign some teachers that can assist or translate for them.
Current Sphere of Influence: What can you do in your present position to enhance welcoming these stakeholders?
Currently, I can continue to be available to translate and help. To offer myself without hesitation and assist these families so they can feel welcomed at our school with the confidence that their concerns can be heard and questions answered.
Current Sphere of Influence: Commit to 5 things you are willing to do this semester that will make your school a more welcoming place:
- Communicate that my door is open for any future questions.
- Translate my in-class documents in Spanish for parents.
- Assist the office staff with any translating assistance.
- Offer a Spanish version of any after school presentation I have in my class (back to school night, open house) the day after for Spanish speaking parents.
- Communicate to colleagues that I can help at any time with translating needs.
References
Lindo park elementary, N.D. (2015). School Rules and Behavior. Retrieved 11 September, 2015,
from http://www.lsusd.net/domain/660