My first non negotiable is that every student and staff member should feel safe while at school. I am partly in charge of the safety planning and organization for HSHMC, working closely with the administration staff. If students and staff don't feel safe at school, learning will be affected. If teachers feel unsafe, they will not focus on what matters most and that is helping educate our amazing students. Students should feel welcome and loved while at school knowing that school is a place that is safe and is an environment that will make them successful and support them throughout their high school career. That being said, keep them safe both physically and mentally.
My second non negotiable and this is something I have recently discovered is that every students should have a voice. This can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately to me it means that each students has a relationship with a staff member where they feel they can be honest and that they are valued. My six year old son came home today, after being pinched all day for not wearing green and was afraid to tell his teacher about those who scratch and bullied him. He has scratches all over his neck and arms and I am not happy. While I am upset and angry that Aiden experienced this today, it makes me think of those students who don't have an adult voice, someone to be in their corner to listen and support them. It upsets me that Aiden didn't feel comfortable enough to tell his teacher. I want to make sure that all the students at school have someone that they can come and speak to, no matter the circumstance, and know that the staff member will support and help the student.
My third non negotiable relates to my first and second non negotiable and that is the formation of a strong community. While I want the students and staff to feel safe and have a voice, I want the community to appreciate and value the work ethic and commitment of these incredible high school students. HSHMC is located in an impoverished area in San Diego and I want the community to see that these students are trying to better themselves. I have a great relationship with both residents and business owners, both who value the HSHMC Fire Program. Several times a week, I get residents who have been on the wrong side of the law, encouraging my students to make good decisions. They residents and business owners support see the leadership and guidance of the HSHMC fire program and encourage the students to make the right choices. They often say that they wish they had this opportunity in high school and that if they did, they might not be where they are today. They could have done greater things.
My second non negotiable and this is something I have recently discovered is that every students should have a voice. This can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately to me it means that each students has a relationship with a staff member where they feel they can be honest and that they are valued. My six year old son came home today, after being pinched all day for not wearing green and was afraid to tell his teacher about those who scratch and bullied him. He has scratches all over his neck and arms and I am not happy. While I am upset and angry that Aiden experienced this today, it makes me think of those students who don't have an adult voice, someone to be in their corner to listen and support them. It upsets me that Aiden didn't feel comfortable enough to tell his teacher. I want to make sure that all the students at school have someone that they can come and speak to, no matter the circumstance, and know that the staff member will support and help the student.
My third non negotiable relates to my first and second non negotiable and that is the formation of a strong community. While I want the students and staff to feel safe and have a voice, I want the community to appreciate and value the work ethic and commitment of these incredible high school students. HSHMC is located in an impoverished area in San Diego and I want the community to see that these students are trying to better themselves. I have a great relationship with both residents and business owners, both who value the HSHMC Fire Program. Several times a week, I get residents who have been on the wrong side of the law, encouraging my students to make good decisions. They residents and business owners support see the leadership and guidance of the HSHMC fire program and encourage the students to make the right choices. They often say that they wish they had this opportunity in high school and that if they did, they might not be where they are today. They could have done greater things.