Relationship Week Fosters Connection, Boosts Confidence at Ohio Schools
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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Staff and scholars at National Heritage Academies’ (NHA®) Ohio schools recently set aside time to affirm and uplift each other during Relationship Week, an initiative from Communities In Schools.
Relationship Week was an opportunity for everyone at school to build each other up and foster kindness in the school community. Each school’s site coordinator oversaw their own celebration of Relationship Week, and they came up with some great ways to connect.
Paris Taylor, the Communities In Schools site coordinator at North Dayton School of Discovery, encouraged students and staff to praise each other through affirmation jars in each classroom. Taylor also supported educators with a donut cart one day, and scholars had a chance to bond with their teachers at a photo wall.
With something fun at school each day of the week, Taylor said providing these opportunities for connection was crucial.
“It is important to have that bond at school because it encourages participation,” Taylor said. “It allows students’ voices to be heard. At my school, it allowed for us to affirm one another and encourage positive self-talk.”
Antoine’ Dorsey, the Communities In Schools site coordinator at the Pathway School of Discovery, showed her appreciation for staff with a spread of snacks and treats. She also encouraged staff to write out an appreciative or encouraging note on a paper heart.
Orion Academy students transformed their teachers’ doors with an outpouring of appreciation. Scholars had a chance to give their teacher an affirmation and stick the notes right on the classroom door, showing how appreciative they were.
Emerson Academy scholars and staff praised other out with a shout out board. The school’s Communities In Schools site coordinator Antoine Sain set up a public bulletin board to display these words of kindness. Even a small affirmation on a sticky note can go a long way.
“I really think the biggest takeaway from Relationship Week is that small acts of kindness can make a huge impact,” Taylor said. “Whether it was a small note, a kind word, or a moment of gratitude, these little things helped to build a stronger sense of connection within the school.”
The weeks’ worth of relationship building was brought to scholars thanks to the partnership between NHA and Communities In Schools. Taylor said this teamwork directly impacts scholars.
“We are here to advocate for our children,” Taylor said. “Building those connections within the community and at school is important so we can find and bring in resources from community partners to continue to help building up our students and setting them up for success.”
Students and staff alike had plenty of positive feedback about Relationship Week. They were grateful for the time to share words of encouragement and build their connection at school. Taylor said these simple strategies help boost confidence, and she hopes to find a way to integrate them every day.
“I feel like to affirm children every day, it’ll encourage them to want to be in school and encourage them to do their best,” Taylor said. “Fostering meaningful relationships don’t require big events or elaborate planning. Even small efforts like writing a thank you note makes a huge difference.”
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Relationship Week was an opportunity for everyone at school to build each other up and foster kindness in the school community. Each school’s site coordinator oversaw their own celebration of Relationship Week, and they came up with some great ways to connect.
Paris Taylor, the Communities In Schools site coordinator at North Dayton School of Discovery, encouraged students and staff to praise each other through affirmation jars in each classroom. Taylor also supported educators with a donut cart one day, and scholars had a chance to bond with their teachers at a photo wall.
With something fun at school each day of the week, Taylor said providing these opportunities for connection was crucial.
“It is important to have that bond at school because it encourages participation,” Taylor said. “It allows students’ voices to be heard. At my school, it allowed for us to affirm one another and encourage positive self-talk.”
Antoine’ Dorsey, the Communities In Schools site coordinator at the Pathway School of Discovery, showed her appreciation for staff with a spread of snacks and treats. She also encouraged staff to write out an appreciative or encouraging note on a paper heart.
Orion Academy students transformed their teachers’ doors with an outpouring of appreciation. Scholars had a chance to give their teacher an affirmation and stick the notes right on the classroom door, showing how appreciative they were.
Emerson Academy scholars and staff praised other out with a shout out board. The school’s Communities In Schools site coordinator Antoine Sain set up a public bulletin board to display these words of kindness. Even a small affirmation on a sticky note can go a long way.
“I really think the biggest takeaway from Relationship Week is that small acts of kindness can make a huge impact,” Taylor said. “Whether it was a small note, a kind word, or a moment of gratitude, these little things helped to build a stronger sense of connection within the school.”
The weeks’ worth of relationship building was brought to scholars thanks to the partnership between NHA and Communities In Schools. Taylor said this teamwork directly impacts scholars.
“We are here to advocate for our children,” Taylor said. “Building those connections within the community and at school is important so we can find and bring in resources from community partners to continue to help building up our students and setting them up for success.”
Students and staff alike had plenty of positive feedback about Relationship Week. They were grateful for the time to share words of encouragement and build their connection at school. Taylor said these simple strategies help boost confidence, and she hopes to find a way to integrate them every day.
“I feel like to affirm children every day, it’ll encourage them to want to be in school and encourage them to do their best,” Taylor said. “Fostering meaningful relationships don’t require big events or elaborate planning. Even small efforts like writing a thank you note makes a huge difference.”
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.