The Power of a Note. Keep the connection alive.

“Invest in students.”

                   A key concept in The KOL’s Mission Statement

After the first few weeks of school and throughout the year, write a brief note of encouragement to each student.  I spread this out over eight months and looked for connections based on the photo card from the beginning of the school year.

I told students that they could write to me at any time with questions, concerns, jokes, artwork. . .and that I would reply.

June 23, 2021. Matanzas High School Principal Jeff Reaves handwrote 459 notes to the graduating class of 2021 to celebrate their accomplishments. He always tries to do something nice for each graduating class at his Florida high school. 

Principal Reeves embodies the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) concept:

Build relationships.

Did you know Priscilla Chan recently announced the Chan Zuckerberg initiative?

“We are excited to launch a research-informed tool to support teacher-student relationships, helping teachers make each student feel seen, understood, and valued--- foundational to learning and well-being.”

SEL, right?!!

ALONG is “a free digital reflection tool that is designed to help teachers connect with their students.” 

The Power of a Note.  Hand-written or electronic.  Each student matters.