At Elliott Elementary we value celebrating the everyday victories and contributions of our students and team members. Our culture of positivity and acknowledgment is not just encouraged; it’s embedded into the very fabric of our daily routines.
One of the exciting practices at Elliott is the tradition of Positive Principal Calls. Almost every day, a student is selected to receive a phone call home from our admin team, not because of any disciplinary issue or outstanding achievement, but simply to celebrate their everyday excellence. Teachers nominate students based on our guidelines for success, highlighting instances where these students treat others with respect, encourage others, act responsibly, make safe choices, or demonstrate exceptional effort in their learning journey.
The beauty of these calls lies not only in the recognition the students receive but also in the collaborative effort involved. Teachers play an active role in identifying and celebrating the positive attributes of their students, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose within the school. When the admin team makes the call, it becomes a moment of shared joy among our Team Elliott learning community involving music, bubbles, and encouragement from other team members as the student walks down the hallway to the office to be celebrated with a phone call to a family member!
But the celebration does not stop there. Alongside the Positive Principal Calls are the equally uplifting Positive Principal Pop-Ins, designed to recognize the outstanding efforts of our school staff members. The spotlight turns to the team members, acknowledging their hard work, collaboration, dedication to students, and their positive impact on our school community.
The process is simple yet powerful. Team members are encouraged to nominate their colleagues by sharing positive efforts on pink TEAM Tickets. From these nominations, the administrative team selects one staff member to be celebrated. The chosen staff member is then surprised with their name announced, a visit to their classroom, complete with a bubble party, a teacher prize cart, and heartfelt appreciation from their team members.
What makes this practice so impactful is its emphasis on peer-to-peer recognition and support. By involving staff members in the nomination process, Team Elliott fosters a culture of appreciation. It is not just about receiving praise from the admin team; it is about knowing that your efforts are valued and acknowledged by your colleagues, creating a sense of belonging and encouragement within the school community.
Moreover, the ripple effect of these celebrations extends beyond the individual recipients. When students witness their peers being celebrated for acts of kindness or excellence, it reinforces the values and expectations of our learning community, inspiring others to follow. Similarly, when staff members see or hear their colleagues being recognized and appreciated, it is contagious! On several occasions, grade level team members will take their students to the teacher’s classroom to join in their celebration.
In a time when positivity and encouragement are more important than ever, Team Elliott is commitment to celebrating the everyday achievements within our learning community! I am grateful for the team collaboration in this process. It is the small gestures of appreciation that make the biggest impact.
Natalie B. Miller 