Moving in the Same Direction

I'm sure you've heard them.

• Everyone needs to be on the same bus.
• It's important we are all rowing in the same direction.
• We need to sing from the same hymnal.
• We need to work hand in hand.

Each of these phrases or idioms explain the importance of working together.  I believe that in any organization with more than one person we have an obligation to explicitly embrace and teach the expectations we have for people.  Schools are no different.  In fact, schools probably have the most-urgent need to help everyone work together towards common goals.

Our school has recently implemented common, positive behavioral intervention and supports (PBIS) strategies.  Since our district mascot is a wildcat we say we are "Leading with PAWS!"  We have signs and even a song around how to do this.

I recently asked my students why we should Lead with PAWS.  Their answers varied but included:

• It helps keep us safe.
• We work together more.
• We will have more fun.
• We will learn more.

Clearly our students have this figured out which is why we are taking this to the next level by explicitly teaching through videos and discussions how Leading with PAWS looks in specific areas of our school.  

Also, we are asking our parents to help us.  The parents in our school are amazing, and they understand that building community and working together makes a difference for each student in our school.  You can view the video we created for our stakeholders here.

Yes, it really does take teamwork to make the dream work.