Real connections- How do we improve?

Hello Gator Community,

I often come to work and wonder what the outside world is like away from a school building and what others think about on their way to work.  I find myself not only thinking about my agenda or to do list, but about the amazing opportunities we have to impact students' lives everyday.  I encouraged our staff this year to first make the best first impression he or she could but to then follow that up with true connections.  Much of my research about high school students and not attending or liking school is evidenced in the following areas below-

- HS students don't feel cared for.
- HS students don't feel like teachers care whether they are in attendance or not.
- HS students feel like school starts way to early.
- Adults that think they are superior-
- Useless subjects
- Snippy or Unapproachable teachers-

We must continue working to break those barriers and encourage students to both attend and find ways to associate real world experience with their learning.  Providing an environment that's both relative and engaging becomes a priority for all educators.

I truly believe we can breakthrough these barriers and continue our work toward academic excellence.  I encourage parents to stay involved with your son or daughters learning in any capacity available.  Together we can work through the barriers that separate teenagers from really applying themselves.

Have a wonderful weekend Gator Community!