Staff-Student-Family Interaction
For the mission to be achieved and for an inclusive environment to be created, staff -student-family communication should be upheld. Communication also supports staff to do their work better when they understand student's life outside school. The school holds regular meetings where the staff, students, and parents/guardians discuss the strategies that can be adopted for a positive learning environment to be maintained. COA is a fifth-year Capturing Kids Hearts showcase school, and through this program, COA staff warmly welcomes and accommodates families, allowing them to know each other. Even when operating under a tight schedule, the staff manages to attend to families and students because they value them. Morning meetings provide an opportunity for students and staff to know each other more and briefly talk about their families. Such moments are crucial in bringing out the differences between each other and appreciating each individual's contribution to the success of the school. We treat each other like family. We accept our differences and do not allow them to separate us. We prioritize equality and make each student, staff, and family member feel valued and welcomed to be part of the school. Our interactions help build a community where everyone has a sense of belonging, where unity and love prevail.
Opening our doors to the community
The staff and students warmly receive any community member who comes to our campus, regardless of their background. Staff and students ensure that every visitor is comfortable and their presence on the campus is noticed. The administrative staff's office ensures that parents are attended to within a short time, with a high level of efficiency in how their needs are addressed. As part of COA's Capturing Kid's Heart program, the students greet visitors and welcome them to their classes. They guide them to sign the social contract and be a part of the class. This gesture demonstrates that COA is connected to the community and wants every member to feel free to visit. The COA office, the face of the school, reflects the school mission in all its aspects. The physical layout demonstrates organization, commitment, and warmth. The staff uses their native language when dealing with parents so that communication is clear. Parents are greeted and acknowledged when they enter the school office. The staff ensures that no parent is kept waiting for long.
Celebrations of community values and student achievement
COA is highly engaged in the community and values every ethnic group. The annual cultural fair is organized in May. The fair is characterized by activities that celebrate the different cultures and encourage each community member to be proud of who they are. During the fair, the school displays artifacts from various countries, and attendees can put on cultural outfits. Every month, students learn about a character trait for a hero who brought out the trait in their deeds/interactions with others. The students who have exhibited that trait are honored during the assembly, an act that is meant to encourage other students to embrace heroes' traits and care for each other. Rewards and recognition are the school's way of celebrating student achievement. The awards are given in class or during meetings where the entire school is involved. We appreciate the student's effort and award them to encourage them to keep up with the good work.
At COA elementary, we value what different cultures offer and train our students on acceptance and genuine care for all. We create an environment where no one is stereotyped or prejudiced on a racial basis. In January, our character education was based on Alertness and Action. We focused on Martin Luther. In February, we dedicated each day to an African American hero as we celebrated Black History Month. This celebration occurs annually to commemorate the contribution of AfricanAmericans to the nation and its history.
COA also relies on social media to educate students, staff, and families about upcoming events and various learnings. It is our pleasure to educate students on being better and accommodative citizens. This is also a way of teaching families the need for acceptance and reminding them that we are ready to work with everyone. At COA everyone matters.
Dr. Tatyana Kisel, Vice Principal
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