RoOTED IN RELationSHIPS

The Heart of Teaching

WELCOME!

to a journey of fostering strong social, emotional, and academic growth in your classroom. Together, we'll explore practical ways to build a positive, welcoming climate where

every student thrives.

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go.bcsd.com/xsn

“BEE”AMAZING!

Reflect

Quote of the Day

Would you rather…

GOals for tOday

Can you think of a time when a someone made you feel truly heard and seen — or a time when you felt overlooked?

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How did that moment impact the way you saw yourself?

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Building relationships is not about transactions, it's about connections. Michelle Tillis Lederman

Share something that brings You JOY as a Teacher

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Reflect on your relationships with others

(in & out of school)

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Commit to a new way to build relationships in your classroom (& possibly outside of school as well)

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go.bcsd.com/xsn

Chavez: A flAGship school

From Mrs. Jensen:

1. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) – Collaborating effectively and efficiently will be our compass. We'll work as cohesive crews, committed to student success through data-driven decision-making and shared goals.
2. Lesson Design – We'll chart out intentional, rigorous lessons that bridge content standards with future-ready competencies.

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• Classroom Environment – Every classroom will be a thriving harbor of engagement, belonging, and high expectations. (“WE DON’T SINK SHIPS, WE HELP THEM SAIL!”)---- You are going to hear this numerous times throughout the school year! We won’t just say it, we will live it!

1A Aesthetics - how does your room look/feel

1B Connections - how do you make your S feel

go.bcsd.com/xsn

PORTRAIT oF A GRADUATE

Hello! I’m...

Stephanie (AKA the Beekeeper)

• I do not like chocolate
• I love my daily Diet Dr Pepper from Sonic (Route 44 with easy ice, add vanilla)
• When I grow up I want to be a VIP Tour Guide at Disneyland
• My favorite colors are Sunshine Yellow and Barbie Pink
• My favorite word is JOY!

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Share tidbits of FUN with your Students -

it invites them into your world & makes you come alive!

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tw0 truths & A teach!

Building Connection Through Sharing

How to Play

• Share 3 statements:

1. A true personal fact

2. Another true personal fact

3. One “Teach” — a core value, story, or belief about teaching

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• Others “guess” which is the teach.
• Reveal it & briefly explain why it matters to you!

Example

Mrs. Taylor:

- I make homemade pasta every Sunday.

- I believe all behavior is a form of communication.

- I’ve been skydiving in Australia.

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• Which is the 'Teach'? 😉

Let’s Play!

• Take 2 minutes to write your three statements.
• Share out
• Listen with your ears, eyes, & heart

Reflection

• What did you learn about your colleagues?
• How did it feel to share your *why*?
• One word to describe how you’re feeling now?

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COMMUNITY BUILDING

BEYOND THE FIRST 3 DAYS!

“Morning” Meeting

Greet, Share, Make it FUN, have a purpose/goal that rotates, and DON’T skip it!

Collaborative Learning

Incorporate think-pair-share, jigsaw, & team activities that require input from ALL using individual strengths

Classroom Responsibilities

Co-create responsibilities & expectations, model & practice ownership & CELEBRATE!

Group Celebrations

Acknowledge efforts, not just accomplishments, highlight group growth, & build traditions that bond

Active listening

Helping Children Feel Seen & Heard

BE FULLY PRESENT

Validate Feelings

Ask Powerful ?’s

Modeling the Golden Rule: Kindness and Respect

Be the Example

Demonstrate respect in all interactions. Use please, thank you, and excuse me consistently.

Spotlight Positive Behavior

Acknowledge acts of kindness specifically. "I noticed how you helped Sam."

Create Inclusive Norms

Establish clear expectations.

"In our class, we speak with respect and listen carefully."

Redirect with Dignity

Address behavior privately when possible.

Focus on solutions rather than criticism.

Find Your Inner:

Ms. Honey, Superhero, Disney Princess, or …

Channel Your Inner Ms. Honey

Embody warmth, patience, and gentle guidance. Create a safe haven for every student.

Be Their Superhero

Show courage, fairness, and unwavering support. Stand up for what's right.

Inspire Like a Disney Princess

Bring wonder, kindness, and belief in their possibilities. Help each child find their voice.

Students want to learn

from a teacher who

Believes in them &

cares about them!

― Rita Pearson

One more group hug, please!

This spontaneous request on our last day, from a sweet worker bee, led us to sit on the carpet and share about the friendships & bonds we created over our year together!

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These sweaty, little humans had truly cracked the code to relationships that most big humans haven’t cracked.

thank you

I look forward to sharing the journey with you this next school year!

cheers,

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Stephanie

REFLECTION

What is one thing that squared with your thinking?

What is one thing that is circling in

your mind?

What are 3 things that you want to try next school year?

your journey begins today!

Remember, your authentic presence is the most powerful tool. The small moments of connection create lasting impact for your students.

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Focus Area:

Classroom Environment

1B Connections

thank you

I look forward to sharing the journey with you this next school year!

cheers,

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Stephanie

Classroom Scenarios: What Would You Do?

How to Play:

1. Use a realistic classroom scenarios—some funny, some challenging.
2. Split into small groups. Each group choose a scenario or create their own.
3. Give groups 5–7 minutes to discuss how they would handle the situation
4. Each group shares their solution, and other groups can add ideas or offer a "one-liner" alternative approach.

Sample Scenarios:

• A student cries every time they lose a game.�
• A parent sends you daily emails questioning your classroom decisions.�
• Two students keep excluding a classmate at recess.�
• A student refuses to join group work and prefers to work alone.�
• You’re behind on grading and feeling overwhelmed—what do you do?

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