In the world of education, success is often associated with big milestones like high test scores and top rankings. At Marrs, we realize the value of celebrating both small and large successes in a student’s journey.
Small successes, whether they involve a student mastering a challenging concept, improving their grades, or simply displaying kindness and leadership, are worth celebrating. These small wins often go unnoticed but play a pivotal role in a student's overall development. By acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, our goal is to create a positive and nurturing environment that motivates students to strive for more.
Emphasizing small successes helps students build self-esteem and confidence. Students learn that progress and growth are valuable in and of themselves, regardless of the scale. This perspective shift encourages a growth mindset, where students are more inclined to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Large successes, such as winning a championship or achieving top academic honors, still have their place in the school environment. These accomplishments are important milestones that provide students with goals to work towards and reasons to persevere. However, celebrating small successes helps students build a foundation of resilience, determination, and a passion for learning that enables them to tackle more significant challenges.
Students at Marrs Elementary celebrate small successes through rewards such as Positive Office Referrals or Shop With the Principal. Shop with the Principal is a monthly citizenship reward program celebrated each month. Classroom teachers select one student from their room who has exhibited excellent citizenship or shown great improvement in their classroom work. These students are honored and recognized by receiving a classroom visit from the Principal and her shopping cart filled with treats and prizes. Students are also recognized on our school's Facebook page. Positive Office Referrals are “shoutouts” that any staff member can fill out and turn in! The idea is to replace the negative stigma associated with the visits to the principal with an opportunity for students to anchor positive outcomes from their “above and beyond” behavior choices. Students are recognized with a trip to the Principal’s office but for a good reason.
By acknowledging and encouraging students at every step of their journey, schools prepare them not only for academic success but for life as well. In the end, it's not just about reaching the finish line but also about savoring the entire race and the small victories that make it worthwhile.
Sincerely,
Katie Bushard, Principal