INDIANAPOLIS-- On the north side, an
Indianapolis Public Schools principal leads by example and works to change her neighborhood for the better.
Making trainees feel enjoyed, seen and heard, with high fives and hugs, Principal Crishell Sam desires kids to feel encouraged the minute they arrive at James Whitcomb Riley School 43.
" We're welcoming our students every day. Learning their names, capturing them before they get to class, being able to see if it's going to be an excellent day, if it's going to be a not-so-good day, and what we require to do to assist turn those things around," she stated.
Principal Sam began working for IPS in 2006. Now that she's back at School 43 in her new function, it's a complete circle minute.
" What we're doing is we're moving on," stated Sam, "We are making certain we're producing a safe space for our trainees, so our trainees want to be here every day."
One method is through a success period. Not an unusual practice at area schools, but for Principal Sam it's a necessary one. For 40 minutes a day, everyone is all in.
" We have our custodians, our secretary, administrative partner, dean, myself, community planners-- we're all working with our instructors and trainees and breaking them into smaller groups, so we can offer trainees what they need," she described.
Monica DeLaPaz is the neighborhood organizer and works straight with families to bridge any gap that might be holding children back.
" From lease to emotional support, to discovering ways to help their kids become effective in school," stated DeLaPaz.
An educator with IPS for more than 20 years, DeLaPaz followed Principal Sam to School 43.
" It's like a magnet-- everyone is going to follow," DeLaPaz said, "She's mentoring personnel, she's mentoring children, she's mentoring family, she's mentoring community and it's all coming together."
Every early morning, every student is reminded of the "three Rs": obligation, resilience, and respect. All are actions they can practice in the classroom and out in their community.
" I'm a huge believer in our students," said Principal Sam.
She stresses that she doesn't do this work alone–– a huge factor is her staff and the teachers at School 43.
" The work we do is not simple work. "The gifts and the talents of all of our teachers and support staff bring to this space assist us get the work done for students."
Leading by example, Principal Sam is revealing what it indicates to be exceptional.
School 43 has huge plans to grow. Principal Sam and her staff remain in the preparation phase today to include carrying out arts classes next year. They intend to offer band, orchestra and dance, giving students the opportunity to comprehend and value the arts.
To learn more about James Whitcomb Riley School 43 and their programs and continuous efforts, click on this link.
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