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The secret of success is consistency of purpose.
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During the past 8 years, we have committed to the same three areas of focus each year. These were not a product of a best-selling book or the latest conference - but of the NEEDS our students revealed to us. Consistency of purpose means that we are all guided by the same priorities and we see and hear those in our classrooms.
Access, Advocacy and Academics are not built around a department or subject, but every classroom. That commits every one of us to both the purpose and practice of these values. You will see an emphasis on ACCESS. This provides focus for us on everything from the habits that successful students need to strong relationships in and out of the classroom to reducing barriers to learning for all students.
They connect seamlessly with our SEL and Equity efforts as well.
The greatest contribution each of us can make to the success of each student is to be intentional with our consistency of purpose. To lift all boats, we must influence the tide.
Access, Advocacy and Academics are not built around a department or subject, but every classroom. That commits every one of us to both the purpose and practice of these values. You will see an emphasis on ACCESS. This provides focus for us on everything from the habits that successful students need to strong relationships in and out of the classroom to reducing barriers to learning for all students.
They connect seamlessly with our SEL and Equity efforts as well.
The greatest contribution each of us can make to the success of each student is to be intentional with our consistency of purpose. To lift all boats, we must influence the tide.
How can we help each student better access basic tools and strategies for success?
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How can we help students identify and advocate for their own needs in more clear and timely ways?
These open the door to better self-awareness and provides an avenue for feedback. 
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What are the core academic skills that are needed in every grade, in every class?
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One of the strengths of our school is the value we put on relationships. This means everything from greeting students at our door when we can to helping students become more self-aware.
We will continue to emphasize monthly themes to give focus on particular skills. We can also build these into our daily work by creating:
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For our connections with students to be authentic, inclusive and responsive, we need to understand our own equity lens.
This year, we will be emphasizing the connections between Equity, SEL and Portrait of a Graduate and providing opportunities for faculty and staff to hear and talk about:
Our NVHS Equity Framework is a good place to start: 
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RESOURCES
During the last several years, Lunch 'n Learns have focused on building healthy academic habits with our students.
Click on each image to revisit these resources.
Click on each image to revisit these resources.
Teachers need to help students "unlock" the barriers that deter them from accessing and utilizing various resources. Explicit instruction and effective modeling can help students find success in the classroom.
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Students need to be prompted and given opportunities to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. This, paired with time and a safe place to ask questions, allows students the chance to seek the support they need.
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Our Toolkit for Text provides a clear path for how to help students engage with text in the classroom. Opportunities to comprehend, synthesize, create arguments, and reflect are an essential part of this process.
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SEL can be tricky to address in the classroom; however, developing relationships with our students and providing opportunities for them to connect with their peers will increase engagement in the classroom. Once they are invested, their effort and ownership will increase.
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Small shifts in instructional practices can lead to radical results. Students need access and coaching as they learn how to organize, plan, and process. Graphic organizers and daily reminders about how to utilize resources will go a long way when modeling these strategies for our students.
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CRISS is an oldie but goodie that puts student ownership at the core of effective teaching and learning. Giving students time to discuss, share, write, and organize helps engage them in the learning process. Once engaged, learning and ownership will follow. Dust off those old CRISS books...
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