Thursday, October 5, 2023 Volume 18 Issue 4
At Thurgood Marshall Elementary, we focus not only on academic skills, but also on teaching students skills to help them also be well-rounded humans and future citizens. We talk often about Keeping it R.E.A.L. If you are not new to our school, you are probably aware that the R.E.A.L. stands for Resilient, Empathetic, Accountable, Lifelong Learners.
These are values that we have taught to students and celebrated over the last ten years. Last year, we asked parents, staff, and our third–fifth grade students to let us know which values they feel are most important for our students to have learned before they leave Thurgood Marshall at the end of fifth grade. Two hundred thirty-nine people responded to our survey.
Here are the top five values that were selected:
Empathy
Curiosity
Self-Respect
Accountability
Perseverance
This year, we will have a schoolwide focus on empathy, and we will gradually work our way through the other traits in subsequent years. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It's about recognizing and valuing the emotions and perspectives of those around us. Teaching empathy to elementary students goes beyond teaching them to read and write; it's about teaching them to connect, communicate, and care for one another. Here's why it's crucial:
1. Building Stronger Relationships:
Empathetic students are more likely to form strong, meaningful relationships with their peers. They understand the importance of listening, offering support, and being kind. These skills are not only valuable during their school years but throughout their entire lives.
2. Fostering a Safe and Inclusive Environment:
When children are empathetic, they create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. By teaching them to appreciate differences and understand the feelings of others, we can prevent bullying and discrimination, making our school a safer and more welcoming place for all.
3. Developing Conflict Resolution Skills:
Empathy plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts peacefully. When students can see things from another person's perspective, they are more likely to find solutions that satisfy everyone involved. This not only reduces tension but also teaches valuable problem-solving skills.
4. Promoting Social Awareness:
Empathy is the cornerstone of social awareness. By teaching our students to understand the emotions and experiences of others, we prepare them to be responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
5. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence:
Empathy is a fundamental component of emotional intelligence. It allows students to recognize and manage their own emotions while also understanding how their actions affect others. These skills are essential for academic success and personal growth.
So, how can we foster empathy in our elementary students? Here are a few strategies we can use at home and at school:
1. Model Empathetic Behavior:
Children learn by example. Teachers and parents should mode
l empathetic behavior by showing kindness, understanding, and respect in their interactions with others.
2. Teach Perspective-Taking:
Encourage students to imagine themselves in someone else's shoes. Reading books, engaging in discussions, and sharing stories can help students develop this skill.
3. Create Opportunities for Collaboration:
Group projects and cooperative learning experiences provide students with chances to work together, practice empathy, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
4. Encourage Reflection:
Regularly ask students to reflect on their feelings and experiences. This can help them develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and the emotions of others.
At Thurgood Marshall, we are committed to creating an environment where empathy is not just taught but lived every day. Together, we can equip our elementary students with the empathy they need to become compassionate, caring, and responsible individuals who will make a positive impact on the world.
Thurgood Marshall Elementary Named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School
Thurgood Marshall Elementary has been awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools designation by the U.S. Department of Education. The school was one of two schools from Washington state and 353 schools across the country to receive the honor.
The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. It is a testament to the school’s dedication to providing a top-tier education for its students.
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to raise the bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
In her 10th year as Thurgood Marshall’s leader, Principal Katie May expressed her gratitude to her staff for this outstanding achievement.
“There’s never anything that’s done just by one person. It’s so much a team effort, and we just have such a great mix of people here – people who are so committed to our kids,” she said. “Our staff will say that working together is one of their favorite things and why they feel so invested in our school … I think it’s the work they do together that really makes the difference for the kids.”
Principal May attributed the school’s success to the district’s Early Literacy Department and its support with curriculum, literacy coaching, and principal sessions.
“It has really deepened the work we do around literacy. We are creating a community of children who love reading and who know they are competent readers,” she said.
In a congratulatory message to the principal, Sen. Patty Murray shared her excitement.
“This is so well-deserved, and we are thrilled that your school is being recognized,” the email read.
Superintendent Brent Jones said receiving a national award of this caliber shows that Seattle Public Schools is getting it right when it comes to teaching students to read.
“The fact that our schools are being recognized on a national stage for academics is a testament to the work we have poured into our strategic plan of focusing on early literacy,” Superintendent Jones said. “Thurgood Marshall has done a tremendous job utilizing the tools we have given them to help students achieve at a high level.”
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School will be formally recognized at the National Blue Ribbon Schools virtual awards ceremony in November 2023.
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