John Gregg Elementary puts community at center of school culture

BERGHOLZ -- John Gregg Elementary is promoting a culture of community in an effort to create successful, well-rounded students.

Principal Tammy Burchfield has already held a motivational assembly for first- through sixth-grade students and addressed preschool and kindergarten students in their respective classrooms to explain how the process builds upon the district's motto of being "Respectful, Responsible, and Safe." She plans to keep the momentum going throughout the school year and beyond.

Burchfield uses uppercase E's to denote adults as leaders, with lowercase e's depicting her estimated 375 students as followers. She said the purpose is to teach children the importance of following rules and meeting expectations.

"We're trying to create a particular culture and we want kids to know we're a caring, supportive community," Burchfield said. "We're a community with adults and students and all of the adults are leaders. There is a purpose to keep the community safe and they have to be responsible enough to know what the boundaries are and that they are to adhere to them."

Teachers, aides, administrators and staff were identified as the adult leaders in the building, and their role is to help students learn and grow and provide guidance if they face a challenge. Meanwhile, students are encouraged to do their best to meet expectations.

"Every person in the community plays an important role and students are followers, but they could be a leader if the moment arises. There are leaders in the building, at home, and in the community and [students] need to learn how to follow and develop the skills to be a good leader when the time occurs," she explained. "They are leaders when it comes to their own actions and they are accountable for what they say or do."

Part of the initiative incorporates Edison Local Schools' Wildcat mascot, with each classroom selecting a type of cat to represent them. Choices included Golden Cats, White Tigers and Lynx, and were posted on a bulletin board to show who was part of the community.

Additionally, students who make good choices and follow the rules can earn incentives as a reward. Pupils who achieve excellence in reading and math assessments and are in good standing with grades, behavior and attendance will receive Burchfield Bucks to spend at school.

"I want them to be aware there are incentives concerning excellence in achievement and excellence in growth. They can spend their Burchfield Bucks at the school Spirit Corner that is held once a month or in the cafeteria on snacks every day," she added.

Burchfield said the effort has been fruitful thus far, and she hopes to see it continue to grow.

"I'm very happy with the students and staff. It feels like a family-centered community and we're being very productive," she said. "We will start with the beginning-of-the-year assessments and then establish goals for the year."