Common Grounds: Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Brown is a Clifton Elementary School parent/community engagement event that will typically occur the 4th Friday of each month unless otherwise noted. The first Common Grounds conversation was held on Friday, August 30th. The primary topic of conversation was Developing Cubs with Character. Mrs. Tiffany Jones, CISD Director of Curriculum and Instruction, first shared the backstory that led to the development of Cubs with Character program being implemented this school year at Clifton Elementary. In a recent survey, one of the primary concerns expressed by parents was that their children not only be taught the core content, but also learn how to be a good and kind person. Dr. Brown, CES Principal, and Mr. Goedecke, CES Asst. Principal, then shared information with parents and community members regarding the Cubs with Character program. Dr. Brown shared how this program was collaboratively developed by CES faculty and administration in response to data derived from parent surveys and input from faculty.
Each week teachers and staff will select a student from each grade level who has demonstrated the attributes of the Cubs-in-Action Motto: I will be KIND. I will be RESPECTFUL. I will be RESPONSIBLE. I am a CLIFTON CUB! The primary goal of the program is to recognize those students who make good choices and demonstrate the character we want to see in our students as they continue to develop throughout the school year. This recognition opportunity is open to all students, including those who may have made some poor choices in the past, but who are making an effort to get back on track. This aspect was well-received by those in attendance. One parent expressed gratitude that any child could be recognized and that the teachers recognize that students are still learning how to behave and interact with one another. Dr. Brown also shared that we have a lot to be thankful for at CES and have much to celebrate. “We have amazing students here who exhibit good character everyday... We want to celebrate them and motivate them to continue on this path!” The CES administration hopes to gather support of this program by reaching out to and developing partnerships with businesses and organizations within the Clifton community.
Mr. Goedecke shared his experience of getting to reach out to a parent whose child was selected as one of our first Cubs with Character. The parent shared, not only her joy, but the ripple effect the family experienced once the recognition was shared out with other family members and friends on social media. Parents in attendance echoed this same sentiment. One mother commented on how a positive comment on a simple hand-written note from her child’s teacher last school year made such an impact on her and her child… and continues to do so.
The conversation then began turning to how this same positive recognition can be focused towards the adults within our school to include the various stakeholders of parents, teachers, staff, and administrators. Those in attendance encouraged one another to express their gratitude when something positive happens and to not only focus on the negative. The positive things happening within our schools and community far outweigh the negative, but we so often focus on the negative. It is time for that to change!
In all, we had sixteen in attendance for this first meeting, which really enabled some good conversation. Attendees were encouraged to talk to those within their circles about what was discussed and to encourage them to attend if/when they can. The focus of these Common Grounds events is not necessarily the quantity of people in attendance, but rather the quality and depth of conversation that ocurrs and how those in attendance can continue the conversation as they go out into the community. Each time we have a Common Grounds event a summary of the discussion will be posted as an article on the Clifton Elementary school’s website for those who were not able to attend.
The next Common Grounds event will take place on Friday, September 27th, at 8 AM, in the CES Cafeteria. The topic of discussion will be Preparing for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Dr. Brown will be sharing information about the progress monitoring programs utilized at Clifton Elementary, as well as potential questions parents might ask teachers concerning their child's progress during upcoming parent/teacher conferences. So, come on out and participate in the conversation and enjoy a free cup of coffee!