The School Culture Walk-Through is designed to provide a comprehensive observation that assesses the overall climate and culture of the school. The walk-through focuses on key areas that contribute to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Through this process, we aim to gather feedback that promotes continuous improvement and ensures that the school culture aligns with our core values and educational goals.

The following feedback was collected during a school visit to Thomasville Primary School on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.

Area 1: Environment

Is the school environment warm, inviting, and conducive to learning? Are students and visitors greeted in a positive and inclusive manner? Does the physical space reflect a sense of belonging?

Indicators:

*School entrance is clean and well-maintained.

*Clear signage that guides visitors and provides information.

*Greeters or staff are friendly and helpful

*Positive student and adult interactions are evident.

Feedback

The feedback suggested adding grade level hall signs for visitors, displaying character traits and PAWS guidelines on walls and hallways, posting clear directions for different hallways, making administrators visible in the hallways, and ensuring that the front office greets parents and guests.

Area 2: Student Engagement

Are students actively participating in their learning? Are the lessons interactive, engaging, and tailored to students’ needs? Is there a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity in the classroom?

Indicators:

*Students are attentive, asking questions, and participating in class discussions.

*Students demonstrate enthusiasm about their learning.

*Diverse student interests are represented (arts, sports, academics, etc.).

Feedback

Summary: Feedback from a review session reported active and engaged students being prepared for a MAZE test with good routines in place. However, there were inconsistencies noted, with some students struggling to participate and others facing attendance issues. While most teachers were actively teaching, some classrooms were seen as having ritualistic compliance rather than true student engagement. There was a suggestion for more inquiry and collaboration to enhance the learning experience.

Area 3: Positive Relationships

Do teachers, staff, and students demonstrate mutual respect and understanding? Are there visible, positive interactions between adults and students? Do students feel supported and valued by their peers and educators?

Indicators:

*Teachers and students address each other respectfully.

*Students collaborate with each other in a positive way.

*Staff demonstrate care and concern for students’ well-being.

Feedback

The feedback highlights the positive and supportive environment at the school, with teachers giving positive feedback to students, rewarding participation, and using humor and encouragement. The students are engaged, asking questions, and participating actively. Staff members are seen working with small groups, using humor appropriately, and using rewards such as dojo points to motivate and engage students. Names are used to address students personally, creating a sense of connection and care.

Area 4: School Safety

Does the school provide a safe environment for students and staff? Are there visible measures in place to ensure the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of everyone in the school community?

Indicators:

*Visible security measures (e.g., staff monitoring hallways, secure entry points).

*Students are seen using appropriate conflict resolution strategies.

*School policies regarding bullying are actively communicated.

Feedback

The feedback highlights the need to post bullying posters and display the bullying graphic, as well as ensure all rooms have the PAWS displayed. It also acknowledges a well-done lockdown drill, secure entry, clear and monitored hallways, and locked classroom doors.

Area 5: Inclusivity & Diversity

Are students from diverse backgrounds included and respected? Are diverse perspectives represented in classroom materials and activities? Is there evidence of programs that promote inclusivity and respect for all cultures?

Indicators:

*Evidence of diversity in materials

*All students, regardless of background, are seen participating equally.

*Inclusive language and actions are observed throughout the school.

Feedback

The feedback suggests that the person would like to see more materials related to culture in addition to math during their visit. They appreciated the diverse representation in the names used in the word problems.

Area 6: Student Well-being

The school supports students’ social-emotional needs.

Indicators:

*School staff are visibly attentive to student emotional needs.

*There are signs of mental health resources.

*Students demonstrate positive emotional regulation and coping skills.

Feedback

Some students who may not have been as vocal were unintentionally ignored in some classrooms, but teachers and assistants were able to provide additional attention to those who needed it.

Area 7: Communication

Is there clear and open communication between the school and families? Are students encouraged to express themselves? How effectively is information shared between teachers, students, staff, and the community?

Indicators:

*Regular announcements and updates are shared with students and staff.

*There are visible bulletin boards or digital platforms for school news.

*Students and staff communicate openly and respectfully.

Feedback

The feedback mentions that there were no announcements heard during the visit, except for the announcement signaling the end of a lockdown drill. The TV in the lobby did provide some announcements.

Area 8: Leadership & Support

Does the school leadership provide visible support and guidance? Are staff members empowered and supported in their roles? How does leadership foster a collaborative and growth-focused environment?

Indicators:

*School leadership is visible and engaged with students and staff.

*Leaders encourage staff and recognize student achievements.

*Evidence of transparent and supportive decision-making.

Feedback

The feedback indicates that there was strong leadership from the administration as they were visibly present and engaged during the visit to the school.

Area 9: Equity and Access

Are all students provided equitable opportunities to succeed? Are there systems in place to identify and address disparities in achievement, resources, and opportunities?

Indicators:

*Classroom resources are well-maintained and accessible to all students.

*Students have equal access to extracurricular activities and enrichment programs.

*Students with special needs or challenges receive appropriate support.

Feedback

The classroom libraries and materials are easily accessible to students.

Area 10: School Pride

Do students, staff, and the broader school community take pride in the school? Is there evidence of school spirit, involvement in school activities, and a sense of collective achievement?

Indicators:

*Displays of school spirit (e.g., banners, student artwork, spirit days).

*Students speak positively about their school.

*Faculty and staff express pride in their school.

Feedback

The feedback describes a school event where student work was showcased, some staff members were dressed in ‘bulldog’ attire, and classrooms were decorated with bulldog pride.

Summary

What are the school’s strengths?

Feedback

The feedback praises the school for having a welcoming and orderly environment. Students are focused, the school is clean and bright with motivational walls, and the staff is friendly. The bulletin boards are particularly appreciated.

What are some areas in which the school could improve?

Feedback

The feedback highlights that the media center appears disorganized and congested, with a suggestion to add more explicit posters related to diverse communities and improve directional signage. Rearranging and cleaning up the space could help make it feel more open and bright. Additionally, labeling the hallways according to grade level is recommended.

General Feedback

I’m happy with your work overall, but I think there are a few areas where you could make improvements. Specifically, I would like to see more attention to detail in your reports and quicker response times to emails. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have clearer communication when providing updates on project progress.

Ratings