Building Strong Classroom Communities: A Transformative Experience with High Five Schools

Strong Classroom Communities are Essential!

In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, the importance of building strong classroom communities cannot be overstated. As educators, we are increasingly faced with the challenge of supporting students who are navigating complex emotional and social issues. The statistics are shocking—1 in 6 students experience a mental health disorder, and the rates of anxiety and depression are rising at an alarming rate. These challenges are exacerbated by a paradox: students are more hyperconnected through technology than ever before, yet many feel more disconnected and isolated.

This is why fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom is critical. Students need to feel valued, understood, and connected. This week, we had the privilege of hosting a transformative professional development session with High Five Schools, a team dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and thriving classroom environments.

“We have students who are hyperconnected yet totally disconnected.”

The High Five Way: Understanding, Engaging, Empowering

The training we received from High Five Schools was nothing short of remarkable. The energy and enthusiasm of the presenters were contagious, and their approach was grounded in research and best practices. What sets High Five Schools apart is their unique approach, known as the High Five Way, which focuses on three pillars:

1. Understanding: The first step in supporting our students is truly understanding them—their needs, their challenges, and their strengths. High Five Schools emphasizes the importance of cultivating empathy and active listening. By taking the time to understand our students, we can create an environment where they feel safe and supported.
2. Engaging by Connecting with a Purpose: Engagement goes beyond simply involving students in classroom activities. It’s about connecting with them on a deeper level, with a clear purpose in mind. High Five Schools encourages educators to build meaningful relationships with their students, creating a sense of trust and community. We are implementing greeting at the door and circling up to check in either at the beginning of the day or at various times to reset the classroom.
3. Empowering: Finally, the goal is to empower students and staff alike. High Five Schools provides strategies for resolving conflicts constructively and for equipping students with the emotional skills they need to succeed. When students feel empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning and contribute positively to the classroom community.

Addressing the Realities of Loneliness and Exclusion

One of the most powerful moments in the training was when we discussed the impact of loneliness and exclusion on students’ mental health. It’s a reality that many of our students face, leading to anxiety, trauma, and depression. The statistics shared were alarming, but they served to underscore the importance of our work. Understanding these realities is crucial as we strive to create inclusive and supportive classroom communities.

High Five Schools provided us with practical tools and strategies to address these issues head-on. We learned how to create environments where every student feels like they belong, where their voices are heard, and where they are encouraged to connect with others in meaningful ways.

The Impact of Today’s Training

The training we received today wasn’t just about learning new strategies—it was about changing our perspective on how we interact with our students. It reminded us of the power of connection and the difference that a strong classroom community can make in a student’s life. We left the session feeling inspired, energized, and ready to implement what we learned.

As we move forward, we are excited to see the positive changes that will come from this training. We are committed to creating classroom environments where students feel understood, engaged, and empowered. And we are confident that this will lead to better social-emotional well-being, increased attendance, and higher academic achievement.

Join Us on This Journey

This is just the beginning of our journey with High Five Schools. We are committed to building strong, supportive classroom communities, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about the well-being of children, you can make a difference.

If you’re looking to create a positive impact in your school, I highly recommend connecting with the High Five Schools team. Their expertise, passion, and dedication to creating thriving classroom environments are truly unparalleled.

Stay tuned for part two of this blog later in the year, where I’ll share updates on our progress and the continued impact of High Five Schools’ training. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every student feels valued, connected, and ready to succeed.

Debriefing Virtually and In Person

Our training isn’t a “one and done.” It is support provided to us throughout the year by checking in, coaching calls, and creating action plans. So if you are looking for more than a program or a conversation to launch your school into fewer student suspensions, increased student achievement, and improve school culture…this is it! We all want that for our students and our staff. High Five can help make this happen. I can saw without a doubt that this training and support is just what we needed.

👉 To learn more about High Five Schools and how they can support your school, visit their website and reach out to their team. Let’s work together to build stronger, more connected classroom communities.