by Natasha L. Adams
During the last week of February, we held our inaugural For the Love of WC State of the Schools week here at West Clermont. It was a time to celebrate individuals, teams, and the overall positive momentum of the district. We also used this time to look to the future and revealed our West Clermont Roadmap for Success video series.
Every moment I spend in our schools and at school events, I see such potential in our students and staff.
Currently, I am re-reading the book Big Potential by Shawn Achor. This book always refocuses me to think of all the possibilities in our district and helps me have an optimistic view of work and life. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it. Anchor writes about the difference between “small potential” that is achieved by an individual person’s creativity and intelligence and “big potential” that is accomplished collectively through collaboration and cooperation. The takeaway for me is that when we work together and surround ourselves with positive influences and invest in each other, we accomplish exponentially more than we could do alone. There is something powerful incoming TOGETHER to create success, isn’t there? It’s the reason why the word “together” appears time and time again in our future plans. Together, we will reach our big potential.
During the For the Love of WC State of the Schools week, I saw so many examples of us coming together in our schools. We distributed 850 shout-outs to district staff members for all of the incredible things—both big and small—that they are doing to make a difference in the lives of their coworkers and our students. So many students and staff showed their pride in their school throughout the week by dressing to themes—All American WC Kids, Our Future is So Bright and We Dream Big in WC!
And if you haven’t seen any of the videos that the elementary schools created #LoveWC then I encourage you to check those out. Click here to see an example from Willowville Elementary. Talk about creativity!
Of course, there are also so many other examples of how we came together around and in our schools and our community that week:
- Tata Consultancy opened its doors to West Clermont High School students to explore technology careers.
- Middle school counselors led Make a Difference Day help students develop deeper relationships, show empathy, and foster student leadership.
- Grandparents Night was celebrated at Amelia Elementary and it is always such a gift to see our learners show their beloved visitors their accomplishments.
- The Child Nutrition Coordinator was recognized with the national 2020 Young Lion Award.
- Math teachers throughout the district presented and participated in a Saturday Southwest Ohio Math Association professional learning opportunity to share their knowledge and love of math with their community.
- The West Clermont High School wrestling team was named conference champs.
- Three district students presented “The 4 Ways Speech Test” to the Eastside Rotary Club.
- Inspired by the staff shout-outs, students throughout the district wrote shout-outs to each other to show kindness to others.
As I reflect on the week and think about what is yet to come, I am filled with encouragement and hope for the future. I know in West Clermont we will be better TOGETHER because we are dedicated to serving every learner, every day, and in every way!
