Sara Stadem |Editor
The Tri-Valley staff had the opportunity to learn from Jimmy Casas, an educational leader, former educator and principal, and now speaker that promotes the cultivation of culture of community in schools, explained Tri-Valley EA President Bridget Ebert explained.
Ebert said, “Tri-Valley School has placed a great emphasis on creating, improving, and igniting a culture in the school that promotes kindness, integrity, respect, and striving for excellence. Jimmy Casas and his book Culturize have been a cornerstone in helping the district develop a culture that promotes those key qualities.” She continued, “The district brought Jimmy Casas in to help us strengthen this mission, empower educators to see each day as a way to enrich the education and experience at school by every student, every day, whatever it takes. Words spoken and lived out by Jimmy Casas himself.”
Casas was a school leader for 22 years, named the 2012 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year and was also selected as runner up NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principal) 2013 National Secondary Principal of the Year. In addition, Casas is the author of eight books.
The presentation by Casas was at the school on Friday, November 12, from 8 am to 12 pm which was open to all staff members including educational assistants, kitchen staff and custodial staff, according to Ebert.
When asked what it was about his book, Culturize, that helped create The Mustang Way, Ebert explained Casas identifies that all staff are responsible for cultivating and living out the culture designed by the school. It is a whole group effort to have everyone be on the same page to create a culture of a school. “Creating the culture of the school is one aspect, but living it out every day for every student takes it to a whole new level,” said Ebert.
According to Ebert, Casas identifies aspects of character such as kindness, honesty and compassion as the root of exceeding expectorations in learning and academic standards. Ebert said, “In this view we, the entire district, are working for the betterment of each child as a whole- personally and academically. The Mustang Way establishes expectations for students and staff alike allowing all parts of the school to exceed the standard and perform their best in every way.” She continued, “By establishing the culture of the school through the student and “championing” for students the school meets students where they are at to help them be their best while in the school and in life.”
“Jimmy Casas alone inspires educators and staff to show up each day to give students what they need, know their students in a way that helps them succeed, and ignite the passion educators need to get through challenges and share in triumphs,” Ebert said.
On Friday, Casas spoke about the four core principles that drive culture which are Champion for Students, Expect Excellence, Carry a Banner and Be a Merchant of Hope, explained Ebert. She further explained those principles set the guidelines for how Tri-Valley can promote a culture in their school for their administration, staff, students and community. It promotes growth and change for all members of their school community. Casas also expanded on how to invest in students and never quitting on them along with reframing difficult situations to celebrate the positives and reinforce what staff and students are doing well.
Ebert said, “Jimmy’s presentation cannot truly be described with the right words. We laughed, some cried, we laughed again, and we heard his message about how to be our very best for each other and our students.” She continued, “Based on conversations I shared, remarks made in passing, and an already desire to implement some of these practices Jimmy Casas made a great impact on all of us. He was dynamic to say the least and put a new deeper meaning to establishing culture in the school.”
The Tri-Valley staff expressed their gratitude to the district for providing Casas to speak with them during a time of change in their district but also being able to remind them to keep the why of their day in front of them which is their students, Ebert explained.
“Teachers show up every single day to breathe life into children through the curriculum and in life application through character and interaction,” Ebert said. “The message Jimmy sent was clear- every student. Every day. Whatever it takes.” Ebert expressed in her opinion, educators went into the field because of their love for children and to make a difference. Casas’ message gives staff the horsepower to keep going even if they don’t see the result and that everything educators do really does matter. This encourages the Tri-Valley staff to help their students and school live out The Mustang Way by showing kindness, having integrity, being respectful and striving for excellence. “Jimmy is right, our focus is and always will be every student. Every Day. Whatever it takes! We are the Mustang Way!” Ebert said.