When our schools grow in size, when our communities change, when we are asked to welcome children from all geographic locations into our buildings, we as educators immediately strive to find new ways to come together and create community connections. We want all children and all parents to feel that they are a part of the school family. We want to make sure that every child in every school has adults that they respect, value, and know on a personal level.  

To create that bond between school and home for our students, many of our Tennessee school leaders have created a family atmosphere. They have created 'Houses', or small family-style groups in their schools, where children are supported, nurtured, guided, and encouraged to do their best every day. From attendance to mastery of state standards, from games and play-ground fun to parent reading nights, these 'houses' seek to allow the student and their parents to feel a part of the school environment.

I first read about the power of creating small learning environments years ago while doing some work with my partner system, Henry County.  I then saw a much more comprehensive program in action, as Ron Clark shared his work at the Ron Clark Academy. We can't all re-create Clark's vision, but we can pull together and create our own version of small communities in our K-12 schools.  

This event is planned from TOSS ALI member requests and is created so that all ALI members can come together to learn from Tennessee's educators. The program will be presented by three of our state's own "best practice" educators.  

Join us on February 2, 2023, to see how this work changes schools, school cultures and how it is impacting our state's students over time.

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