Eagle Crest, Oakside, and Taylor Prep Staff Connect with Students Through Videos
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
School looks different right now, and though students and teachers are connecting through remote learning, sometimes it’s nice to just say hello and share how much you miss each other. Of course, educating scholars is vital, but so is connecting and fostering relationships with students.
EdWeek hosted a panel with top educators and asked them the important question of “What are the best ways to build relationships with students?” Timothy Hilton, a high school Social Studies teacher in South Central Los Angeles, stressed the importance of building a solid relationship with students, “Building relationships with students is by far the most important thing a teacher can do. Without a solid foundation and relationships built on trust and respect, no quality learning will happen.”
The staff at Eagle Crest Charter Academy, Oakside Scholars Charter Academy, and Taylor Preparatory High School did just that! Each school put together videos of themselves for their students in their own unique ways. Many of the staff mentioned they hope their students are staying safe and healthy, and some even made signs.
You can view a compilation of the three videos here, which features video clips and photos of the staff from each school, some of their kids, and a few furry friends.
“Our teachers greatly miss our students, and our students greatly miss our teachers,” said Louise Moore, principal at Eagle Crest. “We look forward to the day when we can set aside our computers, smartphones, and tablets and embrace our real, live, in-person family again.” Principal Moore believes that her school is a great place for families because that’s what the school is – a family.
Oakside approached their compilation video similarly, which was sparked when one of the teachers reached out to her principal to create a video for students. “The video not only touched the hearts of our students and families, but also our staff,” said Amy Tansel, principal at Oakside. “The video was the first time since our closing that the staff ‘saw’ each other. It brought our school community closer together.”
Since schools are not able to meet face-to-face, these interactions are crucial in staying connected.
Taylor Prep framed their video a little differently. The school’s morning announcements are usually called “The Sharp and Pummill Show,” a name they infused into their video, which also includes their signature sign-off, “Like always, go Tigers!” The video was posted on the school’s Facebook page, and will become a weekly Friday occurrence.
“We just want to stay in touch and show our community that we are still here, still thinking of them, and still Tiger Strong!” said Erica Sharp, principal at Taylor Prep, a school in the PrepNet network of preparatory high schools whose mission is to prepare each of its students for college success. Its core values are based on rigor, relevance, relationships, and responsibility and Moral Focus. PrepNet is a sister company to NHA.
Keep up the great work, Eagle Crest, Oakside, and Taylor Prep!
