Letter from the editor: gold stars for everyone, especially the leader

By Courtney Warren

After spring break, there is something in the air, probably pollen, that makes our students go nuts. They are hardwired to be extra springy, and for some reason it seems teachers are hard wired to be extra tired. 
 

In an effort to curb that, our principal recently went old school and pulled out a star chart. 
 

Now, as an ADHD kid, I never got a star when I was younger. I was always the student that had my clip moved, silent lunch, laps at recess, or my mom called. I can honestly tell you I have never in my life received a gold star. 
 

I love that something as simple as a star sticker beside our names in the teachers lounge has been able to bring about better morale. 
 

Our principal is going back to an old school trick and has singlehandlely figured out that, because we love these gold stars, we are more likely to brag on each other. 
 

How often do we go home and focus on the one negative thing that happened at the end of our day, rather than all of the amazing things? With the star chart, it gives us physical evidence of the goodness around us. 
 

This shift in perspective has forced me to actively look for ways that others have stood out. 
 

At the beginning of the year, our guided studies teacher asked what our word of the year was. I love this woman. One of her favorite hobbies is cutting your noggin open and figuring out how you work. I think it’s part of what makes her such a good guided studies teacher, because she wants to explore the why behind the what. 
 

I normally don’t choose word of the year, because I have commitment issues and, frankly, I stop in leviticus in February, so a word of the year just seemed a bit much. 
 

Anyway, because she asked, I chose the word “cheer.” I wanted to focus less on myself and more on cheering on and helping other people. 
 

With the star chart, I have had so much fun giving out stars to my colleagues and even more fun looking for reasons to give out stars. 
 

A colleague reprinted and laminated our schedules, because the laminated one I had was outdated. Gold star. 
Two colleagues locked in and figured out how to better assess student writing with the new AI features. Gold star. 
Another colleague stepped up and took duty for someone, staying late on a Friday when they really didn’t want to. Gold star. 
 

All of this boils down to having a positive leader. He realized that the final nine weeks of school can be taxing, and he rose accordingly, continuously tells us he’s proud of us (and why, which is JUST as important) and ensures that we know we are supported and there for a reason. It’s those kinds of leaders you will run into battle for, you’ll take an extra duty for, you’ll give the last ten percent for. Because you know he appreciates it. And you know what? He hasn’t put a single dang star by his name on the star chart. And I KNOW I’ve given him at least two!

So, let this be my gold star for wonderful leadership. 
 

A gold star for a positive work environment. 
 

And an encouragement to everyone reading. Find your gold star moments in the day and cling to them. They’re there, and they are worth recognizing.