the daily message

​What daily message do you send to your kids?  Baruti Kafele, at the ASCD Empower 19 conference, said that students must first hear a message from their leader.  The principal lays a foundation and tone for the day.  Principals should take this daily opportunity to give inspiration, give kids power, and give kids belief.  Mr. Kafele knows kids and knows education!
 
When I was a principal I implemented this daily message.  It became an important part of my daily routine, and one that I tried not to miss.  Our students gathered in the gym each morning.  It was my practice to enter the gym about 10 or 15 minutes before the actual school day was scheduled to begin.  All announcements for the day were given at this time.  I also took this opportunity to do things like talk about black history month and present an important person who contributed to our world, talked about days such as veteran’s day and labor day, recognized student birthdays and the whole school sang to those students, all awards were given at that time such as attendance – student of the month – academic awards – sports awards (we did not have to plan a special awards ceremony – celebrating was a regular practice and did not disrupt the instructional day), discussed a sports event and the character of our team along with the win or loss, we did the Pledge to the Flag, we had a moment of silence, sometimes we danced…  This was a practice that got MY day off to a great start.  Each school day, I could look into the faces of the students of my school – no better way to know my role for the day, always trying to put students first. 
 
What daily message do you send to your kids?  I thought about this some more and came to the conclusion that it is not just about the principal sending a message to students.  It is about the entire education community sending a message to students, helping them to realize that they matter and their learning matters.  We are their support system, their guides, their teachers… 
 
What daily message do you send to your kids?  Parents, as you get your kids ready for school – what message do you send them?  Do you send them off with love and hope?  Do you show your value of education and the learning process?  Do you listen for concerns and problems your children express?  Though the morning may be rushed, do you show you care?
 
What message do you send to your kids?  Teachers – do you welcome your students?  Do you notice emotions of sadness, hurt, happiness, excitement…?  Do you show your commitment to the whole child?  Do you begin your day with children knowing that they are yours and you will care for them like family?  Do you send a message of possibilities and success and hope?
 
What message do we send to our kids each day of the school year?  No message sends a message.  Don’t underestimate the importance of a daily message and a daily greeting.  The daily message sets the tone for the day.  AND as Baruti Kafele so eloquently stated – it is an opportunity to give inspirations, power, and belief!
 
A daily message – a good way to start the school day!
 
BEcky