Positive Culture and Climate

In the MSD, we know that a positive school culture and climate is the key to a meaningful student and staff experience.  Fostering a positive culture is our number one preventative measure to school violence and always a priority.

What's the difference between culture and climate?

Culture vs Climate

What does building culture actually look like in our schools?

Our site leadership teams work daily to make sure positive culture and climate are a Medford School School District mainstay and that students and staff:

- Connect

- Engage

- Belong

Our shared vision is truly that "ALL ARE LEARNING AND LEARNING IS FOR ALL."

Our students are our center of gravity in everything we do!

 

 

What do students say?

When student leaders in schools were asked what was important to them in maintaining a safe school environment, they stated, "positive connections developed by adults and teachers in their lives."

 

 

What does leadership look like in the MSD?

Leadership is a keystone habit in the MSD.  We work hard to build a team of teams all the way to the student level.  We invest in leadership development throughout the district.  We know that our students are our future leaders and through education, quality teaching, a rigorous curriculum and rich after school opportunities,  they can graduate as leaders prepared to change the world!

What are Behavioral Threat Assessments (BTAs) and does the MSD use them?

Absolutely.  Behavioral Threat Assessments are an invaluable preventative tool consisting of Threat to Others and Risk To Self assessments.  This tool allows our school leadership teams to gauge the nature of the potential threat and connect the individuals involved to the support resources needed.   

What do they look like?

Behavioral Threat Assessments consist of a cross functional, multi-disciplinary team approach to assisting in threatening situations and developing threat management plans.  There are almost always intervention points available before a behavior escalates to violence.  The primary objective of a student threat assessment is to provide the student with help and to work toward ensuring a positive outcome for the student and the community.

What can people do to help?

- Get involved in your student's education

- Be a good role model and trusted adult

- Be a positive contributor to a student's development

- If you see something of concern, say something!