As a staff, we are intentional about building connections with our students and families. We want everyone of our student’s to feel welcomed and know that we care deeply about them. Circles are an instructional practice used throughout our classes to help promote community at the classroom level. We also engage in a variety of schoolwide events as an entire school community each year to give staff and students opportunities to connect in positive ways. Examples include school-wide field trips, staff versus student games, engagement with local community organizations such as The Summit, and school wide celebrations for student milestones.