How Randolph School created a welcoming and engaging learning environment
Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama
Teachers work hard to build positive student relationships, but these days student social challenges are magnified by social media and the impact is significant. How can teachers keep up and support their students effectively? Randolph School, located in Huntsville, AL, makes this work a priority by cultivating better relationships between its students and teachers, identifying common values between students, and helping students better understand themselves and others.
They equipped their students with the skills to manage their emotions, created a safe and welcoming classroom environment, helped students and parents better understand social media and tech, and strengthened the connection between students and teachers. All of this was accomplished through their partnership with The Social Institute by implementing the #WinAtSocial Program.
Addressing Family Needs Effectively
Randolph knew the importance of weekly advisory sessions. The school wanted to use this time to support students in their academics and well-being, but previous programs fell flat. When they began searching for a new student well-being program, Randolph had a list of requirements. The program had to be relevant to their students, engage their students, and most importantly, pass the “snicker” test.
The solution? Randolph kept their students in mind every step of the way as they implemented #WinAtSocial. And through student feedback after running lessons, Randolph found #WinAtSocial to be an immediate success. Students were openly discussing important topics related to their own well-being.
For Randolph, getting everyone on board was key– and that included families. Randolph knew #WinAtSocial topics paired well with Randolph’s core values, but were still unsure of what the response would be from their families. So, school leaders also kept families informed through the process as they implemented #WinAtSocial in their school. When parents learned that #WinAtSocial taught students modern-day skills – focused around tech and social media – they were thrilled.
Today, many parents struggle to help their children learn to use social media properly. In fact, approximately two thirds of parents say parenting is harder than it was 20 years ago, and out of that group, 26% of them say technology is the cause. Parents at Randolph were relieved to hear that their school was implementing a program that would empower their students to use social media and tech in high-character ways.
Sustainable and Simple for Teachers
After starting #WinAtSocial in their classrooms, Randolph discovered that they needed to make lessons consistent throughout their school. With feedback from students, and The Social Institute’s curriculum calendar, they identified which social standards resonated best with their students, and focused on teaching those lessons consistently throughout grade levels. Each month, Randolph runs #WinAtSocial’s LIVE and Curriculum Lessons, and by doing this, teachers are seeing more student engagement in class.
Outside of school, parents are noticing positive changes in their children, as well. Students are excited to share what they learned and are even more excited to learn. #WinAtSocial is helping these students face real world challenges and build modern day skills that they can utilize in and out of the classroom.
Finding Time for Modern Life-Skill that Supports Learning
Randolph also knew the importance of balancing academic learning and developing student life skills. The two are intertwined. Schools who focus on developing the whole student see an 11% improvement in academic performance test scores. Randolph sought to strike a balance and committed to prioritizing students’ mental and emotional needs, as well as academics.
“We can’t forget about the child’s life and their social and emotional well-being. I see #WinAtSocial as an opportunity to improve how a student performs in the classroom and how they perform when they leave Randolph. Yes, the academic piece is important, but they’re really going to remember how to engage with others and how to take care of themselves” – Jennifer Ragsdale, Head of Middle School, Randolph School
So how did Randolph solve their time-constraint concerns?
After testing a couple of different strategies out, they found that utilizing #WinAtSocial once a month worked best for their school and still helped to improve overall student well-being. With this strategy, they found plenty of time for the necessary academics and noticed their students becoming more well-rounded individuals; a win-win for everyone.
Looking to Improve Student Well-Being?
#WinAtSocial provides a comprehensive approach that supports educators, families, and students. As you use the program, educators learn more about their students, inform teaching, and run lessons that support healthy life experiences now and in the future. Help students navigate social media and technology in healthy ways and cultivate resilience, soft skills, and a stronger school culture. To learn more about #WinAtSocial and how to get it implemented in your school, request a call.
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate their well-being, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive social media and student well-being program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.