“It’s Why I Like ESK”

I recently read an article, “How a Happy School Can Help Students Succeed.” A typical day at a school in Arkansas is described, and the authors state that schools “may differ in design, but they can feel very similar.” It struck me right away how alike ESK is in so many ways!

They begin their day with an assembly, sing songs, and celebrate birthdays. As a school of faith, we begin our day with chapel and singing. Dr. Sousa leads us in joyful, contemplative, educational, inspirational, and sometimes even silly songs each day. Our service is lead by third and fourth grade students who are eager to take their turn at reading and lighting the candles. Students and teachers are called up weekly for a prayer with Father Josh and a traditional round of Happy Birthday sung by all. Mrs. Clark, our school librarian, presents Birthday Books each Friday. Parents attend when possible to share their child’s excitement in receiving a book picked out just for them.

The article goes on to say that, “When you walk in here, it just feels right. It looks like a place where learning is happening. And like a feeling, school climate is hard to define.” These are words I have heard over and over again by parents visiting ESK. Students are excited to enter the building each day, and it shows in their faces in the classrooms. When you walk the halls, there is always something noteworthy taking place such as Reader’s Theater, Book Buddies, science experiments, or even a traditional Spelling Bee. Visitors notice that children are active and participating rather than simply being silent and waiting for direction.

The authors found that positive school climate had a significant impact on both academics and teacher retention. We know ESK has an excellent track record in these areas for that is easy to quantify. A positive community is created by small conversations, encouraging comments, and mutual respect shown daily by students, parents, and faculty. We can feel it, but we are not easily able to explain it. The parent who shared the article with me said it best, “It’s why I like ESK.”