Headline
Subhead
By
Subhead
By
The Climate Committee on campus is a dedicated group focused on creating a positive and inclusive social environment within the school community and a sense of unity and belonging amongst students and staff members.
Their mission is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of every student. This coming year they are pushing to make an even bigger difference in our school’s community. The Climate Committee has a very diverse team full of five teachers and two staff members from various backgrounds, which all recognize that a sustainable future goes hand in hand with a supportive school community.
According to English teacher and three-year committee member, Theresa Udell, the group has lots of things to accomplish this year.
“I hope to continue to build up our Positive Behavior Intervention System and establish more rewards and recognition for students and staff who are best representing RIFLO,” Udell said.
Although the Climate Committee bettering our school’s social environment seems like an exciting and important change, many people don’t try to help make a difference in the community, which leads to struggle in improving the campus climate.
“We have no consistency or folks who are willing to try out our initiatives or come up with new ideas. Some folks might think our ideas are silly or childish, but the only way to improve something is to get involved. Two cents does nothing when you don't put it in the bank," said Udell.
As the school year starts up, the pressure of building a more positive environment on campus is rising according to Assistant Principal of Student Services Erin Cahill, who shares her excitement as she starts her first year on the committee and admin team.
“I love being a part of a group of people who are working together to improve our community and what it means to be a Mustang. It's little actions that help us feel like we are part of something larger,” said Cahill.
Within the staff and teachers in the committee, there is inclusivity and openness to all ideas. History teacher Priya Talreja feels her favorite part of being on the Climate Committee is the ability to hear her coworkers' perspectives and suggestions that are not normally heard.
“I love being able to meet with staff members in other departments and hear their suggestions, their perspective, and learn from them. A committee like this really gives me an opportunity to check in with other staff members that I don't always get to cross paths with on a daily basis,” said Talreja.
One of the hardest things that members of the committee deal with is finding ways to impact the school’s environment. Talreja feels the importance of helping make whatever difference they can is critical.
“I think one of the hardest things is how do we create tangible short term decisions that will make us feel that we are chipping away at larger concerns and issues. I think it’s always hard in a school environment to make big changes when you’re just meeting once a month and have limited resources,” Talreja said.
Despite all of the challenges and hard work that come with being a member of the climate committee, it all is worth it.
“Even if we still have a lot to do, the Climate Committee makes campus a better place just by being there. We have the raw energy and heart to try and make things better, and that's really what matters. It's all about intention,” said Udell.
Their mission is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of every student. This coming year they are pushing to make an even bigger difference in our school’s community. The Climate Committee has a very diverse team full of five teachers and two staff members from various backgrounds, which all recognize that a sustainable future goes hand in hand with a supportive school community.
According to English teacher and three-year committee member, Theresa Udell, the group has lots of things to accomplish this year.
“I hope to continue to build up our Positive Behavior Intervention System and establish more rewards and recognition for students and staff who are best representing RIFLO,” Udell said.
Although the Climate Committee bettering our school’s social environment seems like an exciting and important change, many people don’t try to help make a difference in the community, which leads to struggle in improving the campus climate.
“We have no consistency or folks who are willing to try out our initiatives or come up with new ideas. Some folks might think our ideas are silly or childish, but the only way to improve something is to get involved. Two cents does nothing when you don't put it in the bank," said Udell.
As the school year starts up, the pressure of building a more positive environment on campus is rising according to Assistant Principal of Student Services Erin Cahill, who shares her excitement as she starts her first year on the committee and admin team.
“I love being a part of a group of people who are working together to improve our community and what it means to be a Mustang. It's little actions that help us feel like we are part of something larger,” said Cahill.
Within the staff and teachers in the committee, there is inclusivity and openness to all ideas. History teacher Priya Talreja feels her favorite part of being on the Climate Committee is the ability to hear her coworkers' perspectives and suggestions that are not normally heard.
“I love being able to meet with staff members in other departments and hear their suggestions, their perspective, and learn from them. A committee like this really gives me an opportunity to check in with other staff members that I don't always get to cross paths with on a daily basis,” said Talreja.
One of the hardest things that members of the committee deal with is finding ways to impact the school’s environment. Talreja feels the importance of helping make whatever difference they can is critical.
“I think one of the hardest things is how do we create tangible short term decisions that will make us feel that we are chipping away at larger concerns and issues. I think it’s always hard in a school environment to make big changes when you’re just meeting once a month and have limited resources,” Talreja said.
Despite all of the challenges and hard work that come with being a member of the climate committee, it all is worth it.
“Even if we still have a lot to do, the Climate Committee makes campus a better place just by being there. We have the raw energy and heart to try and make things better, and that's really what matters. It's all about intention,” said Udell.