More than a shirt: Creating belonging, Motivation and Student Success

The goal of this project is to motivate and empower students to take control of their learning and academic growth with the guidance of school leaders and the encouragement of their fellow students. At our school, every student in grades 3-5 belongs to a House—a diverse group of students from different grade levels who come together to build community, encourage one another, and work toward common goals. Our House system is designed to ensure that every student feels that they belong to something bigger than themselves, but at the heart it is about student growth. This project would provide each student with a specially designed House T-shirt as a tangible reminder that “I belong here. I am part of a team. My goals matter. My growth matters.”

Each student and teacher in grades 3-5 is welcomed into a House during a special schoolwide assembly, and each student would receive a T-shirt to represent their House. House leaders will meet regularly with students to look at their current academic data and to help them identify meaningful academic and personal goals. Students learn to reflect on their progress, recognize areas where they have grown, identify areas where they need additional support, and celebrate their accomplishments. These meetings provide students with an opportunity to develop important skills such as goal setting, self-reflection, accountability, perseverance, and leadership. Throughout the school year, Houses participate in academic and non-academic activities that encourage academic focus, perseverance, positive behavior and school spirit. Students may earn House points through accomplishments such as academic growth, attendance, teamwork, participation, and other positive contributions to our school community. The T-shirts will enhance team identity, and connection during these events, and serve as a tangible reminder of the students’ goal, and those who are there to support and cheer them on as they progress toward that goal.

Learning gains and student growth will be the primary benefits of this project. Last year we introduced the house system, and in 4th and 5th grade we achieved learning gains of 63% in reading and 80% in math. Other benefits for the students include: -Creating a stronger sense of belonging and school community -Building relationships between students across grade levels -Encouraging teamwork and positive peer relationships -Supporting student goal setting and accountability -Providing opportunities for students to reflect on and celebrate their academic growth -Increasing student motivation and engagement -Developing leadership skills -Creating an inclusive House identity for every student

The funds will be used to purchase customized house T-shirts for every student, creating a tangible symbol of belonging, connection, and school pride. These shirts will serve as a daily reminder for students to be accountable to themselves and others by showing up, giving their best effort, and supporting those around them. The T-shirts will also reinforce the message that growth happens through struggle and that no student must face challenges alone. We hope every student will wear their house T-shirt with pride as a symbol of belonging, perseverance, and teamwork. Additional T-shirts will be purchased so that new students can be welcomed into a house and immediately feel part of the team.

1820.63

210 Custom T-shirts @ 8.14 each

1710.02

Tax

102.61