The Dean’s Office: Behind the Curtain
The final straw has broken. And you’re off to the Dean’s office with a student in tow. You fill out an incident report and wait for justice to be served!
Those new to ANP may imagine such a scenario whilst dreaming of a visit to the Dean. However, those who know the hearts of our faculty and the mission of our school, know differently. Discipline is not about punishment. It is about the restoration of the student. Behavior has a purpose, and you must learn that purpose to affect change. That is, if you seek real, lasting change.
As the Dean of Students, I advocate for and support students. I assist them in resolving problems and redirecting behaviors. I help them acclimate to ANP culture, adopt a growth mind set, and develop character from the foundation of our virtues. The end goal is to foster self-advocacy, promote self-worth, and ready our students to be capable members of society. To do this, I first seek to understand not only the issue at hand, but the issues that make up the entire student. The situational facts which bring a student to my office are generally just the tip of the iceberg.
Discipline at ANP is conducted with a positive approach. I believe that misbehaviors/mistakes are great opportunities for growth. When students are angry with each other, I provide a safe place to confront those feelings. Students learn how to cultivate healthy boundaries with peers and open pathways of communication to avoid misunderstandings in the future.
I also coach students to reflect on their behaviors, accept responsibility, and identify opportunities to learn. I help them identify the “true feelings” behind misbehaviors. Students become more self-aware and in turn, make better choices. The process also helps to forge a bond between the coach and the student.
I spend considerable time just listening to students. Often, students yearn for an adult to listen to them and take their problems seriously. Dismissive adults will quickly find themselves at odds with a child that receives no validation.
At the end of the day, actions have consequences. I help students realize that no matter our intentions, our lessons learned, or our personal growth, actions have consequences. It is the law of cause and effect. I utilize “natural consequences” when possible and “logical consequences” when warranted. Offering “limited choices” may also serve to empower a student to comply with redirection. Consequences are a natural part of discipline but without restoration, the behaviors will never change.
At Archway North Phoenix, we assume the good in every scholar, staff member, and parent. In an effort to strive for partnership, I ask that you assume the good and restoration happening in the dean’s office and offer an invitation to partner with me as we continue to create healthy boundaries and experiences for all of our students.
Best regards,
Ms. Sneed