School culture is one of those terms that gets thrown around in education circles quite a bit.  But for all of the books on the topic and times it is evoked as the hallmark of private, charter schools; it's actual definition is a little hard to nail down. How do you know that your school has a good "culture"?  What are the defining characteristics? What is the formula for attaining it?

Some point to discipline statistics or attendance rates, which are indeed important. However, schools with low suspension rates may have very high teacher turn-over and absences. Other schools have relatively poor discipline records but outstanding community engagement. You could say that having a strong drama program, competitive sports team or technology opportunities, adds to the culture of a school. Others might make the argument that it's the dedication and heart of the staff that defines culture.

Of course, the answer is holistic. School culture is really all of these characteristics. But simply making a list of the elements that contribute to the kind of school we all want for our children and checking them off will not capture the essence of the culture every principal strives for.

Leading a school is not an easy task. There are so many factors in addition to culture that are constantly under focus and review. Because one of the clearest measures of success comes in the form of state testing scores (released after school is out), the relationship between cause and effect is muddled to say the least.  The best analogy I have come up with is to imagine you are trying to navigate a very large, slow turning ship through treacherous waters. Instead of steering with one rudder, you have forty. You don't have the resources to push on all of them, so you have to choose. You have to commit to what rudders to push and how hard without knowing which will actually steer the ship to safety. Those rudders affecting culture are some of the slowest to respond. Culture is not just a consequence of analytical choices. Unlike, budgets and test scores, culture is a feeling. It is a sense of belonging and pride.  It is the difference between a house and a home.
 
I have always recognized a positive school environment as the foundation for a successful school. It is the first level in a hierarchy of needs necessary before any other levels can be achieved. At OMS, we have the lowest suspension rates in our learning community, we have positive incentives, high teacher moral and high student attendance. We offer dynamic electives such as Video Game Design, Drama and FFA. Our teachers are among the most skilled and dedicated in the district.  Yet, until this week, I was not really confident as to the depth of our culture. However, after witnessing the teacher involvement and community turn out on our first Multicultural Night, I was hopeful. After seeing students pairing up with teacher to build gingerbread houses in the cafeteria last week, I was certain. After, cheering beside our parents when band, orchestra and chorus received a standing ovation at Thursday's Winter Concert, I was completely convinced.
 
I am extremely proud of our Ocoee culture!! I am proud of our students!!  I am completely committed to continuing toward our goal of providing the positive, dynamic middle school experience our kids deserve.  Together, we are creating the kind of place our students enjoy rather than endure!!  Because of our culture, students can expand their horizons and achieve great things. Because of our culture, kids can be kids.  Because of our culture, this collection of buildings is not just a school, it is Ocoee's School!

Season's Greetings!

G3 - Grit, Gaps, Goals

Mr. Sam Davis
Principal
Ocoee Middle School
(407)  877-5035
"An Apple Distinguished School"