Why is it important to feel that you belong somewhere? This is a question we all face. However, moving beyond our personal need for belonging to creating a sense of belonging for others requires empathy, foresight, and time.
What is belonging? In the book Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, Geoffrey Cohen says, “Belonging is the feeling that we’re part of a larger group that values, respects, and cares for us- and to which we feel we have something to contribute. The word ‘belong l’iterally means “to go with.”
This month’s story highlights a school that embodies its vision by creating a sense of belonging for students, teachers, staff, and families.
Eastern Elementary School, located in Greenville, NC, is led by Mrs. Allison Setser. She has dedicated much of her career to public education in Title I schools across Eastern North Carolina. Mrs. Setser began her education career at Eastern Elementary School after graduating from East Carolina University (ECU). After gaining experience in various roles, she returned to being the principal of Eastern Elementary. One of her greatest joys throughout her career has been witnessing the impact of her work come full circle; she now teaches the children of her former students, creating a unique bond between generations. Many teachers at Eastern Elementary are veteran teachers who also have this full-circle experience. This connection enriches the relationship between the staff and families at Eastern Elementary!
Eastern Elementary School is recognized as a STEM School of Distinction and serves K-5 students within the Pitt County School District. The school has an enrollment of 850 students, features large classes, caters to a diverse population, boasts veteran teachers, has low turnover rates, and enjoys an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
When Mrs. Setser accepted the principal role at Eastern Elementary School, the staff embraced her love for the community, wisdom from her experience, and her desire to make school enjoyable for students, engaging for families, and supportive for teachers. One way Eastern Elementary fosters community and belonging is through various family engagement events held throughout the school year. Here are a few of the special events:
Rock Your School
The “Rock Your School” event has become a cherished tradition, reminding everyone that remarkable things can happen when families and educators unite.
At “Rock Your School,” the entire school building is transformed. Each grade level selects a theme, and everyone dresses up accordingly. Teachers and staff go all in by transforming their classrooms! The grade-level teachers work together to transform the halls into an exciting and fun experience for the students. Past themes have included Disney, Harry Potter World, glow rooms, post offices, and dental offices. Teachers and families work hard to ensure every classroom features a parent-led activity! The school invites celebrity guests who attend the event, and it concludes with Grammy-style awards in the evening.
The school loves this event because of the strong sense of belonging and connection among parents, teachers, and students that results. It is strategically scheduled at the beginning of the school year to ensure a sense of belonging from the start.
Students benefit from this event as they watch their parents meet their school friends, observe their teacher interact with their families, and feel proud as their parent leads the class in a fun activity. This unique intersection between home and school is vital. Research from the US Department of Education finds that strong partnerships between home and school lead to increased academic success and student engagement.
Families and teachers also gain from this event. At Eastern Elementary, the truth of this research is evident. After “Rock Your School,” many teachers have noted parents saying, “I now understand what you do every day.” When intentional engagement is fostered, empathy flourishes. As empathy grows, belonging takes root, and a sense of community becomes a reality. Teachers gain valuable insights into their students by observing them interact with their families.
STEM Night
Another featured event is “STEM night.” This event is typically held in the winter with a theme of snow!
Parents and caregivers come out with their students to eat chili together and watch their students perform STEM activities about snow. This year, Eastern Elementary plans to add an element of take-home STEM activities to inspire families to play together at home! In a school with 850 students, this event hosts around 500 parents/caregivers.
Wellness Week
This week (January 27-31) at Eastern Elementary is “Wellness Week.” Wellness is a significant focus at the school, encompassing physical well-being and emotional and mental well-being. Mrs. Setser believes in a whole-child approach to education and emphasizes that the school’s focus on wellness follows this same philosophy. The school applied for and received funding, allowing students to try a new fruit and vegetable twice weekly. For example, students may taste beets at school and then ask their parents to buy them from the grocery store the following week so they can try them at home. This seemingly small initiative fosters students’ sense of community and belonging by creating a connection between home and school. During Wellness Week, parents can participate in events such as yoga sessions with their children, mental health strategies, and tasting smoothies from JuiceVibes! Families are welcomed and encouraged to learn about wellness with their students.
The list could go on and on, describing events and philosophies thriving at Eastern Elementary School. An important question is: why does family engagement encourage a sense of community and belonging?
This is an excerpt from Parent Powered:
“In essence, family engagement is the glue that bonds academic aspirations with reality and its impact goes beyond academics. It molds social-emotional development, ignites teacher engagement, and cultivates an environment that is nurturing and inclusive. It bridges the gap between potential and achievement, guiding students towards success.”
Creating a sense of belonging in schools requires intentional leadership, commitment from staff, and family engagement. Over the years, Mrs. Setser has observed that leaders and educators often make assumptions about parents, such as believing, “even if we have this event, they won’t attend,” or “parents have no idea what we do every day.” Eastern Elementary School chooses to counter these assumptions with engaging activities for students and families. They offer space for families to get involved in fun and meaningful ways. They use what is already available to make their school community as strong as can be! Eastern Elementary believes students want to attend school when they feel a sense of belonging. Families trust and support teachers when they feel valued. Naturally, these things lead to teachers feeling valued, supported, and inspired to continue creating engaging environments for their students.
Frank Lloyd Wright once said,
“I knew well that no house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together, each the happier for the other.”
Similarly, educators can promote this sense of belonging.
“When everyone is part of the school, rather than simply being in it, when our strengths, cultures, interests, needs, loved ones, and inspirations surround us, then we take ownership of our learning, happily together.We belong.” – Suzy Kaback