Abygail Martinez-Arreguin

ASSIGNMENT 4 (Culture): Using the information provided below, carefully observe and evaluate the
culture of the school where you are assigned to observe. Remember you are evaluating the school for its
educational culture, place of learning, sense of safety, invitation for learning, promotion of self-
actualization, development of values and socialization.

Physical Characteristics: Look at the physical areas of the school to determine atmosphere, comfort,
and feelings the school creates for students in the educational setting.

1. Consider the school property: building, grounds, fencing, equipment, landscaping, trees,
parking lot, crosswalks, gates, signs and symbols. >>>

The school property appears well-maintained with clean buildings, neatly trimmed landscaping,
and clear signs and symbols indicating areas of importance such as the parking lot, gates, and
crosswalks.

2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall
colors and decorations and entrance security. >>>

The interior of the school is well-lit with large windows allowing natural light to enter. The big
windows have a view of the beautiful quad filled with plants and even the 3 school tortoises.
The halls are brightly colored with student artwork and posters displayed. There are various
handmade decorations throughout the school, from all the specials classes like stem, music,
library, etc… The entrance security is not intimidating, and visitors cannot enter unless the staff
opens the door for you.

Culture of the School: Read, listen and observe to determine the climate, values, and atmosphere within
the school.

1. Identify the school’s mission statement, motto, and mascot. >>>

Harriet Teem elementary school motto is “I am here to learn, I will follow school rules, I will be
responsible and safe, I will treat others fairly, I will do my best.” The schools mission statement
is “Our Mission is to Attain Our Goals, Become Lifelong Learners, and be the Leaders of
Tomorrow.” Their mascot is the Bears, Bears stands for B-ehavior, E-ngagement, A-
chievement, R-espect & Responsibility, and S-afety.

2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions in
other areas of the school. >>>

Staff and visitors are greeted warmly and efficiently in the main office. Student and faculty
interactions outside the office are friendly and respectful. The students are always so excited to
 greet their teachers and staff. It seems like a tight knit community everyone interacts with each
other.

3. Look at the formal practices: School bell schedule, and the grouping of students. (ie. grades,
block scheduling, periods) Does the school use inclusion, or a pull-out program for special
education students? >>>

The school bell schedule is structured with designated periods for core subjects and specials,
and students are grouped by grade level. The school uses both inclusion and pull-out programs
for special education students. Since I work at this school, I am aware of how the pull-out
programs work with the special education students. I specifically do push-in because I am an
instructional aid.

4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building. Observe where
students gather to socialize – lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. >>>

Student-to-student interactions are generally positive, and friendly. A lot of the socialization of
students occurrs in the lunchroom, halls, and playground. Specifically, I watch the second
graders for lunch and recess, and they prefer to socialize at the playground or on the field
where they play soccer or football. Bullying behavior is not commonly seen, but if I see it I
confront the situation at hand and address students.

5. Examine school traditions, achievements and awards; community recognition or community

partners; extracurricular activities/clubs and athletics. Look for and document sources of
community pride and sense of identity through ceremonies, assemblies, trophies, and artifacts.
>>>

Harriet Treem elementary school host a “Best of the Bears” celebration every month for
students who are chosen by their teachers as “the student of the month.” They celebrate the
students by purchasing them donuts and rewarding them with an award. Another awesome
event Treem holds is their quarter bear parties where all students are invited to either receive a
sweet treat or participate in a fun activity. The only students who are not allowed are students
who have been suspended, rpc’d or had lunch detention during that quarter. Treem elementary
school holds many fun activities and incentives to motivate their hardworking students. The
school also has after-school clubs available to all.

6. Compare and contrast the current school environment and culture with schools in the historical
past. >>>

Compared to schools in the historical past, the school's environment is more inclusive and
diverse, just like almost every school in America now. There is a greater emphasis on
technology and hands-on learning opportunities too, and the school is always trying to find new
technologies to integrate into their specials programs too.
Culture of the Classroom: Each classroom has its own culture and way of life.

1. Look for teacher(s) expectations for learning and success, interactions with students, and
his/her personality. >>>

As I observed, almost every teacher at Treem elementary school has high expectations for
their students learning and success, as well as the way they interact with students in a
supportive and engaging manner. Just as every student, each teacher has a unique personality
and teaching style that reflects their passion for education at Harriet Treem Elementary school.

2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not? What
modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques were observed? >>>

Student participation varies by class, but all students are encouraged to participate and are
provided with accommodation as needed. When I was in Mr. Hufford’s class I noticed that
many of his students, both male and females were engaged and always chose to participate.
There were only a select few students who didn’t participate, and this is because there was
special accommodation made for those students because they have IEPs and struggle with
focusing for a long period of time. These students are given brain breaks often, especially after
they complete a small task. Additionally, Inclusion techniques are used to ensure that all
students have access to the curriculum.

3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness, distribution of
power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. >>>

During my observation at Harriet Treem Elementary school, I noted that the Interactions
between teachers and students were always positive and respectful. The tone in which
students and teachers spoke to one another could be described as a collaborative tone and
frequent positive reinforcements. Teachers hold the majority of the power in the classroom, but
they also create a sense of community and cohesiveness among the students. Especially in
Mr. Hufford’s class as he prioritizes students being seen, valued and appreciated in his
classroom.