A strong, thriving school community is built on real connections—not just among students but also among teachers, staff, and families. When students feel they belong, their engagement and well-being soar. For teachers, a connected, supportive environment reduces stress and boosts their ability to inspire students.
Creating a sustainable culture of belonging calls for intentional strategies and can benefit from effective technology. With the help of tools like Vivi, schools can foster engagement and inclusion at scale. In this post, we explore actionable ways to build a school culture where everyone feels valued, drawing on real-world examples from education organizations around the globe.
Why connectedness matters in schools
Research consistently shows that school connectedness – defined as a feeling of belonging – enhances students’ academic performance and mental health. A supportive, engaged community leads to:
- Improved academic success: Connected students show higher academic achievement and engagement.
- Enhanced mental health: Belonging reduces stress and supports emotional well-being.
- Higher educator satisfaction: Teachers in connected environments report better job satisfaction and lower stress.
Nova Education Trust, a network of 15 schools in the United Kingdom, used Vivi’s digital signage to share accomplishments and reinforce values throughout the day. This led to stronger community bonds and a more cohesive school culture.
Key strategies to build a connected school environment
Fostering school connectedness starts with intentional, collaborative strategies that encourage communication, inclusivity, and respect. Here are practical ways to create an environment where students and staff feel seen and valued:
1. Build opportunities for hands-on, collaborative learning
Hands-on learning is essential for fostering teamwork and shared goals, enabling students to connect deeply with the material and with each other. By engaging in group projects, discussions, and interactive activities, students can present ideas, ask questions, and celebrate each other’s contributions in a collaborative environment.
At Monroe County School District, Vivi transformed classrooms by enabling teachers to interact directly with students in real time. This approach freed teachers from fixed tech setups, allowing for more dynamic and collaborative lessons. Projects like history research and science experiments became more engaging, leading to higher levels of student involvement.
2. Promote social-emotional learning (SEL) to strengthen connections
Social-emotional learning (SEL) equips students with the tools to understand emotions, communicate effectively, and develop empathy. When integrated into classroom activities, SEL not only supports individual well-being but also fosters stronger peer relationships. This creates a foundation of trust, helping students feel seen and valued.
Leverage Technology for SEL: Schools can enhance SEL programs with tools like Vivi’s wireless screen mirroring. This technology allows students to engage in real-time collaborative projects, where they can express themselves, support one another, and build confidence in a safe, supportive setting.
3. Foster self-expression through interactive tools
Providing students with avenues for self-expression is crucial for building a sense of belonging. Activities like journaling, group brainstorming, and collaborative discussions encourage students to share their unique perspectives and feel appreciated for their contributions.
Empowering Creativity with Technology: Vivi’s whiteboard feature serves as a digital platform for self-expression, transforming individual thoughts into collaborative conversations. Teachers can use this tool to spark discussions, allowing students to co-create and express their ideas visually in real time, further fostering inclusivity.
Building relationships through trust and communication
1. Create safe spaces for open communication
A supportive environment is one where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Teachers can foster this by being approachable, encouraging open dialogue, and listening actively. Sometimes, students may not feel ready to speak up directly, so using tools like Vivi’s emoji poll feature can help. For example, teachers can start the day with a quick, anonymous emoji poll to gauge how students are feeling. This allows students to share their emotions privately and lets teachers identify who may need extra support, fostering a stronger sense of connection and trust in the classroom.
2. Share uplifting messages through live announcements
Using tools like Vivi’s live video and text announcements, schools can share inspiring messages or highlight achievements, creating shared moments of pride across the campus. Imagine a principal congratulating students on a school-wide accomplishment or starting the day with an encouraging message—all displayed directly in classrooms without disrupting lessons.
At New Providence Elementary Schools, Vivi’s live video announcements have become a cornerstone for fostering community. As Elementary Technology Coordinator Julie Spoerl shared, her “favorite feature is the ability to broadcast across the rooms,” particularly for Monday morning announcements that uplift and unify everyone, creating a positive start to the week. This feature supports a cohesive school culture by centralizing communications across classrooms.
3. Respond to student behavior with empathy
Viewing challenging behavior as a form of communication allows teachers to respond with empathy, recognizing that it often signals unmet needs or struggles students may have difficulty expressing. Rather than reacting punitively, teachers can use tools like Vivi to support students in real time. For example, if a student appears disengaged, teachers can seamlessly pivot to a quick “mindfulness moment” or a guided breathing exercise to help the class reset. Additionally, Vivi’s wireless screen mirroring allows teachers to move around the room and offer one-on-one support through proximity teaching, helping students feel more connected and supported without disrupting the flow of the lesson.
Creating a connected school community: Start today
Building a supportive, connected school community isn’t just about academics—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued. With tools like Vivi, you can create real connections, boost engagement, and enhance communication across your campus. Discover how Vivi can support your vision for a thriving, inclusive school community. Book a demo to learn more.
