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The first week in May was National Teacher Appreciation Week, but for teachers in Luverne their work with the district’s 1,192 students has been appreciated all year long through the two simple words, “Be Great.”
Superintendent Craig Oftedahl started as head of the district in July and challenged staff at their workshop in August to “Be Great” in the upcoming 2015-16 school year.
As a part of his school year initiative, Oftedahl launched “LUV Notes” in October. A personal note could recognize an individual for doing positive things. He encouraged staff to also use the notes.
Graphic Arts Instructor Bill Thompson said his students printed 1,500 LUV Notes from donated cardstock and envelopes.
Thompson said he wrote and received several LUV Notes that recognized Luverne Schools work as a team, with everyone having a special role.
“The LUV Note I received made me feel happy for contributing to the mission at Luverne Schools,” he said.
The “Be Great” feeling followed seventh-grade teacher Jodi Rops into her classroom. She credits the focus on the two simple words often seen on posters hung around the building and added to the school’s electronic bulletin board when no activities are scheduled.
“I try to be more positive in my classes and find myself joking more this year,” she said. “I think the kids can sense my enthusiasm in the classroom for what I do.”
Diane Robinson, an elementary special education teacher, has taken notice of Oftedahl’s efforts to promote a positive message.
She refers to Oftedahl as “Coach” for the approach he has taken this school year. He has even made the teaching staff look like a team.
At the August teacher in-service, Oftedahl gave each teacher a cardinal red T-shirt with the school’s mascot on the front and the words “Be Great” on the back.
Wednesday during Teacher Appreciation Week, each teacher wore his or her T-shirt.
As part of the week’s activities, Oftedahl emailed all staff members thanking them for being great.
“He told us it was our time to celebrate, finish strong and continue being great,” Robinson said.
Proof of Oftedahl’s efforts was seen at a recent staff development retreat.
Robinson said the committee reviewed their goals.
“Some were deleted; others were added,” she said noting that the goal of promoting an atmosphere of respect was no longer needed.
“The Luverne School’s culture is changing, respect is continuing to be built and several people think ‘Coach’ Oftedahl has had something to do with it.”