Supporting Students through Tribes
Launch the media gallery 1 playerArgonia Public Schools implemented Tribes in the 18-19 school year to help improve student engagement and instill a stronger sense of community among the staff and students.
Tribes are school families that span Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. Staff members and students were assigned to a Tribe at the beginning of the school year. At the very first Tribe meeting the members participated in an activity to get to know one another and came up with a Tribe name and a special greeting or handshake. When Tribe members see one another at school, activities, or community events they have a special bond with others in their Tribe. Students will stay in the same Tribe every year until they graduate and kindergartners and new students will be placed into a Tribe as they enter school.
The Tribe groups meet for thirty minutes every Monday morning with the elementary students walking over to the high school for Monday morning announcements before breaking into small groups. Each group follows the same set of activities and lesson plans for each meeting.
Tribe members had a special Tribe luncheon on our early dismissal day in October with the staff and students eating lunch and having recess with their Tribe group. We enjoyed another Tribe luncheon the day before Thanksgiving break. Tribe members shared a special Thanksgiving meal together, played games, and enjoyed the beautiful weather at recess. These special events are great ways for the Tribe members to enjoy some less structured time together and get to know each other even better.
From a student’s perspective, the Tribes allow them to “really get to know the people in your tribe” and “You are like a family. I get to know the older kids”. It is also helpful for new students as one fourth grader pointed out, “Someone moved in, then they get to know more people and feel more included.” “You learn from your tribe and get advice from your tribe” are the perspectives of other fourth graders.
Staff members have also seen the positive benefits of the tribes. When asked about her tribe, Miss Hemberger said, “Seeing my Tribe students outside of Tribe time is the best! I’ve made a special bond with them I probably would not have created if it had not been for this group time. It’s the highlight of my week every week!”
Being involved with Tribes supports the well-being of students and staff members and is increasing a sense of community across the district. We are looking forward to seeing the impact of this initiative in the years to come.
