One of the things that is very striking when working with a wide variety of schools and school districts in different communities is the variation between the levels of connectivity between students, staff, parents and individual schools and districts.  While school staff typically work diligently to achieve a high degree of connectivity and positive relationships between people, there are often wide variances between how effectively this is done.  Though there are clearly differences in community factors that can create significant and widely varying challenges for school officials, we have seen some truly impressive examples of positive school climate and connectivity in schools that face incredible challenges. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to foster a positive school climate with a high degree of connectivity.  We are also fortunate that there are many excellent free resources to help school officials in this area.  One commonality that can often be observed when this type of environment has been achieved is a sense of teamwork.  When teachers, support staff as well as the members of the administrative team are all on the same page and working in the same direction, a healthy school climate and culture is more likely to result. 

Though creating this type of climate in a school is easier said than done, it is possible and worthwhile to do so.