Double down - Two LWSD schools named in first-ever Culture Kickoff Awards
Two schools in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) were named to the first-ever Association of Washington School Leaders (AWSL) and Association of Washington School Principals Culture Kickoff Award. The two schools listed as winners from LWSD are Horace Mann Elementary and Benjamin Franklin Elementary. According to its website, this prestigious recognition celebrates schools that have gone above and beyond to cultivate a positive school culture. These schools have set the tone for a successful academic year through engaging assemblies, strong themes, and vibrant fall kickoffs. They’ve shown exceptional intentionality in planning for a positive start and have clear strategies to sustain this momentum throughout the year.
The website goes on to say that each of these schools has exemplified what it means to create a community of care and excellence and are shining examples of how the intentional cultivation of school culture can drive student engagement, foster collaboration, and ensure a welcoming environment for all.
Below are excerpts from the letters each principal received when the award winners were announced:
Mann Elementary
Your efforts in establishing a welcoming environment through your "welcome back" assembly are truly commendable and set a wonderful tone for the year ahead. The assembly, which facilitated connections between students and staff, exemplifies your commitment to creating a supportive community. By encouraging students to either reconnect with familiar faces or meet new ones, you are ensuring that every individual feels valued and included. Additionally, your school spirit song, which emphasizes reaching full potential, beautifully encapsulates the aspirations you hold for your students.
It’s inspiring to see that your commitment to building a strong culture doesn’t stop with the kickoff. The continued focus on school spirit and individual family cultures throughout the year demonstrates your intention to sustain this positive environment.
Franklin Elementary
Your "Franklin Olympics" theme during staff return week brilliantly promoted camaraderie and set an engaging tone for the year. The annual “Meet the Teacher” event, alongside the PTA’s ice cream social, showcased your vibrant welcome for students and families. At the same time, the Kindergarten Orientation prepared new families for success in your nurturing environment.
The family connection meetings exemplified your commitment to understanding your students, providing both in-person and virtual options to ensure every family felt valued. Your school-wide "Welcome Back" assembly created an immediate sense of belonging, and the “Welcome Tea” for kindergarten families further strengthened community ties.
The innovative Open House and Back-to-School BBQ significantly increased attendance and engagement. Transitioning to a student-led format allowed students to take pride in sharing their school experience, resulting in overwhelming turnout and high satisfaction rates.