Climate & Culture
School climate and culture are important for EVERYONE. A Positive School Culture and Climate is one where all individuals feel valued, cared for, and respected. We believe that such an atmosphere contributes to effective teaching and learning and to genuine communication, both within and outside of the school.
School climate refers to our school's effects on our students, including teaching practices, diversity, and relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, and students. School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share.
"Climate and culture are embedded into DHS during Student Success Time (SST) and include activities presented through a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to:"
Gallup Strengths
All DHS students complete the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment to identify their top 5 talents. Students are coached on how to lean into their Strengths and name, claim, and aim them throughout their time at DHS. By focusing on and developing an individual's natural talents rather than focusing on weaknesses, students are able to reach their highest levels of potential.
Sources of Strength
Sources of Strength promotes mental health and resilience in students through an upstream approach focused on
- Family support
- Positive friends
- Mentors
- Healthy activities
- Generosity
- Spirituality
- Physical health
- Mental health
Students complete lessons in a variety of school-based activities to support students in these areas.
Portrait of A Baron
Students focus on a single Portrait of A Baron competency for each month of the school year and how they can apply that competency both in and out of school. The Portrait of A Baron competencies developed in partnership with the school community and key stakeholder groups include
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Perseverance