I believe in teaching the whole child. In other words, I do not teach just for academic success. Yes, I strive for that, but I am intentional about helping students to identify and regulate their emotions, connect with their peers and be reflective and mindful individuals. For example, one of the practices that we start our day with is saying a kind sentiment to a peer, like “You are..” or “I like…” and looking that person in the eye. It is a powerful feeling to make that kind of connection to another person at any stage of life. This empathy will affect the trajectory of these students’ lives and the kind of people that they will become.