This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Patches Oliver from Hancock High School in Mississippi. Nominator Amanda Lovelace Pidgeon wrote:
Mrs. Oliver truly believes in Renaissance and what it stands for. She works to show joy and spread it to the staff and students around her. As an assistant principal, she holds her students to the highest standards while also reminding them that school is a safe place to be themselves and be celebrated for it. One of our students got overlooked in recognition for making a perfect score on a very challenging state test and she came to make sure he felt celebrated, and it meant so much to him because she was so honest and kind about it. She is always willing to go for it, she walks about 20 thousand steps a day making sure that students and teachers alike know that she is where she can see them and make connections with them. I appreciate all that she does and think that her hard work really pays off at our school and in our Renaissance program.
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
I am the Assistant Principal, Science Instructional Coach, and Testing Coordinator.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
My school’s culture is amazing and one large family. We are built on GRIT. We embrace Growth; we have Resiliency and maintain Integrity all while valuing our Traditions. Generations of classes still feel like family at Hancock. We have a saying: “Once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
Having been introduced to Renaissance in 2009, I have many memorable moments from Renaissance. One of my memories is when our school hosted a mini Renaissance event at our school and local high school and middle school students were able to be a part of it. Listening to their excitement and ideas of how to make their school culture better was a great memory for me because it made me remember my “why.” It was so great to see students from different schools collaborating together and seeing the big picture. Another great memory is when my middle school received the Platinum School of Distinction award for the first time – putting everything that we do in a form to tell our school’s story.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has affected me personally in my career and family. It has helped me influence new educators to make sure the school is a place all students want to be, including my own daughter who is now a middle school teacher and Renaissance Sponsor herself.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Something that helps me feel better than good is at the end of the year when we do our honorary Cap and Gown Ceremony. Our Seniors choose teachers who have made a difference in their school career. They have to write a letter to the teacher of why they chose them to give them their cap and gown. Being selected by students who remember how you treated them in 5th and 6th grade or during their high school years really helps you remember why you became a teacher. It is a very special moment. And when you are feeling below the line you pull those out and read them to help you remember.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
Here at Hancock High School we always Greet with a smile and truly listen when a student or staff member is talking. A simple smile or good morning goes a long way. Knowing students’ names, and making them feel seen, heard, and loved is not hard – it only takes a moment. I greet students every morning in the bus lane, car line, parking lot and in the halls. I absolutely love it when the students ask “How do you know my name?” I love to see the surprise on their faces.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become more optimistic?
Start by writing down three things you are grateful for every day. Gratitude helps us shift our focus to something positive instead of negative. Eventually it will become a habit!
Patches will each receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievements.