This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Mary Alexander from Shadow Hills High School in Indio, California. Nominator Gabriel Fajardo writes (lightly edited):
“Mrs. Alexander demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to our high school as well as to our local community. Mary takes it upon herself to provide exceptional support and service to new faculty and staff. She quickly discerns their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction with the utmost respect to all stakeholders. Beyond this and during her downtime, she has helped students and families find caregivers, health care providers, colleges, jobs, and she is known for delivering gifts of encouragement and support to our staffulty during times of need. She consistently recognizes the need of others and goes out of her way to ensure that our school culture is one based on the values we believe in – Respect, Integrity, Greatness, Honor and Teamwork. She is the perfect embodiment of what we say when we cry, “Knights Do it R.I.G.H.T!” Mary is a Knight who always does it RIGHT!“
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
3 years.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My Favorite Renaissance moment would have to be our Student of the Month Breakfasts! I loved being able to see the smiles on our students faces when they heard they were chosen for the honor, but the best part is when they heard the reasons why. Most kids are honored for being kind and it is the best feeling in the world to compliment and celebrate a kid for being kind!
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
Renaissance has had a very large impact on the culture at Shadow Hills High School. Some of our most prized traditions are because of our Renaissance program, such as our Honor Roll Assemblies, Student & Staffulty of the Month & Celebrating Birthdays. These are all very simple activities, but they provide an opportunity to connect even more kids and staffulty to our campus, so they feel that connection to our Knights Family.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
The Renaissance student leaders have changed how I look at student leaders. They are so hard working and do so much for their school and it often goes unnoticed. They truly care about other kids and their school community and it inspires me to be a better leader and teacher. During the pandemic and the transition to distance learning, they have not stopped putting that passion and hard work in to make our school the best it can be each and everyday. It has been the students that have inspired me personally to be my best each day.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
Connect with other Renaissance and Leadership Teachers in your area. I have learned so much from working with the other local leadership teachers in my community. We meet once a month to exchange ideas and discuss things we are doing on our campuses to keep our kids connected. It can be very daunting to try new ideas and start new traditions on a school campus, but with the support and collaboration of other leadership teachers, it quickly can put you at ease and remind you of the importance of your work.
Mrs. Alexander will receive a shirt and a lapel pin to recognize her achievement.
To nominate someone in your school for the National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month honor, click here.