Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School.Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
1. The Energy that Mr. Brewer was amazing and I would love to have that type of energy everyday! I think he led by example and the other teachers also took it upon themselves to be more energetic. 2. The Positivity and creativity that he had was also very contagious and the students responded very well to that. I would love to see more of that in my school and in myself. 3. Be Yourself and don't care what others think. I felt that Mr. Hamish acted outside the box and when he greeted the community by standing on the table, the people were not used to that. Were they in for a big surprise! I have always felt it is ok to be a little goofy as most people connect with that or it makes them smile.
One thing I would love to see at my own school is the emphasis on relationships. Brewer is constantly present with students, greeting them, encouraging them, and celebrating even their small successes. That level of intentional visibility and connection helps students feel seen and valued, which I think is essential for creating a safe and motivating learning environment. Too often my coworkers are in their rooms, not address students and just complaining in the hallways. We need to make the students feel special and wanted within the building.
A second aspect I appreciated was the focus on joy and engagement in learning. His schools clearly work hard to make education exciting rather than routine or transactional. Whether through creative lessons, murals, or enthusiastic school-wide events, students seemed to genuinely want to be there. I think bringing more of that energy into schools helps students associate learning with curiosity and pride rather than stress or obligation. I lived in previous chapters that their ISS is working and preparing the school for other things. Pride and ownership, I think would change the mindset of the schools...even painting the bathroom stalls as an art project...maybe less graffiti?
Finally, I loved the sense of shared purpose and belief in students. Brewer repeatedly emphasizes high expectations paired with strong support. Staff talk about refusing to give up on students, no matter their background or challenges. I would like to see that mindset strengthened everywhere: the idea that every student is capable, worthy, and deserving of adults who advocate for them persistently. It cannot be a one man job but the purpose of the whole department, school and district.
The first thing I saw was how engaged the students were during his assemblies and how they respond to him. They use manners, they are excited about what he is saying. I feel like right now most teachers dread assemblies because students don't pay attention and are messing around. This would be an exciting thing to see a change in.
The next thing is how visible Hamish is to the students. The video showed him outside the school, by the buses, in the neighborhoods of the students, in the community, in the hallways of school, the classrooms, and lunchrooms. He is present to be positive with the students. Most of the time when principals are present, they are on their way to take care of an issue or behavior. This is huge, the students loved seeing Hamish in all the environments.
The third thing was seeing the buy in from the community. I would say even at open house night for students, there are many families who skip it and the student just shows up on the first day of school. It would be great to see parents, students, and community members to be excited about school starting and to be present. This would be huge for kids and parents to be excited and set that example for the beginning of the school year.
One of the things I noticed in the video is how Hamish Brewer emphasizes the importance of keeping his word and being a consistent, caring adult for his students. I love how he talks about being “the constant” in a child’s life. As a School Counselor, I see the impact of consistency and trust, and I want to continue building those strong, reliable relationships with students so they feel safe and supported. I would love to see this emphasis on consistency expanded across our school, where every student has at least one adult they can rely on and feel supported by every day. We have heard multiple times over the years how having one trusted, supportive and consistent adult in a child’s life can literally change their life. Another thing I appreciated is how he challenges the traditional, and in my opinion outdated educational processes right from the start. He is willing to disrupt the norm to make learning relevant and meaningful, focusing on experiences rather than scores or tests. I would love to see more of this at my school by collaborating with teachers and all staff to create more hands-on, engaging learning opportunities and magical as, he states, experiences for students. Helping school feel exciting and valuable for every child is so important. I also hope to bring this mindset into what we do as School Counselors. Creating experiences, lessons and programs that are interactive, student-centered, and build both skills and confidence is a way we could continue and work towards doing that. Finally, I was inspired by how much he values the school environment and its impact on students. He highlights how the actual building, the surroundings, energy, and attention to detail can unlock the potential in our students. I would like to work on helping students feel inspired and supported in our space, making our school feel like their home and welcoming, through our school counseling program, during classroom visits, or in continuing to create areas that feel welcoming and nurturing in our School Counseling Office. I would love to see these principles reflected schoolwide, where classrooms and common spaces are intentionally designed to spark curiosity and positivity. His energy, excitement, and focus on putting kids first are qualities I admire and aim to bring to my own role.
When watching this video, I can feel how much these kids and this school means to him. His passion resonates and that is felt throughout the school. My first would be the energy level. Positive energy is essential for teachers and staff. This cultivates a supportive, engaging classroom atmosphere boosts student motivation. As he does, this positive atmosphere will build relationships among the students. 2nd thing that stuck to me was the statement "we aren't defined by a letter grade, but we are defined but what we do..." Being defined by what you do- your actions, skills, projects, work ethic- rather than the grade itself encourages a growth mindset. While grades can serve as a measure, they often discourage risk taking and fails to capture true competence. My last is how Mr. Brewer was so visible and hands on. This is so crucial for building trust and a sense of belonging. By 'visible learning', teachers can provide real time feedback and students feel seen. This also allows for opportunities to be approachable for students who might be reluctant to ask for help in class.
1. When he talk about others talking about the school be average and wants to change it to be amazing and the only way that can be done is the students must be the change. Be yourself and not worry about what other people think. 2. To show how far you are willing to go for a child. To be able to walk down the halls and greet each student with a hello and a high five. 3.How he wants to disrupt the flow and not being defined as a letter grade or a number. But being defined by what we do.
I would like to see the following three things at my school : 1) The energy that Hamish Brings everyday...to increase that daily! 2) Hamish discusses the importance of being the students "Constant", continuing to work on building those relationships with the students. We want all of our students to be able to recognize one trusted adult on campus, which we are there but increasing that number to 5-6 trusted adults on campus. 3) Hamish is visible putting himself out there, I would like to add some additional fun pieces of putting myself out there ... morning announcements and increasing some activities where it gets our principal and the rest of our Admin team involved in activities as we know our students love to see their teachers and administration participate in school activities!
What an amazing role model he is for families and kids he is in contact with in his schools. His passion and enthusiasm fuel welcoming to those at the school. He wants to make sure that every kid has at least one trusted adult in their life to continue the encouragement and thrive to meet the high expectations that have been set. These relationships create support necessary for growth and also help build a sense of community for the learners, staff and parents. His welcoming is supportive and engaging. He wants educators to make learning relevant and engaging. Make projects possible and have the kids take the leadership roles. Through this energy, he says it is important to be yourself, work to build those relationships and be defined by helping every child grow. He states the importance of authentic and relevant experiences. Kids are not defined by their grades, but by what they do with rhe information. He teaches the kids they are not average but relentless. Kids always have revolving doors in their lives and he reminds educators to be the consistent person and always look for good in what they are doing. Help the students have a voice and help advocate for them. I love the question to ask at the end of the day, “Was I better for kids today?” as all kids deserve to have their good stated and acknowledged. I also use the phrase that I learned from a student that is similar, “What have I done to lift someone up today?” “
Three things from this video that I would like to see at my school are number one being his enthusiasm for his school. He truly loves what he does and each and every student and he makes sure they know it. He wants each studnet to succeed and the students themselves need to be the change. Secondly, I loved his statement about relating to them at their level, that's when you can change the game. As teachers we need to be the constant for them, their advocate. The third thing is to have fun and everyone needs to be a part of the process. Everything we do should be about kids and what did we do each day for them. All in means all in.
One thing I would like to see more of at my school is love. In the video, it is clear that students feel valued and supported. Creating a culture where students know they are cared for helps them feel safe and motivated to learn.
Another thing I would like to see is a principal whose presence is felt throughout the whole building. When school leaders are visible, engaged with students, and involved in daily school life, it helps build relationships and a strong sense of community.
Finally, I would like to see a stronger focus on giving kids what they deserve—a supportive environment, engaging learning experiences, and adults who truly believe in them. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to thrive both academically and personally.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
1. One thing Hamish mentions is unlimited field trips. I'm a big believer in experiencing learning. I personally learn best when I can see something whether it be pictures, videos, or in real life. I think field trips provide that real life experience and learning that children will remember forever. Currently, my school only allows 1 field trip per grade per year. I wish they could at least be allowed 3 per year. I know it is a lot of work and planning, but I also think it is worth it for the kids. 2. Another thing I would like to see in my school district is teachers that want to be apart of our community and live in our community. My school district has a high percentage of teacher turnover as well as I would say close to half of the staff lives in a different community and even sends their own kids to a different school district. It would be awesome to have and retain teachers who are all in for our school and community and want to be apart of our students lives. Seeing them at the park, at the grocery store, going to their after school activities. Just being present for our students outside of the classroom. Like Hamish said, we need to be the constant in our student's lives. 3. I love getting the parents more involved! Love that Hamish pushed the phrase "All In". Just like we want our teachers to be ALL IN we also need our parents and families to be all in. I love that he had parents come in to meet him. I also absolutely love that he was present in the hallways and in the classrooms. Just all around he brings great energy and we need that from administration, teachers, and parents!
The video was full of great things! I would love to see the amount of energy that is obvious throughout the entire school. Having the principal visible everywhere in the school shows that he is interested in what is going on there. I also liked how he told the students that he needs their help to change their school, including them in the process shows them that they are an important part of their school. It also shows how much he believes in all of his students. I liked the community open house the school had so that students and parents could meet the new principal before the first day of school. He got them all fired up and could tell by their facial expressions, smiles, and the hugs that they were all in. They got to see that their new principal was relentless, and that he genuinely cared for all of the kids. Social or financial status didn't not matter to him. He made all of them feel loved.
I liked the All Hands of Deck when the students entered the school. I think it is important to have all teachers engaged with students in the morning. I also appreciated him telling the parents and the students that he couldn't do this by himself, they had to be all in. I like that responsibility for staff , parents, and kids. I also liked seeing in the hallways, being present for students and staff. I would like to see more of all three of these aspects in my school!
Loved the video. The energy that he brought to the schools, the level of care and concern was evident in the way he interacts with students. The atmosphere was inviting and fun and everyone had a feeling of belonging. The ways he helped kids feel connected and involved the community to add resources for all kids was amazing.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
This video was so inspiring it brought me to tears. I loved how they truly engaged with students and greeted them by name. This is so important to do in the morning. I'd love for our school to just be a cohesive unit. United, having fun, working together all the things that we saw in his video, it would be a dream truly. Finally, an environment where kids know they are loved, safe and they truly matter to each and every single staff member down to the custodian.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
Overall enthusiasm and belief in the students: It's about the students and making sure their school is filled with joy and enthusiasm Saying "I love you" which is a "no-go zone for many in education" because it might be taken wrong; especially coming from male teachers Principal is the "cheerleader" - not afraid to do something out of the norm to inject something to make it norm Lots of smiles and enthusiasm
Three things I would love to see at my school come from his bucket list. First, I love when he says we aren’t here to be average, we are here to be amazing. I actually have a quote like that in my room, but instead of “amazing,” it says “champions.” I don’t want our school to be defined by grades, but by what we do and how we impact students.
I also love the idea of a community night and would love to see our school implement something like that. It would be a great way to bring families, students, and staff together and build stronger relationships.
Another thing I really like is that he goes on the intercom and tells students he loves them. So many students may not hear that regularly, and it can make a big difference. I think that is something powerful we could bring into our school.
Overall, his energy stands out to me. That kind of positivity and passion is something every school needs.
In this video, one thing I saw that I would like to see at our school is partaking in field trips. This could be accomplished at each level and is so important for students' growth. Learning through experience is so beneficial and can truly imprint on a students' path in life. Having opportunities where students can go on a field trip that interests them or even something where it's a hands-on activity can help students work together and grow their minds of interest as they grow older. The next thing that I think would be great to see is parents getting involved more. This could go such a long way with bringing the students' families together and having their relationships between the parents and teachers grow stronger too to better meet the needs of their students. There are some parents who love to be involved and some that don't but creating an environment that fits both of these areas can truly help the students grow. The last thing I saw in this video that would be great to see more of is that engagement in the school. The students were so excited and his energy flowed through the students. This could be great to see in the classrooms as some teachers get overwhelmed and frustrated when met with challenging students. But being able to move past those instances and continue to be engaging and encouraging for all the students that we meet with each day is so important for students. This can help them feel encouraged and can build that trusting rapport with them that even though they may be having a hard day, they can still turn to a teacher/staff member to help them.
In the video the first thing I saw from a coaching perspective, I really like the strong school culture and shared identity he builds throughout the building. The messaging, visuals, and consistent language like “Be Relentless” help create a unified purpose for both staff and students. I would like to see more of that in our school because it helps everyone feel like they are part of the same team working toward the same goal. In athletics, having a clear identity makes a huge difference in buy-in, effort, and accountability, and I think that same idea could strengthen our school as a whole across classrooms, hallways, and activities.
Second, I really value how present and visible the leadership is throughout the school. Brewer is constantly in hallways, classrooms, and interacting with students, not just staying behind the scenes. I would like to see more of that in our school because it helps build stronger relationships and accountability. When students see adults consistently involved in their day-to-day environment, it builds trust and reinforces expectations. As a coach, I know how important it is for athletes to see leadership engaged and active, and I think that same presence would have a strong impact on student behavior and effort in school.
Third, I like how engaging and enjoyable the school environment is for students. Brewer creates a place where students actually want to be, whether it is through celebrations, creative spaces, or just the overall energy of the building. I would like to see more of that in our school because student engagement and attendance improve when kids feel excited to come to school. As a high school history teacher, I try to make my content relevant and connect it to real life, but a stronger school-wide focus on making learning fun and meaningful would help students in every class, not just mine. It would also carry over into better energy and participation in athletics and other activities.
First, I would absolutely love to see MORE PUMPING UP!!! I'm all about positivity - but it's hard as one person. If all the teachers and kids and staff could have the opportunities and attitude to lift each other up as a goal every day, our school would look 100% different! It just sends the message that every single person who walks through your doors is important and when we all show kindness and love in an assertive kind of way - it changes persepectives.
Second, I love the revamping of the walls~ we are so uniform in schools that a little color and a few cool shapes would add to the amazing positivity that is going on. A few years ago we put up character words in our hallways and lunch area - that was pretty nice too! Creating the environment to match the attitude you desire will add the layered icing that every school should already have.
Third, the usage of any tool at hand is important. Using the intercom to greet the kids or tell them they are loved is a fantastic way to get everyone hearing it in their minds and/or giving them something to look forward to when they have nothing else in their life pushing them ahead. I always say words are like toothpaste - once the words come out they are hard to put back in - make them count and make them count in an uplifting way!
He is certainly influential and inspirational. One thing that struck a chord with me right away was his intentionality of being in the classrooms and hallways; he is a very hands on administrator that I think any teacher would appreciate. Another thing that I would like to see is just his overall enthusiasm - his announcement on the intercom of - if no one told you that they love you, Mr. Brewer loves you - just sets the tone and environment for the whole building. Lastly, the visuals of the murals in the school. This makes it more relatable for students and not just the drab tan or gray colors that make it look institutionalized. I was in an old building and taught 5th grade - the students were able to create color a ceiling tile as kind of a parting gift to the school. They all looked forward to that and created lasting memories. The murals reminded me of that and I think helps students feel like it is their space.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
1. High Energy and Passion for Learning -One of the most noticeable things is the energy Hamish Brewer brings such as skateboarding through halls, celebrating success, and making school feel exciting. His enthusiasm spreads to both students and teachers. Schools under his leadership even turn assemblies into engaging, high-energy events rather than boring routines. I would love for this to happen at my school because it would make it more enjoyable and would motivate students to actually want to be there and participate.
2. Strong Relationships and Genuine Care for Students -Brewer constantly emphasizes relationships like telling students he cares about them and creating an environment where they feel safe and valued. He even places his office in the middle of the school so students can easily talk to him and feel comfortable. I want this kind of relationship because when students feel respected and supported, they are more likely to try harder, behave better, and succeed.
3. A Fun, Creative, Student-Centered Environment -His schools look and feel different. There is graffiti on the walls, creative spaces, and a culture built around students’ needs instead of strict rules. He believes schools should move away from “traditional” systems and become more engaging and relevant to students’ lives. I want an environment like because it would make learning feel less like a chore and more meaningful.
After watching Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” video, three things stood out most that I would like to see in my school: The confidence and pride that he demonstrates to his students, staff, and community members. When he brings that energy and confidence, it is contagious. Through his demeanor in the video, you can tell that he makes others feel safe and secure. He finds a way to be respected without demanding it. Students and staff interacted with him in a manner that showed acceptance and pride. You can also feel the sense of pride in the building as a whole. I like how he mentioned it was his “home.” He made sure it felt like a place of belonging where students could come, feel safe, and be themselves. That is important to me, and I believe a school should feel like a second home (since students are, in some cases, there more than their own home). I also liked how he allowed students and faculty to help make it feel like home by gathering their ideas and input. It shows that everyone is important and part of the “family.” I think the best part of the video, and what I would most like to see at my school, is how present he is for everyone. He was walking through the halls, in the cafeteria, and in classrooms. Not only was he there, but he was actively engaging in conversations. You could tell that the students were used to him conversing with them. He was explaining the “whys” behind things, and you could tell they were truly listening. It is one thing to be there for show, but a whole other thing to be fully present in the moment. You can tell that Hamish is present and active in his students’ lives. When he says he loves them over the intercom in the morning, those students know it is coming from a truly well-respected individual.
1. The Energy that Mr. Brewer was amazing and I would love to have that type of energy everyday! I think he led by example and the other teachers also took it upon themselves to be more energetic. 2. The Positivity and creativity that he had was also very contagious and the students responded very well to that. I would love to see more of that in my school and in myself.
ReplyDelete3. Be Yourself and don't care what others think. I felt that Mr. Hamish acted outside the box and when he greeted the community by standing on the table, the people were not used to that. Were they in for a big surprise! I have always felt it is ok to be a little goofy as most people connect with that or it makes them smile.
One thing I would love to see at my own school is the emphasis on relationships. Brewer is constantly present with students, greeting them, encouraging them, and celebrating even their small successes. That level of intentional visibility and connection helps students feel seen and valued, which I think is essential for creating a safe and motivating learning environment. Too often my coworkers are in their rooms, not address students and just complaining in the hallways. We need to make the students feel special and wanted within the building.
ReplyDeleteA second aspect I appreciated was the focus on joy and engagement in learning. His schools clearly work hard to make education exciting rather than routine or transactional. Whether through creative lessons, murals, or enthusiastic school-wide events, students seemed to genuinely want to be there. I think bringing more of that energy into schools helps students associate learning with curiosity and pride rather than stress or obligation. I lived in previous chapters that their ISS is working and preparing the school for other things. Pride and ownership, I think would change the mindset of the schools...even painting the bathroom stalls as an art project...maybe less graffiti?
Finally, I loved the sense of shared purpose and belief in students. Brewer repeatedly emphasizes high expectations paired with strong support. Staff talk about refusing to give up on students, no matter their background or challenges. I would like to see that mindset strengthened everywhere: the idea that every student is capable, worthy, and deserving of adults who advocate for them persistently. It cannot be a one man job but the purpose of the whole department, school and district.
The first thing I saw was how engaged the students were during his assemblies and how they respond to him. They use manners, they are excited about what he is saying. I feel like right now most teachers dread assemblies because students don't pay attention and are messing around. This would be an exciting thing to see a change in.
ReplyDeleteThe next thing is how visible Hamish is to the students. The video showed him outside the school, by the buses, in the neighborhoods of the students, in the community, in the hallways of school, the classrooms, and lunchrooms. He is present to be positive with the students. Most of the time when principals are present, they are on their way to take care of an issue or behavior. This is huge, the students loved seeing Hamish in all the environments.
The third thing was seeing the buy in from the community. I would say even at open house night for students, there are many families who skip it and the student just shows up on the first day of school. It would be great to see parents, students, and community members to be excited about school starting and to be present. This would be huge for kids and parents to be excited and set that example for the beginning of the school year.
One of the things I noticed in the video is how Hamish Brewer emphasizes the importance of keeping his word and being a consistent, caring adult for his students. I love how he talks about being “the constant” in a child’s life. As a School Counselor, I see the impact of consistency and trust, and I want to continue building those strong, reliable relationships with students so they feel safe and supported. I would love to see this emphasis on consistency expanded across our school, where every student has at least one adult they can rely on and feel supported by every day. We have heard multiple times over the years how having one trusted, supportive and consistent adult in a child’s life can literally change their life.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I appreciated is how he challenges the traditional, and in my opinion outdated educational processes right from the start. He is willing to disrupt the norm to make learning relevant and meaningful, focusing on experiences rather than scores or tests. I would love to see more of this at my school by collaborating with teachers and all staff to create more hands-on, engaging learning opportunities and magical as, he states, experiences for students. Helping school feel exciting and valuable for every child is so important. I also hope to bring this mindset into what we do as School Counselors. Creating experiences, lessons and programs that are interactive, student-centered, and build both skills and confidence is a way we could continue and work towards doing that.
Finally, I was inspired by how much he values the school environment and its impact on students. He highlights how the actual building, the surroundings, energy, and attention to detail can unlock the potential in our students. I would like to work on helping students feel inspired and supported in our space, making our school feel like their home and welcoming, through our school counseling program, during classroom visits, or in continuing to create areas that feel welcoming and nurturing in our School Counseling Office. I would love to see these principles reflected schoolwide, where classrooms and common spaces are intentionally designed to spark curiosity and positivity. His energy, excitement, and focus on putting kids first are qualities I admire and aim to bring to my own role.
When watching this video, I can feel how much these kids and this school means to him. His passion resonates and that is felt throughout the school.
ReplyDeleteMy first would be the energy level. Positive energy is essential for teachers and staff. This cultivates a supportive, engaging classroom atmosphere boosts student motivation. As he does, this positive atmosphere will build relationships among the students.
2nd thing that stuck to me was the statement "we aren't defined by a letter grade, but we are defined but what we do..." Being defined by what you do- your actions, skills, projects, work ethic- rather than the grade itself encourages a growth mindset. While grades can serve as a measure, they often discourage risk taking and fails to capture true competence.
My last is how Mr. Brewer was so visible and hands on. This is so crucial for building trust and a sense of belonging. By 'visible learning', teachers can provide real time feedback and students feel seen. This also allows for opportunities to be approachable for students who might be reluctant to ask for help in class.
1. When he talk about others talking about the school be average and wants to change it to be amazing and the only way that can be done is the students must be the change. Be yourself and not worry about what other people think.
ReplyDelete2. To show how far you are willing to go for a child. To be able to walk down the halls and greet each student with a hello and a high five.
3.How he wants to disrupt the flow and not being defined as a letter grade or a number. But being defined by what we do.
I would like to see the following three things at my school :
ReplyDelete1) The energy that Hamish Brings everyday...to increase that daily!
2) Hamish discusses the importance of being the students "Constant", continuing to work on building those relationships with the students. We want all of our students to be able to recognize one trusted adult on campus, which we are there but increasing that number to 5-6 trusted adults on campus.
3) Hamish is visible putting himself out there, I would like to add some additional fun pieces of putting myself out there ... morning announcements and increasing some activities where it gets our principal and the rest of our Admin team involved in activities as we know our students love to see their teachers and administration participate in school activities!
What an amazing role model he is for families and kids he is in contact with in his schools. His passion and enthusiasm fuel welcoming to those at the school. He wants to make sure that every kid has at least one trusted adult in their life to continue the encouragement and thrive to meet the high expectations that have been set. These relationships create support necessary for growth and also help build a sense of community for the learners, staff and parents. His welcoming is supportive and engaging. He wants educators to make learning relevant and engaging. Make projects possible and have the kids take the leadership roles. Through this energy, he says it is important to be yourself, work to build those relationships and be defined by helping every child grow. He states the importance of authentic and relevant experiences. Kids are not defined by their grades, but by what
ReplyDeletethey do with rhe information. He teaches the kids they are not average but relentless. Kids always have revolving doors in their lives and he reminds educators to be the consistent person and always look for good in what they are doing. Help the students have a voice and help advocate for them. I love the question to ask at the end of the day, “Was I better for kids today?” as all kids deserve to have their good stated and acknowledged. I also use the phrase that I learned from a student that is similar, “What have I done to lift someone up today?”
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Three things from this video that I would like to see at my school are number one being his enthusiasm for his school. He truly loves what he does and each and every student and he makes sure they know it. He wants each studnet to succeed and the students themselves need to be the change. Secondly, I loved his statement about relating to them at their level, that's when you can change the game. As teachers we need to be the constant for them, their advocate. The third thing is to have fun and everyone needs to be a part of the process. Everything we do should be about kids and what did we do each day for them. All in means all in.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I would like to see more of at my school is love. In the video, it is clear that students feel valued and supported. Creating a culture where students know they are cared for helps them feel safe and motivated to learn.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I would like to see is a principal whose presence is felt throughout the whole building. When school leaders are visible, engaged with students, and involved in daily school life, it helps build relationships and a strong sense of community.
Finally, I would like to see a stronger focus on giving kids what they deserve—a supportive environment, engaging learning experiences, and adults who truly believe in them. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to thrive both academically and personally.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
ReplyDelete1. One thing Hamish mentions is unlimited field trips. I'm a big believer in experiencing learning. I personally learn best when I can see something whether it be pictures, videos, or in real life. I think field trips provide that real life experience and learning that children will remember forever. Currently, my school only allows 1 field trip per grade per year. I wish they could at least be allowed 3 per year. I know it is a lot of work and planning, but I also think it is worth it for the kids.
2. Another thing I would like to see in my school district is teachers that want to be apart of our community and live in our community. My school district has a high percentage of teacher turnover as well as I would say close to half of the staff lives in a different community and even sends their own kids to a different school district. It would be awesome to have and retain teachers who are all in for our school and community and want to be apart of our students lives. Seeing them at the park, at the grocery store, going to their after school activities. Just being present for our students outside of the classroom. Like Hamish said, we need to be the constant in our student's lives.
3. I love getting the parents more involved! Love that Hamish pushed the phrase "All In". Just like we want our teachers to be ALL IN we also need our parents and families to be all in. I love that he had parents come in to meet him. I also absolutely love that he was present in the hallways and in the classrooms. Just all around he brings great energy and we need that from administration, teachers, and parents!
The video was full of great things! I would love to see the amount of energy that is obvious throughout the entire school. Having the principal visible everywhere in the school shows that he is interested in what is going on there. I also liked how he told the students that he needs their help to change their school, including them in the process shows them that they are an important part of their school. It also shows how much he believes in all of his students. I liked the community open house the school had so that students and parents could meet the new principal before the first day of school. He got them all fired up and could tell by their facial expressions, smiles, and the hugs that they were all in. They got to see that their new principal was relentless, and that he genuinely cared for all of the kids. Social or financial status didn't not matter to him. He made all of them feel loved.
ReplyDeleteI liked the All Hands of Deck when the students entered the school. I think it is important to have all teachers engaged with students in the morning. I also appreciated him telling the parents and the students that he couldn't do this by himself, they had to be all in. I like that responsibility for staff , parents, and kids. I also liked seeing in the hallways, being present for students and staff. I would like to see more of all three of these aspects in my school!
ReplyDeleteLoved the video. The energy that he brought to the schools, the level of care and concern was evident in the way he interacts with students. The atmosphere was inviting and fun and everyone had a feeling of belonging. The ways he helped kids feel connected and involved the community to add resources for all kids was amazing.
ReplyDeleteHamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
ReplyDeleteThis video was so inspiring it brought me to tears. I loved how they truly engaged with students and greeted them by name. This is so important to do in the morning. I'd love for our school to just be a cohesive unit. United, having fun, working together all the things that we saw in his video, it would be a dream truly. Finally, an environment where kids know they are loved, safe and they truly matter to each and every single staff member down to the custodian.
Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
ReplyDeleteOverall enthusiasm and belief in the students: It's about the students and making sure their school is filled with joy and enthusiasm
Saying "I love you" which is a "no-go zone for many in education" because it might be taken wrong; especially coming from male teachers
Principal is the "cheerleader" - not afraid to do something out of the norm to inject something to make it norm
Lots of smiles and enthusiasm
Three things I would love to see at my school come from his bucket list. First, I love when he says we aren’t here to be average, we are here to be amazing. I actually have a quote like that in my room, but instead of “amazing,” it says “champions.” I don’t want our school to be defined by grades, but by what we do and how we impact students.
ReplyDeleteI also love the idea of a community night and would love to see our school implement something like that. It would be a great way to bring families, students, and staff together and build stronger relationships.
Another thing I really like is that he goes on the intercom and tells students he loves them. So many students may not hear that regularly, and it can make a big difference. I think that is something powerful we could bring into our school.
Overall, his energy stands out to me. That kind of positivity and passion is something every school needs.
In this video, one thing I saw that I would like to see at our school is partaking in field trips. This could be accomplished at each level and is so important for students' growth. Learning through experience is so beneficial and can truly imprint on a students' path in life. Having opportunities where students can go on a field trip that interests them or even something where it's a hands-on activity can help students work together and grow their minds of interest as they grow older.
ReplyDeleteThe next thing that I think would be great to see is parents getting involved more. This could go such a long way with bringing the students' families together and having their relationships between the parents and teachers grow stronger too to better meet the needs of their students. There are some parents who love to be involved and some that don't but creating an environment that fits both of these areas can truly help the students grow.
The last thing I saw in this video that would be great to see more of is that engagement in the school. The students were so excited and his energy flowed through the students. This could be great to see in the classrooms as some teachers get overwhelmed and frustrated when met with challenging students. But being able to move past those instances and continue to be engaging and encouraging for all the students that we meet with each day is so important for students. This can help them feel encouraged and can build that trusting rapport with them that even though they may be having a hard day, they can still turn to a teacher/staff member to help them.
In the video the first thing I saw from a coaching perspective, I really like the strong school culture and shared identity he builds throughout the building. The messaging, visuals, and consistent language like “Be Relentless” help create a unified purpose for both staff and students. I would like to see more of that in our school because it helps everyone feel like they are part of the same team working toward the same goal. In athletics, having a clear identity makes a huge difference in buy-in, effort, and accountability, and I think that same idea could strengthen our school as a whole across classrooms, hallways, and activities.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I really value how present and visible the leadership is throughout the school. Brewer is constantly in hallways, classrooms, and interacting with students, not just staying behind the scenes. I would like to see more of that in our school because it helps build stronger relationships and accountability. When students see adults consistently involved in their day-to-day environment, it builds trust and reinforces expectations. As a coach, I know how important it is for athletes to see leadership engaged and active, and I think that same presence would have a strong impact on student behavior and effort in school.
Third, I like how engaging and enjoyable the school environment is for students. Brewer creates a place where students actually want to be, whether it is through celebrations, creative spaces, or just the overall energy of the building. I would like to see more of that in our school because student engagement and attendance improve when kids feel excited to come to school. As a high school history teacher, I try to make my content relevant and connect it to real life, but a stronger school-wide focus on making learning fun and meaningful would help students in every class, not just mine. It would also carry over into better energy and participation in athletics and other activities.
First, I would absolutely love to see MORE PUMPING UP!!! I'm all about positivity - but it's hard as one person. If all the teachers and kids and staff could have the opportunities and attitude to lift each other up as a goal every day, our school would look 100% different! It just sends the message that every single person who walks through your doors is important and when we all show kindness and love in an assertive kind of way - it changes persepectives.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love the revamping of the walls~ we are so uniform in schools that a little color and a few cool shapes would add to the amazing positivity that is going on. A few years ago we put up character words in our hallways and lunch area - that was pretty nice too! Creating the environment to match the attitude you desire will add the layered icing that every school should already have.
Third, the usage of any tool at hand is important. Using the intercom to greet the kids or tell them they are loved is a fantastic way to get everyone hearing it in their minds and/or giving them something to look forward to when they have nothing else in their life pushing them ahead. I always say words are like toothpaste - once the words come out they are hard to put back in - make them count and make them count in an uplifting way!
He is certainly influential and inspirational. One thing that struck a chord with me right away was his intentionality of being in the classrooms and hallways; he is a very hands on administrator that I think any teacher would appreciate. Another thing that I would like to see is just his overall enthusiasm - his announcement on the intercom of - if no one told you that they love you, Mr. Brewer loves you - just sets the tone and environment for the whole building. Lastly, the visuals of the murals in the school. This makes it more relatable for students and not just the drab tan or gray colors that make it look institutionalized. I was in an old building and taught 5th grade - the students were able to create color a ceiling tile as kind of a parting gift to the school. They all looked forward to that and created lasting memories. The murals reminded me of that and I think helps students feel like it is their space.
ReplyDeleteHamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” gives us a glimpse into his schools, Occoquan Elementary and Fred Lynn Middle School. Discuss 3 things you saw in this video that you would like to see at your school.
ReplyDelete1. High Energy and Passion for Learning
-One of the most noticeable things is the energy Hamish Brewer brings such as skateboarding through halls, celebrating success, and making school feel exciting. His enthusiasm spreads to both students and teachers. Schools under his leadership even turn assemblies into engaging, high-energy events rather than boring routines. I would love for this to happen at my school because it would make it more enjoyable and would motivate students to actually want to be there and participate.
2. Strong Relationships and Genuine Care for Students
-Brewer constantly emphasizes relationships like telling students he cares about them and creating an environment where they feel safe and valued. He even places his office in the middle of the school so students can easily talk to him and feel comfortable. I want this kind of relationship because when students feel respected and supported, they are more likely to try harder, behave better, and succeed.
3. A Fun, Creative, Student-Centered Environment
-His schools look and feel different. There is graffiti on the walls, creative spaces, and a culture built around students’ needs instead of strict rules. He believes schools should move away from “traditional” systems and become more engaging and relevant to students’ lives.
I want an environment like because it would make learning feel less like a chore and more meaningful.
After watching Hamish Brewer in “The Skater Principal Making Education Fun Again” video, three things stood out most that I would like to see in my school:
ReplyDeleteThe confidence and pride that he demonstrates to his students, staff, and community members. When he brings that energy and confidence, it is contagious. Through his demeanor in the video, you can tell that he makes others feel safe and secure. He finds a way to be respected without demanding it. Students and staff interacted with him in a manner that showed acceptance and pride.
You can also feel the sense of pride in the building as a whole. I like how he mentioned it was his “home.” He made sure it felt like a place of belonging where students could come, feel safe, and be themselves. That is important to me, and I believe a school should feel like a second home (since students are, in some cases, there more than their own home). I also liked how he allowed students and faculty to help make it feel like home by gathering their ideas and input. It shows that everyone is important and part of the “family.”
I think the best part of the video, and what I would most like to see at my school, is how present he is for everyone. He was walking through the halls, in the cafeteria, and in classrooms. Not only was he there, but he was actively engaging in conversations. You could tell that the students were used to him conversing with them. He was explaining the “whys” behind things, and you could tell they were truly listening. It is one thing to be there for show, but a whole other thing to be fully present in the moment. You can tell that Hamish is present and active in his students’ lives. When he says he loves them over the intercom in the morning, those students know it is coming from a truly well-respected individual.