DEAN OF STUDENTS by Carly Daniel
Since taking on the role of Dean of Students last year, I have been approached many times with the question “What is it that you do at the school now?” Often I answer simply by saying, “My role is something similar to that of an assistant principal.” However, this does not properly address the key question of what the Dean of Students is and how important the role is in Holyoke Elementary School.
Leaving the traditional classroom for this new role was a difficult decision for me as I have always truly loved being in the classroom and having “my kids.” Luckily for me, I am now able to see and work with even more students than I was able to as a classroom teacher. Students from all different grade levels, connecting with them in completely new ways. I am able to do this through coordinating the Elementary Response to Intervention (RtI), and Gifted and Talented (GT) Programs, aiding students with behavioral, academic, and/or social-emotional needs on a daily basis, in addition to helping with classroom interventions.
In the Response to Intervention (RtI) program, we problem-solve any struggles that a student may be having. Teachers are able to ask for additional resources and ideas when a student is in need. Through this process, we work to close the gaps for students with academic, behavioral, or social-emotional struggles. These students are able to have their individual needs met by a team of people working together to create an individualized plan that is in the best interest of the student.
The Gifted and Talented (GT) program helps challenge those students who are performing well above the expectations of their grade level. The process to identify students can be long and each student must be tracked well. Once identified, students are given opportunities for additional classes, hands-on experiences, individualized goals, and monthly meetings as a group to challenge the student to continue growing academically.
Another important role that the Dean of Students has is to further the positive climate and culture of Holyoke Schools. In order to do this, we have also pulled together a group of students to meet monthly called the Youth Connections Team. These students work with me to find ways to make our school even more successful and welcoming. Some initiatives that they have worked on include adding more transition days for the 6th graders going to 7th grade and connecting the elementary LEARNERS expectations to the high school graduate profile. This year, students will conduct empathy interviews to find the thoughts and feelings of staff and students around them. This helps the students find areas of improvement that we can build upon.
Each of these groups of students that I am blessed to work with at Holyoke Elementary School is incredible. They are well-spoken, hard-working, considerate, and wonderful examples to those around them. The fact that we are able to meet the needs of each individual student is a true gift.
I work with students weekly for math and reading classroom interventions, as well as, after the school programs: Brain Bowl and Battle of the Books. Both of these opportunities have been a joy as they give students a wonderful chance to compete against other schools in a different arena than they are used to. I look forward to finding other opportunities for our elementary students to explore their strengths and continue to grow.
In addition to these duties, the Dean of Students' role also acts as an instructional coach. This too is a vital addition to the district. When new staff members come into the district, whether they are new to the teaching profession or simply just new to the district, there can be many questions and unexpected challenges. In this role, I am able to serve as a resource as I help them navigate those challenges.
As this role evolves over time, I am constantly grateful for the opportunities that it has created for me to see the growth among both students and staff on a daily basis. This is a role that can and will continue to adjust each year according to the needs of the school. In a one-line description of the position: The Dean of Students at Holyoke Elementary is meant to be a resource of support for students, staff, and administration.
(Carly Daniel has been employed by the Holyoke School District for 12 years. She taught first grade for five years and third grade for five years. She earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011 and her Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. She is in her second year as the elementary school’s Dean of Students.)