When hard times come in life, it’s our communities and our people who hold us together.
The staff at Lincoln Elementary school is stepping up to support one another and their students this fall, as they move through the high’s and low’s of life in Waterloo, Iowa. Be it tragedy or celebration, Principal Tamera Phillips leads with heart and courageous vulnerability, encouraging her team to do the same.
Hillary Stewart, fourth grade teacher at Lincoln, says there are many students who find comfort within the walls of the school, finding friends and support throughout the building.
“Students know that the community supports them,” said Stewart. “It is important to remember that students are people too! When talking about struggles sometimes they just want someone to listen. I try to make an environment where they feel comfortable and know that they are loved.”
Fifth grader Olivia Wilson says the support from her teachers help to make school days more fun. While math may be her favorite subject, getting hugs from her teacher is what makes her feel most cared for at Lincoln Elementary.
“I feel cared about when I get a hug,” said Wilson. “When you get to know people and build a bond with someone, that bond is unbreakable. When you make that bond, then school becomes your second home.”
Phillips says there are countless staff members who go above and beyond to make Lincoln a place where people feel seen and heard exactly as they are.
“Our school counselor, Rebecca Renze,” said Phillips. “I think she does a really good job of identifying students who may need some extra support, and gives them a safe place to talk.”
Renze says that her own third grade teacher created a sense of belonging within her classroom which made herself and her classmates feel genuinely cared about. As a counselor, Renze works to showcase the same genuine care with her students, offering them space to share the depth of their feelings in a place that makes them feel encouraged and cared for.
“When kids come to Lincoln, they are coming to their second family,” said Renze. “We expect great things from them; and, yet, we also understand that life can be really hard at times. We are here for them in all seasons in life, and I believe our kids can know and sense that from us through our words and actions.”
Earlier in her career, Renze was given the advice of ‘be the container.’ She says that often people attempt to fix situations that are out of their control. Instead of approaching kids or adults with the mindset of remedying a situation, sometimes it can be more helpful to simply help the individuals hold onto their hurt for a few moments, knowing they have the support to carry it.
“I will often ask what they are doing to take care of themselves in those situations,” said Renze. “And if they don’t know, we may work on that piece together.”
“I think that when kids know that you care, they’re more apt to think about the choices that they make,” said Phillips. “We don’t know every kid’s story, and it’s not necessary that we know all the details, but sometimes just knowing that when they’re in our care, we have to do the best we can for them.”
Third grader Dorielle Tuluenga says using her classroom’s calming corner is helpful for students as they’re working through big feelings. If students find themselves further upset while in the classroom, teachers often put on calm music, encouraging them to practice self-regulation with group breathing exercises.
“I feel like I can talk to my teacher. She’s a person I can share my problems with,” said Tuluenga. “If my teacher hugs me, she calls us over to talk about it and she gives you a hug, and it makes you feel better. I like hugs!”
Phillips returned this fall for her second year as principal at Lincoln Elementary, greeting children by name, and asking kindly if they would like a hug before going on their way.
