Celebrating Weekly Wins!

 

I am the librarian at a 9th Grade Center. At the high school level, the library focuses on supporting teachers by: 

• collaborating to integrate library resources and educational technology  

• curating resources to support and enhance the curriculum 

• co-teaching to support the implementation of resources and technology

• provide an alternate space for lessons that would benefit by having more space than the classroom

Students who submit a Weekly Win get an email from me congratulating them on the win they shared.  I've had students celebrating anything from finding a lost jacket to their success in preparing for an audition for the Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CTPYO).

Friday is one of my favorites! Students are encouraged to share a "Weekly Win". I got this idea from Kristina Holzweiss who posts it each Friday to her Facebook group.  

Since I don't conduct weekly scheduled classes, my Library Canvas Course serves as a way to remain connected with students daily.

Each week I post the following:

• #BookTok 

• BrainTeaser 

• Did You Know..? 

• This or That 

• Weekly Win

Here are some of my email responses to students Weekly Wins:

These connections through sharing Weekly Wins go a long way in building positive relationships. I've even had teachers share their Weekly Wins! 

My "dirty secret" for crafting my Weekly Win response emails is ChatGPT. Here is the prompt I use:

Assume the role of a high school librarian. Each week students can share a Weekly Win. This is where students can share something they are proud of, that made them happy or feel successful that week. Write two brief email responses including a subject line, that would appeal to high school students, to this student about their Weekly Win: [insert Weekly Win here]. Use a tone and structure that would appeal to high school students. 

What are your go-to tips and tricks for building positive relationships with high school students?