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Me Too

11/24/2019

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Written By: Hans Appel

A couple weeks ago, I shared a powerful spoken word rap created, written, and performed by an award winning culture student named
Taya titled: We Weren’t Made For This.”  It was extraordinarily powerful, moving, and raw.  It’s exactly the type of authentic, vulnerable student created content I believe makes the world a better place.
​
Her powerful voice demonstrates a resilience that’s inspiring!  Many viewers have been particularly influenced by her poetic vulnerable language used to describe bravely surviving sexual trauma.

​Indeed, in my opinion, sexual abuse is the most horrifyingly and violating act that can happen to a human being.  As a counselor of 20 years, I’ve lost track of how many stories of abuse I’ve been weighted with. And believe me, experience does NOT make this part of the job--any easier.  I’ve heard personal accounts of sex traficing, parents who prostitued their own child, and tales of gang rap. I’ve had students who violated other students and an unending supply of famila perpetrators.  I’ve dealt with adults who fail to believe their own child’s terrifying narrative and testified about circumstances that would make even the most seasoned therapist lose faith in humanity. Still, one story has impacted me more than any other.  It happened during my 2nd year on the job and has changed the way I view education and life…

​Let’s call her Tiffany.  Tiffany came in periodically to visit and say hi.  She was a small 6th grade girl filled with two parts anxiety and 1 part people pleaser.  Although she spoke with a quiet soft voice, when she talked she usually had strong thoughts behind her verbiage.  Tiffany was a bright student, who’s introverted personality assisted her transition into middle school as she dove head first into earning straight A’s. 

For a couple weeks, Tiffany had been complaining about her upcoming summer break. As was explained to me, her family would be heading back east to spend time with extended family for a couple weeks.  Additionally, Tiffany would be staying on, an extra week to spend time with her grandparents alone, as Tiffany’s mom and dad flew back to Washington.  While she was frustrated at having to give up nearly 3 weeks of her summer away from home, she was particularly focused on the week that she would be on her own with her grandparents.
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​After some time, one morning Tiffany finally revealed to me that she had been sexually abused by her grandfather on a previous family vacation and that she couldn’t bare the thought of spending an entire week, without mom/dad with her grandfather.  Tiffany was a mix of shame, fear, guilt, depression, rage, and anxiety. And her nightmares and self hatred had reached a level that she finally had to speak up. Her bravery to share her painful truth led to a normal series of outreach: police, child protective services, sexual assault response center, and parents were all contacted to play their role in supporting this broken soul. ​

​While we waited for detectives to arrive at school, I sat with Tiffany, her mom, and dad.  They hugged their daughter as she shared a few minor details. Dad was awesome.  He said everything you’d want to hear if you’d just revealed your most intimate life’s shame ridden secret.  Mom was quiet but her love for her daughter shown through as she squeezed her daughter tight and repeatedly told her: I love you...I’m so sorry…

​As our wait for first responders drug on, and Tiffany’s words continued to fill the air, the mood began to change rather dramatically.  Her mom began to cry gently at first and then her tears began to pick up stem toward an impactful sob. As a young counselor, her tears didn’t register to me and seemed on par with any other heartbroken parent, who's suddenly found themselves learning that her own father had been hurting her baby girl.  But Tiffany’s dad picked up on the energy change quickly and focused all of his attention on his wife telling her it was going to be ok, Tiffany would be safe, etc.
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​His words and attempt to console his wife didn’t work and she seemed more and more distraught as she wept.  At this point, both Tiffany and dad stared directly at mom trying to comfort her. As you can imagine, the scene of this young child victim now consoling mom was a bit unusual.  A piece of me wondered how her mom’s meltdown was impacting Tiffany. After several attempts by both Tiffany and her father to soothe mom’s outburst, mom slowly looked up across the room at me and began with two words:

​“Me Too………………...He...did...the same thing………to me, when I was her age.”
​

​Typing that last sentence, gives me chills and emotionally puts me smack dab in the middle of one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned about vulnerability.  Long before Brene Brown turned vulnerability into society’s newest leadership buzzword, I was given an up close look at bravery: first daughter then mother.

​Tiffany’s mom, who was in her mid 30’s had literally never told a single person about her own painful years of sexual abuse from her own father.  In a mix of denial and blame for herself, she had unintentionally put dangerous blinders on to subjecting her own daughter to the same monster that she experienced as a child.  Working with the family over the next few months and learning more about the intersecting circles of abuse, experienced trauma experts won’t be surprised to learn that mom and Tiffany were NOT grandpa’s only family victims.  They were just the ones who were brave enough to speak first.

​[Tiffany and her family have since gone on to become successful community leaders that make the world a more positive place]

​I think about how long that abuse would have gone on if Tiffany wouldn’t have come forward?  How many other lives would have been ruined? If someone would have shared the horror happening in that home, would Tiffany never have been in harm's way?  Tiffany and mom's vulnerability that day began the healing process and ultimately prevented future pain for others.  

​Whether we’re a parent, a teacher, or leader of some other sort...

​*Vulnerability is strength.  

*Vulnerability connects us to others.  

*Vulnerability inspires others to be brave.  

*Vulnerability encourages resilience.

**Vulnerability empowers us to put people first.

​Award Winning Cultures create conditions that encourage vulnerable leadership

​At a recent educational conference I was blown away by the number of educators willing to demonstrate vulnerability.  [Here’s a recap of my #TeachBetter reflections.]

​How can WE ALL lead with vulnerability?  Being vulnerable isn’t just about sharing personal stories of disclosure.  Sometimes educators model vulnerability in other ways.

Following the recent Teach Better Conference, I’m currently reading 2 books at the same time.  One of which was written by the conference creators [Chad Ostrowski, Tiffany Ott, Rae Hughart, and Jeff Gargas] simply called: “Teach Better” published by Dave Burgess Consulting.  I’m loving the Teach Better Team’s book and highly recommend it to anyone with a growth mindset who’s interested in getting better at whatever educational path you're particularly passionate about.  It’s a perfect blend of practical educational strategies that are rooted in heartfelt vulnerable stories. Here's a passage that’s stuck with me:

​“There is an important truth in education that is often overlooked: We do not teach content.  We do not teach history of the American Revolution or the mechanics of bone and muscle. We do not teach grammar or how to add fractions.  WE TEACH KIDS”

​While there are dozens of poignant quotes and powerful takeaways from the book, this quote stuck with me this week as I reflected upon the need to show bravery through vulnerability while putting kids first--NOT CONTENT.

With all the district, state, and political pressure to focus on content exclusively, educators sometimes lose their way in focusing on what’s most important: The Whole Child.  And thinking about all the brave young leaders (I.E Taya, Tiffany etc.) and educational risk takers like the Teach Better family that overcome difficult circumstances to find joy realigns me to examine how educators can model vulnerability while pushing back on educational norms.  

​Maybe being vulnerable means…

**Choosing MASTERY over quantity of content covered

**Building in time for peer to peer CONNECTIONS

**Valuing RELATIONSHIPS rather than performance

**Sacrificing systems in favor of STUDENTS

**Celebrating KINDNESS instead of achievement

**SUPPORTING rather than criticizing educational risk taking

**Opting for SELF CARE over stakeholders

**Measuring JOY through passion projects

**Amplifying STUDENT VOICE as a means to TEACHBETTER

​This week, I’m inspired by students like Tiffany, Taya, and countless others to challenge myself to push against the status quo, safety and comfort of simply doing...my...job--to become more present, authentic, and real.  

​How might modeling vulnerable leadership empower our students to become their most authentic self while pursuing their life’s WHY?

​Do YOU  ever wonder what the world might look like, if educators followed the brave vulnerable leadership of some of our most resilient students: ME TOO!
​

About the Author

Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, the were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.   

In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.   

Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, and PBIS Rewards.  He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong.  Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.   

He’s been a contributing writer on three upcoming educational books: “ Define Your WHY” “Reflective Impact Journal” and “ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.”  Currently, he’s working on his own book about school culture.  

Hans is a part of the coveted Teach Better Speakers Network and presents at conferences, schools, and districts all over the country.  Topics include: Creating an Award Winning Culture, Amplifying Student Voice, Student-Led Podcasting, and Infusing Servant Leadership through PBIS. 

He can be contacted at hansappel094@gmail.com.  Follow Hans on twitter @HansNAppel. Follow AWC on twitter at @awculture @awcpodcasting or Instagram @awardwinningculture.Wildcat Nation on Instagram @emscounseling #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture

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#TeachBetter19

11/11/2019

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Written By: Hans Appel

Where are you guys from?

Eastern Washington, about 3 hours from Seattle.

Oh, wow, welcome to Ohio...what brings you to Columbus?

We’re actually on our way to Akron.

Akron? What’s going on in Akron? Do you have family there? 

Well...yeah...sorta.  We’re going to an educator conference.  

It must be a pretty special conference to travel that far.

Yep, we’re going to meet some cool people.

Awesome Mr. Appel, here are your keys, your all set to go.  Your car’s on G-16. Have a great conference!


​
Over the next 48 hour whirlwind, I immersed myself in the quest to get better.  The inaugural Teach Better Conference, offered networking, breakouts, keynotes, and the usual educational opportunities.  But from the start, this conference had a different vibe, energy, and electricity than others I’d attended.  There was a fun, friendly, fast-paced excitement upon registration that left me eager to get this party started.  But Tiffany Ott, Chad Ostrowski, Rae Hughart, and Jeff Gargas exceeded all my expectations...
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Rae and Jeff slaying the crowd with whitty banter and authenticity. Great START!!

​While going through amazing events, moments, or opportunities I frequently search for a common thread to explain or make sense of my experience.  A word, phrase, or hashtag can help me cement AWESOMENESS to my soul. Additionally, I have a deep passion for understanding successful people. And I was surrounded by countless edu-stars who are walking the walk everyday.  After attending nearly 15 presentation sessions (Breakouts + Keynotes) and still being SHOCKED we were chosen to present alongside so many outstanding people who I admire and look up to in our profession, I needed a word to capture my #TeachBetter19 weekend. ​
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Chad showing us the biggest secret of all to the GRID Method: Growth Mindset.

​Some people I spoke to highlighted words like connection, PLN, passion, etc...but none of them did justice to what I was seeing and feeling.  Near the end of the weekend, a brief conversation with Josh Stamper [Be sure and check out his Aspire Leadership Development Podcast] helped me clarify a word that was present from the start of this EPIC conference and all the way through, to the very end: Vulnerability.
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Dave sets the house on FIRE by helping us bring our strengths and passions to our work.

​It was as if Brene Brown herself was perhaps consulting on the vision for the weekend.  I heard inspiring emotionally charged stories fueled with vulnerability. People shared raw stories of burnout, childhood trauma, failure, and mental health challenges.  Every single presenter I watched--brought it 1000%
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Kristen's presentation was an absolute standout!

​From Brad Hubbard’s #MakeItMatter to Kristen Nan’s “The Elephant in the Room” each speaker moved me to DO BETTER and BE BETTER for our students.  Even people whose incredible sessions I didn’t make it to were clearly pushing the envelopes of risk taking in such inspiringly highwire without a net type of ways...

​As an aspiring inspirer, I found myself pondering several questions:

​**Is everyone at their school as vulnerable and brave as they are?


**Why aren’t people at home leading with this type of vulnerability?
**How might I influence my students and staff to take more risks?

**What gives these edu-stars the freedom of mind to bare their HEARTS?


​
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Kubiak teaching us how to bring mindfulness and regulation stations into our daily work. He and Janelle knocked it out of the park!
If I’m being real, I found myself wishing I worked with these types of people everyday.  Leaders like Jeff Kubiak [One Drop of Kindness] and Michael Earnshaw [Punk Rock Classrooms] make it easy to Teach Like a Pirate [Did anyone else think Dave Burgess was taller than they expected?].  Authors like Dan Tricarico and Adam Welcome encourage me to #RUNLAP toward Self-Care, so I can bring the fire!  Parents like Janelle McLaughlin, who have the skills, language, and talent to partner with educational leaders in innovative ways entice me to fight harder for EVERY KID!  ​
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Michael showing us how to make it happen for kids by getting out of our space and connecting with others.

​In the end, I don’t control my students, co-workers, parents or ANYONE ELSE.  I can however, model an award winning culture that’s rich with daring leadership.  I think
Tara Martin had it all right when she encouraged us to Cannonball In --to the deep end of the pool.
​
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A read aloud by Tara infused with life changing metaphors was beyond SPECTACULAR!

​Award Winning Culture inspires and empowers students and staff to take educational risks layered in VULNERABILITY by being willing to step first.

​As I returned the keys, early Sunday morning, to the gentleman at Hertz, I realized I now had the KEYS to something extraordinary…

​Time to go #TeachBetter!


​Thank-you to all my old and new friends and family who made me better this weekend!  Let’s DO THIS!!
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About the Author

Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, the were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.  

In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.  

Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, and PBIS Rewards.  He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong.  Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.  

He’s been a contributing writer on three upcoming educational books: “ Define Your WHY”,  “Reflective Impact Journal” and “ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.”  Currently, he’s working on his own book about school culture. 
​
He can be contacted at hansappel094@gmail.com.  Follow Hans on twitter @HansNAppel. Follow AWC on twitter at @awculture @awcpodcasting or Instagram @awardwinningculture.Wildcat Nation on Instagram @emscounseling #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture

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Connection

10/26/2019

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Written By: Hans Appel

​Last week, in our school’s staff meeting, someone was brave enough to share that some teachers are afraid of saying the wrong thing, when met with a student who’s struggling.  I think many teachers feel this way…
​
Which got me thinking about some recent conversations I’ve had with educators who are afraid to be innovative in their classrooms, afraid to contact parents, afraid to be vulnerable with students, or even afraid to challenge colleagues.  I think FEAR really permeates our profession.
​
But having spent most of my career talking with people who are struggling, I want you all to know, most people aren’t actually looking for others to solve their problems, give them inspiring advice or put together the most eloquent words.  Most people who are struggling are  looking for authentic CONNECTION. Students want us to demonstrate:
​

​I SEE YOU.

I HEAR YOU.

​I LOVE YOU.



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In the past couple weeks, I’ve witnessed educators at Wildcat Nation having meaningful connection through their words and actions all over the school:​

*One person took all the sting out of a difficult conversation with a simple heartfelt apology.

*One person connected online through a temperature check to get a student help.

*One person moved mountains to ensure a student’s home life was safe.

*One person is reimagining their workspace to create a safe landing place for struggling kids.

*One person gave up their prep period to check in on a student they DON’T EVEN HAVE IN CLASS.

*One person removed their own ego to ensure a student’s needs were being met.
​

*One person demonstrated empathy for a family by helping them access a district program by eliminating systemic barriers. 
​
Believe me people notice.  RELATIONSHIPS MATTER!!​

I even had a colleague reach out to me and express concern that I wasn’t acting like myself.  The truth is, that person didn’t have all the perfect words and in the right order but their effort and love meant the world to me.  And, in the end, they were able to help me see something I wasn’t ready or able to see. Our connection is now stronger than ever!
​
It really comes down to getting out of our own heads and leading with the HEART.  I encourage you to side-step fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and just go all in on HUMAN CONNECTION…
​
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Brene Brown says it best:
​

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
​

For more information check out this 3 minute video from Brene Brown on Empathy:
Also, check out Brene’s #DaringClassrooms web page for additional videos, posters, ideas, and inspiration on bringing vulnerable leadership and human connection to our schools.

About the Author

Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, the were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.  

In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.  

Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, and PBIS Rewards.  He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong.  Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.  

He’s been a contributing writer on three upcoming educational books: “ Define Your WHY”,  “Reflective Impact Journal” and “ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.”  Currently, he’s working on his own book about school culture. 
​
He can be contacted at hansappel094@gmail.com.  Follow Hans on twitter @HansNAppel. Follow AWC on twitter at @awculture @awcpodcasting or Instagram @awardwinningculture.Wildcat Nation on Instagram @emscounseling #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture

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The New Core

10/20/2019

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Written By: Hans Appel

​“Strong Back. 

Soft Front.

​Wild Heart.”

​-Brene Brown
Braving the Wilderness
​
So, I recently threw out my back…
​

For those that know me well, they know this isn’t an uncommon occurrence.  Being 6 foot 4, with a history old basketball injuries, I’m frequently susceptible to herniating a disk in my lower lumbar region.  In the past 12 years, it’s probably happened to me half a dozen times. When I talk about pain, I’m not talking muscle soreness. Typically, when I injure my back, my spine becomes misaligned and rests on the sciatic nerve that runs all the way down my right leg.  Nerve pain is unlike anything else out there. It’s excruciating!
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A couple weeks ago, I found myself face down on the floor, in this uncomfortable mix of pain, frustration, and anger.  Experience has taught me that this ‘back tweak’ will take weeks to recover from through a mix of massage, chiropractor, and physical therapy exercises.  My entire world is immediately turned upside down as I no longer function in the way I’m accustomed to. There will be missed days at work, different sleeping arrangements, and less time for the activities that light me up.  Indeed, my beautiful dog, Maya, will stare longingly at me from the corner of the room wondering why I refuse to participate on our daily walks or fail to reach over to pet her soft black fur.
​

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After hours of ice, heat, and therapy, my back is slowly making progress; but not without a host of new aches and pains.  For anyone that’s severely injured their back, you know that the back impacts all areas of the body. Soon, my hip, legs, shoulder, and neck all seem to be impacted on various levels from the overcompensation that naturally happens when we’re rehabbing an injury.  Friends and family pepper me with variations of, “what did the doctor say to prevent this?”  My typical response:
​

“they all say, I need to work on my core.”
​
In essence, your core is your midsection that includes all your muscles in that area of the front, back and sides.  It includes the traverse abdominis, erector spinae, obliques, and lower lats. Our core muscles help us perform a wide range of daily activities and help prevent other injuries throughout the body.  Basically, your core facilitates the functioning of your entire body.
​

As I’m slowing making my way out of this sciatica fog, and am finally able to sit up comfortably and begin writing again, this idea of working on the core got me thinking about our work in education..
​

What is our CORE in education?  When I grew up, and even most of my educational career, the core content has included: Science, Math, ELA, and History.  Educators, policymakers, and thought leaders have traditionally viewed these as the most important elements of a quality education.  As a counselor over the last 19 years in education, we’ve moved mountains to ensure students core instruction was strong. This meant doubling up math classes or increasing reading interventions to the detriment of other learning opportunities.  We knew that math, reading, and writing were crucial to learning. I have no doubt that these original 4 core subject areas are important, valuable, and essential to a student’s success in education.  
​

What if the core educational muscles that MOST impacted a student’s LIFE SUCCESS weren’t even the areas, many schools were actually working on?
​
Many colleges, businesses, and educational researchers have started to shift towards an emphasis on a variety of new soft skills.  They’ve identified the need for students to regulate emotion, work with others, and be flexible problem finders and solvers who are capable of applying their knowledge to an ever changing world. ​
​

Perhaps, education’s new core is: CHARACTER.
​
**Character reminds us to be KIND and EMPATHIC in all relationships.  

**Character allows us to stay COMMITTED learning challenging new material.

**Character provides us with GRIT and PERSEVERANCE when facing life’s obstacles.  

**Character keeps us grounded to ideals like HARD WORK, RESPECT, and PATIENCE while solving complex problems.

**Character ensures we remain HUMBLE and SELFLESS in team activities.

**Character whispers to us to be HONEST, even when nobody’s watching.
​
Award Winning Culture emphasizes CHARACTER as the student body’s new core.
​
How are YOU teaching your students the new Core this year?  At Wildcat Nation, we work on the Core every week using the CharacterStrong program.  Students time in the Character gym shows up in athletics, academics, and...well...LIFE. ​
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And thanks to the gift of a recent back injury, I’ve been strengthening, stretching, and rehabbing my own Character.  As I pivot toward an emphasis on my core, will you join me? Afterall, a focus on character prepares students for all that life offers.
​
“Our job as teachers is not to prepare kids for something; our job is to help kids learn to prepare themselves for anything.”
-A.J Juliani ​

About the Author

Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened.  He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness.  In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy.  Additionally, the were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.  

In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.  

Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, and PBIS Rewards.  He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong.  Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.  

He’s been a contributing writer on three upcoming educational books: “ Define Your WHY” “Reflective Impact Journal” and “ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.”  Currently, he’s working on his own book about school culture. 
​
He can be contacted at hansappel094@gmail.com.  Follow Hans on twitter @hansappel094. Follow AWC on twitter at @awculture @awcpodcasting or Instagram @awardwinningculture.Wildcat Nation on Instagram @emscounseling #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture

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Developing a Voice

10/13/2019

1 Comment

 
Guest Blog Post Written By: Taya 


​Welcome!

Hi ya’ll! My name is Taya and I am a reoccuring voice on the Award Winning Culture Podcast by Wildcat Nation. I’m so glad to finally be writing a blog about my experiences as a podcaster and as a student leader. I was so scared to host the very first podcast in August of 2018 but eventually those nerves wore off and I was just so excited for the entire experience.
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My first ever podcast interview with VP & CMO of Motivating Systems: Andrew Epperson. We loved talking to him about PBIS Rewards!

The real question

It's not very surprising that hosting a podcast would be scary and nerve racking the first time. The question I had to ask myself was: will people actually judge me for my mistakes here? The answer was NO!  People aren’t going to hear me stutter and think “what a loser,” they just won’t. Because it takes guts to interview someone in a higher power or status. If they don't realize that, they have no right to judge!

The thing about voice

A voice is defined as expressing an opinion or attitude in words. Having a voice is one of the most amazing and wonderful things. Because of my understanding that I was being brave to use my voice, thinking of others judging me just didn't mean as much. I’m so fortunate to have my voice heard through the podcasts and this blog. Personally I have always wanted to share knowledge, ideas, and advice with anyone I could reach. And now I have a platform. I know that not everyone has the same chances as I do, but I encourage you to find your voice and spread your personal message with the world. You can do this through blogs, podcasts, online videos, stories, quotations, and so much more.
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My friend Macey and I got to join Barbara Gruener on her podcast Character Speaks last year.

What it's Like

Yes, it can still be frightening to Take the L.E.A.P into podcasting.  It’s a risk for sure! But the idea of helping to share the ideas of these extraordinary and inspiring people, makes all the worries worth it. As someone who loves public speaking, finding a voice isn’t as hard as it is for some people. But no matter if you love public speaking or are a quieter person, finding your voice and sharing your words can affect others in such remarkably positive ways.  

Our society needs your uniqueness...will you join me, to share your thoughts and ideas with the world?
​

​I ENCOURAGE educators, parents, and leaders alike to help students (LIKE ME) discover the JOY of feeling heard.

Here’s a few of my favorite podcasts I’ve recorded:


About the Author

Taya has a strong history of student leadership at Enterprise Middle School.  Last year, she was the ASB Activities Coordinator and this year has stepped into her current role of President.  She balances exceptional classroom performance with sports and theater. Taya is at the heartbeat of Wildcat Nation!  Taya is trying to build influence in her community and share her ideals and advice with as many as she can.

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LEsson #8:  The wet shoe

8/11/2019

0 Comments

 
Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy
I am sad to say that this is the last story of the summer.  I have loved telling my father’s stories and learning from them again.  I am excited to start a new school year with this renewed energy that these stories have brought back into my life.  I hope that you have learned as much as I have and take some of these ideas with you as you enter a bright new school year!
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“Without patience, we will learn less in life.  We will see less. We will feel less. We will hear less.  Ironically, rush and more usually mean less.”
​Mother Teresa


​My dad was one of the only men in his school so he was frequently called upon often to check on the boys restroom.    On one occasion, he received a call from a teacher who was concerned about a student who had gone to the bathroom and had not returned.  He had been gone for about 20 minutes and they were concerned that he was causing mischief in the bathroom or was really sick.  So my dad headed to the classroom and told the teacher he would go to the bathroom and see if he was okay.


As he entered the bathroom he noticed the student was standing at the urinal and was singing as he relieved himself.  You could tell he was taking his time and enjoying his time in the bathroom. The young boy obviously didn’t hear my dad enter the bathroom, so he wanted to make sure that he knew he was behind him.  He walked closer to the student and called him by his name. As I said, the student had no idea my dad was there, he was having too much fun singing. He was so startled when my dad said his name that he suddenly spun around to look at my dad but unfortunately was not finished with his “business”.  So when he turned, he didn’t stop peeing and it landed all over my dad’s shoes. 
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This is a situation that my dad learned a valuable lesson from, it is best to show PATIENCE when confronting a student.   If you don’t show PATIENCE you may have wet shoes and a lot of clean-up!

Do you REACT to a situation instead of showing PATIENCE?

How can we show PATIENCE for students who demonstrate avoidance or insubordination?

What have you learned from an Award Winning Principal that you can apply to your school this year?

About the Author

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
​

Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing
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Lesson #7:  Scattered sagebrush

8/5/2019

1 Comment

 
Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy

“The time is ALWAYS right to do what is right.”
​ Martin Luther King Jr.

Some days being the head principal is difficult you have to make decisions that affect a lot of people’s lives.  You have to support students, parents, and the community. You have a challenging job and have to deal with a few things you are not expecting!  This was one of those situations that I am talking about, my dad was very surprised to deal with this one.
​

One day as my dad sat in his office he had a patron that lived across the street from the school come in to visit.  He could tell that she was really distressed and needed to talk to him immediately. On this particular day the wind was blowing very hard (we should probably be called the “little windy city”)  We also live in a dessert, so there are leaves and sagebrush that blow all over the playground and into the neighborhood.
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So the woman began to yell and vent that sagebrush was gathering in her front entry by her doorway and that it was all his fault and coming from his school.  My dad kindly showed her RESPECT, by letting her explain why all of this was the schools fault and he was to blame.

She continued to explain her reason for believing it was the liability of the school.  She stated that they had open fields of sagebrush just beyond the fence line on the back side of the playground.  The sagebrush was being blown over the fence, which was only 4 feet high. It was then blowing through the playground area onto the street and then into her yard.  So, with her logic on the sequence of events, it was the school that was responsible for her front door being blocked by sagebrush. 

“WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT, she barked?”
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My dad showed the woman respect by discussing the problem and trying to come up with a solution.  This was a delicate problem, because sagebrush was very common in the area and was everywhere. My dad thought to himself, maybe he could build a huge netted area that would catch the sagebrush or try to redirect the wind to blow away from her house; but, he ultimately knew none of those ideas would work.  He was very nice and told her thank you for stopping by and bringing this to his attention.

So what now…
​

Now some leaders mights just forget about this and chalk it up to a crazy person that just wanted someone to clean up her yard.  But an award winning principal takes the time to really care about his community as he/she demonstrates respect and validation to their concerns.  And if at all possible...correct them.  My dad contacted the grounds crew and gave them the concern, they laughed a little at this idea, but respected my father enough to take it seriously.  Eventually, they contacted the woman that lived across the street, cleaned up the area (including her yard), while implementing a solution that made everyone happy. 
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Award Winning Culture listens to everyone and gives them the RESPECT that they deserve. 

After all, What might not be a concern for you, could be something very important to them... 

Do you always respect concerns from your community?

How does your influence with district personnel allow you to truly support and serve your community?

How are you creating a safe environment where all are welcome to come in and see you?


About the Authors

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
​

Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing
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Lesson #6:  God is Speaking

7/28/2019

1 Comment

 
Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy

One day, my dad came home and said one of his kindergarten teachers came into his office and said she wanted to share a story with him that occurred that morning in her classroom.  It was the beginning of the year and Kindergarteners are in a formal school setting for the first time. I love seeing Kinders because everything is new and wonderful! So there are always great stories from Kindergarten teachers, as the kids are so honest and real!  

On the first day of school, my dad always went on the intercom and welcomed all of the students to school and made sure they knew who he was and he cared how much he about them.  It was a small way to wanted to jumpstart a great year.  A lot of principals do announcements, but an Award Winning Principal must still demonstrate HUMILITY, even when they're center stage!  
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So he got on the intercom right after school started.  The kindergarten teacher said that her children listened very intently with great interest and wonderment.  Like I said earlier...everything is so fascinating to them!  The teacher explained that one of the kiddos had wide eyes looking at around obviously listening intently to my dad’s voice.  He then yelled out to the class: 
​

“It's God...speaking out of the wall!"

​The kindergarten teacher said that she was about to start laughing but was able to compose herself.  She then explained that it was the principal making an announcement and that it was called an intercom system.
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In an Award Winning Culture you have a lot of influence in your space but need to show Humility even when you are thought of as a "God-like".

What are your first day of school routines?

How might you stayed grounded when unexpected praise or attention comes your way?

Are you able to laugh at yourself and show HUMILITY in situations?

About the Authors

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
​

Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing
1 Comment

Lesson #5:  Bathroom Scream

7/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy
“No act of KINDNESS...no matter how small is
​ever wasted.” 

​-Aesop


One day my dad was sitting in his office at his desk and he heard a blood curdling scream coming from the lounge area down the hall.  He immediately dashed from his office and ran down the hallway to the lounge. It sounded like someone was being attacked or something terrifying was happening in his school.  He was worried about his staff members as this was an area that only staff was allowed. As he reached the area, [which was only a few large steps away, but felt like a mile] he discovered a young student, with a garbage can in his hand walking into the hallway to empty it into a larger garbage cart.  He could hear a woman sobbing behind the door that the young man had just exited.  

He quickly realized it was a teacher and she was yelling, “he did this”.  He couldn’t figure out what the teacher was saying, but was very concerned with what must have happened.  As he stood there for a few seconds trying to figure out what was going on, the young man came back with the empty garbage can and tried to enter the bathroom again, but discovered it was locked.  My dad started to put the pieces together and understand what must have happened.
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After the teacher was able to compose herself and come out of the bathroom, my dad was very patient and showed KINDNESS toward the teacher and tried to help calm her down and hear her story of what occurred.  Only after listening with empathy, did he begin to share with her the student's motivation on entering the bathroom...

The young man was a student in the district who was in our self-contained special education program.  The special education director and my father had set up a program for this young man to help give him some life skills.  My father was  a principal who loved to have all students in his building. He enjoyed having the district life skills program and hi-cap in his building.  He believed in showing KINDNESS to ALL students and meeting all of their needs. This student came over to my dad’s elementary school every day and was expected to empty all of the trash cans in the building.  He was instructed to empty all of the cans in a specific order and be very quiet and polite as to not interrupt any of the classrooms or any areas in the building where teachers would be working, etc.
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On this particular day, he was working his way around the school emptying the garbage in rooms until he arrived at the teacher lounge bathrooms.  He had already emptied the garbage in the men’s room and then he moved his attention to the women’s restroom. Unfortunately, a female teacher had entered the bathroom a few minutes before he arrived and had neglected to lock the door.  The young man, like he did every day, opened the door grabbed the garbage can and walked out to empty it into the large garbage cart in the main hallway. 

The poor teacher had no idea what was happening and began to scream as though her life was in danger.  The young man was totally oblivious to the teacher screaming and was just doing what he had been taught to do for that day.  He was not being disrespectful to the teacher or probably even registered the fact that he had just seen someone in the restroom, he was just focused on looking at the trash and emptying it.  

The teacher was very upset and of course was reacting on emotion like anyone would in that situation.  She wanted this young man banned from my dad’s school. My dad was able to show KINDNESS to the teacher just as he had the student and talk to her and help her understand what happened.  He explained that the student was just doing as he was told, and had no idea what he had done. He suggested that she make sure and lock the door and that maybe they could keep this wonderful program going.  After some time and prospective, she was able to see the incident from the student's perspective and was also able to show KINDNESS toward him and support the student's continued work at the school.
Award Winning Cultures set up an environment where EVERYONE can show KINDNESS even in a stressful situation.

How have you seen KINDNESS change others perspective on overcoming adversity?
​
How might you stay focused on KINDNESS, during challenging moments?

How does your culture support diverse students, programs, and activities?

About the Authors

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
​

Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing
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Lesson #4:  The Leaf Pile

7/14/2019

0 Comments

 
Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy

During the winter we'd occasionally have extreme cold and snowy mornings.  On one icy morning, the wind chill temperature was 20 below freezing and thus the school district decided to cancel school.
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As the principal, my dad always made a COMMITMENT to be at school even if the schools were closed.  On this particular day he arrived at about 6:30am to make sure everything was ok with the school and so he could greet any school employees or parents in case they had missed the announcement [this was long before the internet...when you had to listen to the radio to hear about delays and closures].  In an Award Winning Culture you you make a COMMITMENT to serve your school community even when the school day has been cancelled.  This form of altruism can help provide an igloo of safety in the harsh reality of a frozen campus.    

Whenever school was cancelled, he would go outside prior to the bell ringing for school to begin and walk the outside perimeter of the school to check and see if any students were arriving who may have missed the announcement about school being cancelled.  On this particular morning it was so cold that he had several layers of clothes, a hat, gloves and warm boots.
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He always started at the front door to check if parents were dropping their kids off and then moved to the side of the building where the older students would be gathering.  He then moved to the side of the building where the lower grades would be waiting for their door to open.
As he came around the corner by the 2nd grade doors he noticed a large pile of leaves up against one of the 2nd grade teacher’s door.  It seemed rather unusual because there was no wind to blow them against the door and it was the only area that had leaves.
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He decided he should probably check it out just in case. As he approached the pile of leaves he could see a small pant leg sticking out of the leaves.  He quickly approached the leaves, brushed them away and discovered a small second grade boy who had covered himself with leaves to keep warm. Due to the below zero wind chill that day, the tiny frail boy would have been in serious danger had my dad not discovered him.  He quickly grabbed the little boy and hurried to find the closest door to get him inside. He was lucky that the little boy wasn’t outside very long, but he was still cold to the bones. My father made him some hot cocoa and got him a blanket to warm up while he called his parents to come and pick him up.

How long might the boy have stayed 
clinging to warmth under the leaf pile had my dad no been committed to ensuring student safety?  
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Award Winning Cultures makes a COMMITMENT to the students, staff and community even on snow days. 

Do you always check the perimeter of your school on a snow day?

How can you make sure all of your students are safe when they are at school?

How might you demonstrate commitment to your school community...even on a day off?

About the Authors

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
​

Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing
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    About AWC

    Award Winning Culture was created by Hans and Jennifer Appel with the sole purpose of creating an educational mindset of Positive INTENTIONALITY and ACTION; with a daily mantra to make our sphere of influence stronger through Character, Excellence, and Community.  Part of AWC's mission is to highlight outstanding educators, companies, and resources that support an Award Winning Culture.  Both Jennifer and Hans work at Enterprise Middle School aka Wildcat Nation.  Wildcat Nation received the 2018 ASCD Whole Child Award in Washington, for its award winning culture and the ​2018 Global "Class Act Award" for Kindness.
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