When students walk into OHS, they are supported throughout the day by staff in many ways. Some of the different ways that the staff shows their support can include in the classroom, helping students before and after school or during Compass. Many inspirational and motivational words can be used or conveyed to students during extracurricular activities as well. Even just having friendly conversations during the day with teachers can boost students’ mood. The Owatonna Public Schools mission “Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day” is often used as well. While these are some of the many ways staff members can show their support, another way can include the various inspirational messages seen around OHS.
These inspirational messages are seen in all different forms like posters, signs and wall art. They can be found inside of classrooms and throughout the halls. Some of these various signs include: “Keep looking forward”, “What you do matters”, “You deserve great things”, and “Donut give up.” They are placed around the school to promote positive thinking, motivation, inspiration, encouragement and to help students know they are not alone.
Ms. Erica Wilson has many of these inspirational signs and posters within her own classroom. She hopes that these signs will inspire students to be in charge of their own path. She believes that once students focus on their own path and future, teachers can be there to support and accommodate for the things that they need to thrive. Wilson said this about having motivational signs within classrooms, “I think it impacts their overall mental wellness of their day, if they surround themselves with positive thoughts, then they’re going to have a more positive day.”
A few signs in her classroom hold the message of inspiring your dreams, being proud of who you are and remembering that life is good. Wilson also said, “I feel it provides a welcoming environment and students learn best when they feel more welcomed and are excited to learn.”
Another teacher at OHS that hopes to change the lives of students each day is Mr. Jerry Eggermont. In the weight room, there are many encouraging words on the walls that include commitment, determination, passion, attitude and much more which he has used for teachable moments. Eggermont said, “My hope is that it still continues to motivate kids and help mold kids into something bigger and better down the road.”
Eggermont mentioned that his favorite quote in the weight room is “The pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” This is something that he believes serves everyone well because you need to be willing to do the right thing at the right time, even when it is painful. He wants each student to remember that through hard work, nothing is impossible and through motivational and inspiring messages, students can thrive and succeed in things that they did not think were possible.
While some signs may be more hidden than others, they are still there for the students that need to remember the message that they hold. Take a moment to stop and look around you; there may be hidden messages that can boost your day or even your week and change your mindset.
