The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — This year, Jeter-Watson Elementary School is continuing its commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, ensuring that every student feels welcomed, connected, and ready to learn each day.
Responsive Classroom is a research-based teaching method that emphasizes the link between academic success and social-emotional learning. It equips teachers with practical strategies to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms where students can thrive both academically and personally. At Jeter-Watson, this approach helps teachers build a school community where students feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best.
One of the most visible ways this approach comes to life is through Morning Meetings.
Each day begins with this routine immediately following announcements, giving students a positive and predictable start that fosters connection and sets the tone for learning.
During Morning Meetings, students and teachers greet one another by name, share about their lives, participate in a fun activity, and read a morning message from the teacher to focus on the day ahead. These moments not only create joy and belonging but also allow students to practice important social, emotional, and academic skills.
The same philosophy extends throughout the school with Jeter-Watson’s clear, schoolwide expectations. These guidelines provide consistency in every space—from classrooms and hallways to the playground, gym, library, and art room. Students are encouraged to respect themselves and others, respond quickly to signals, stay on task, respect space and materials, and always try their best.
By aligning expectations across the building, students know exactly what respectful, responsible, and safe behavior looks like wherever they are. This shared framework strengthens the school’s sense of community and ensures that students are ready to learn and succeed together.
“When children feel safe, respected, and connected, they’re more excited to learn,” said Principal Cynthia Morgan. “Morning Meetings and clear expectations help our students start strong each day and succeed both in and out of the classroom.”
Teachers are seeing the difference. As she wrapped up a morning meeting with her students, fourth-grade teacher Courtney Crawford said the daily routine has become a favorite part of the school day.
“Our kids really enjoy having the Morning Meeting,” Crawford said. “We have done the Morning Meetings for many years actually, but we are doing them as a whole school now. It’s always positive to make sure students are greeted every day by name and it just gets our day started and going in a positive direction. It is a really fun part of the day.”
Students notice it too. “I like morning meetings because it’s fun and I get to be nice to others and show self-respect,” said fourth grader Adalyn Gaudin, who applies what she learns throughout her day. “Respect self and others and respect space and materials wherever you go,” she added.
Responsive Classroom Morning Meetings are also being implemented at other Alleghany Highlands Public Schools elementary schools. At Callaghan Elementary School, Principal Lisa Hansford incorporates the practice into daily announcements by reading a scenario that highlights a social-emotional focus for the day.
“Every student and staff member in the building hears the focus of the day for social and emotional well-being,” said Hansford.
For example, a recent scenario featured a fictional character named Leo, who became frustrated while trying to build a block tower. During the morning announcements, students were invited to reflect on how they could understand Leo’s feelings. That same theme continued in classroom morning meetings, where teachers facilitated deeper discussions and encouraged students to share their own perspectives.
This year marks Callaghan’s first official integration of these Morning Meetings into the master schedule. While morning meetings themselves are not new, this structured approach ensures consistent time for social and emotional learning each day.
Through Morning Meetings and consistent expectations, schools across the division are fostering positive, supportive, and academically engaging environments. By promoting respect, responsibility, and social-emotional growth, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools ensures that every student has the tools and confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Jeter-Watson Elementary and Callaghan Elementary are part of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. To learn more, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us. Follow AHPS on Facebook at AHPublicSchools or Instagram at ahpublicschools for updates and news.
