In his role as Student Life Counselor for the young men of the Tuskegee University House, Edward Cody knows about the importance of relationship building in motivating and supporting his 10th grade scholars. Transferring this work to a virtual setting is a whole new world for him and the boys, and a challenge he has readily accepted.
Typically, Mr. Cody is with his students at SEED’s dorm from 4pm – 12am overseeing Study Hall, Sparks (clubs), dinner, House meetings, and his character development course – HALLS (Habits for Achieving Life Long Success). Now that SEED’s academic AND student life program is virtual, he connects with his scholars as a group in daily House meetings, and individually in one-on-one phone calls.
“The biggest challenge is not seeing my boys every day and continuing to have the “family dynamic” of our House when we are not together. I’ve been calling my boys every day and looking for ways to have fun and remind them that I have not forgotten them and care about all of them no matter what.”
Last Thursday evening, at 7:30pm, the Tuskegee House young men each logged in to their virtual learning platform for the daily House Meeting with Mr. Cody. They were joined by other members of the SEED staff including a Mental Health Counselor, Head of School, Assistant Dean of School Culture, and Director of Student Life. One-by-one, the boys joined the hangout by video, each dressed comfortably in home attire, happy to see one another, and ready to engage in the group conversation.
It began with motivation and reminders. Mr. Cody – having reviewed the work completion log being used by all SEED Miami staff to track student progress – began with the positive. “Gentlemen, I loved seeing that a few of you who weren’t getting work done earlier in the week have picked it up.” A few individual shout outs to students followed, those students earning top praise popping collars, brushing shoulders, and proudly accepting the feedback. Others received firm, but loving, prompts. Reminders that they are capable of excellence and need to demonstrate better effort and work ethic. All of the feedback ended in support. “You all know I am here, let me know how I can help.”
After the reminders, the meeting shifted. Each young man was requested to share with the group. First, what had they learned about COVID-19 in their research, how are they (and their families) doing, and lastly, their metaphor for the upcoming POL (Presentation of Learning). Students shared what they are enjoying about virtual learning (often, completing work whenever they like) and what was challenging (also, completing work whenever they like!) Most mentioned missing friends, staff, and daily structure. Boredom and balance were also themes. As the meeting drew to a close, Mr. Cody announced his upcoming incentive initiative – students who met certain work completion benchmarks would be earning virtual game credits and/ or gift cards to mark their success. He also announced an upcoming Netflix Party, a chance for them to all log on together to watch a movie and have discussion.
Mr. Cody’s session had all of the characteristics of a hallmark SEED Miami House Meeting: high expectations, care, concern, challenges, and solutions. It exemplified the connections and care that bring together a group of 10th grade boys at a time that most high schoolers may prefer to be elsewhere.
As we work to provide our 24-hour services and model to a virtual setting at The SEED School of Miami, the meeting was a clear reminder of the importance of wraparound support and the value of SEED’s student life program and staff. No matter the platform, the relationships within our community persevere and leverage outcomes for our phenomenal students.
