June 28, 2016
A Unique Style & Culture Makes Learning Fun!
(Provided by CalPac, Tuesday, June 28, 2016)
What is school culture? School culture is the norms, values, and behaviors of a school. Some people call it the “climate” that shapes or defines the “personality” of a school.
A school’s culture can be positive or it can be toxic. So what is the barometer for gauging a school’s culture? Well, at a brick and mortar school, you get a first impression of a school’s culture when you walk into the office, speak with the secretary, the counselors or the principal.
When you roam the halls you very quickly pick up on whether the students feel safe and happy, if they are learning or simply loitering. If you step inside a classroom and observe a lesson, you will almost immediately sense whether the teacher and students are excited about learning; if they are respectful toward one another; if there is organization to the class and the lesson.
So, how does one gauge the school culture of CalPac, given that there is no physical edifice? This is done through telephone conversations, Homeroom orientations, live session classroom experiences and teacher contacts.
After the first phone call with a CalPac counselor, with a teacher or with the Principal, a prospective student or family will instantly sense that CalPac is a kind place, safe, with encouraging and informed leaders.
After matriculating into the school, a student will notice they are immediately contacted by their Homeroom teacher who is patient, supportive, knowledgeable and kind. 
The first time a new CalPac student attends a live session, they will find that it is a non-intimidating, dynamic classroom environment, where students are encouraged to participated and academically challenged.
I polled a few of my own students to see what their opinion of CalPac’s school culture is and here are the responses I received:
• “I feel like at first it’s hard to understand CalPac school culture but then right away you talk to your teachers and you feel like it’s a really great place.”
• “It’s so easy to contact your teachers and counselors. They always answer your call or get back to you right away.”
• “I always feel comfortable in the Live Sessions, they’re fun.”
• “I think the school culture at CalPac is non-threatening and approachable.”
When I asked students what CalPac could do to improve our school culture, the following responses were given:
• “If you could bring back the school IM (Instant Messenger) tool, that would give us more connection to each other and to the school.”
• “Having more opportunities to be together in person like at the field trips.”
• “I wish the clubs were offered more frequently.” 
Lastly, when I asked a few teachers at random about CalPac’s school culture, these are the responses received:
• “Despite not having a physical environment, our school is surprisingly familiar and easy to navigate. “
• “There are systems in place so that all students, as well as staff, know who to go to and who to contact for every kind of situation. This lends itself to a well-defined and communicative school culture.”
• “Our leadership (Principal and Administration) is very involved in all we do. They have helped to create a school culture that is safe, welcoming, informative and academically challenging.”
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Email - enroll@cal-pacs.org
