Culture and Climate

What does Culture & Climate mean? School culture is "how we behave" as a school community. School climate is "how we feel" when we're at school. Thus, school culture & climate refers to the quality and character of daily school experiences that strongly influence students’ ability and motivation to attend, engage, and learn, and therefore improve academic achievement. 

The SCUSD approach to culture and climate is through an Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist/Trauma-Informed lens to create a positive, safe, and culturally inclusive environment where our students - especially those in marginalized groups,  feel valued, loved, and engaged. 

What does it do for our students: 

A strong culture enhances collaboration and trust, while a healthy climate fosters well-being and effective learning. When these elements thrive, students are more likely to succeed academically and socially, and teachers benefit from a more supportive and productive workplace. 

Trauma-informed and culturally responsive schools and classrooms are spaces that promote: 

• Predictability  
• Fostering healthy relationships 
• Validate and affirm student voice
• Emotional and physical safety
• Community circles to build connection 

C&C Framework is grounded in:

• Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist/Trauma-Informed lens
• Trauma-Informed Principles and Practices
• Social Justice Standards
• Transformative SEL