Deficit Base Thinking VS Asset Based Thinking

Summary

In this meeting, school staff discuss the challenges of organizing a graduation ceremony due to limited funds. They initially express doubts about the feasibility of the event but eventually come together with creative solutions. Ideas include borrowing a local hall, using existing resources for decorations and costumes, and involving parents in providing refreshments. The staff’s collaborative effort and resourcefulness aim to create a memorable event for the students despite financial constraints.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The upcoming school farewell event is being discussed, with concerns about funding and resources.
• 🤔 The teachers are unsure if they can hold the event due to financial constraints and lack of support from parents.
• 💡 Suggestions are made to use the available resources, like borrowing a sound system and reusing leftover items from last year.
• 💰 There is a consideration to cancel the event if no additional funding is secured, possibly through central funding or BOS funds.
• 🏛️ The idea of holding the event at the local community hall is proposed, with the help of a parent who is on the hall’s committee.
• 🪑 Classroom furniture could be used to create a stage, reducing the need for external rentals.
• 🌸 Decorations and props might be sourced from other teachers, parents, or made by students to keep costs low.
• 👗 For costumes, the plan is to use existing uniforms, adding DIY elements like raffia or flowers.
• 🍪 Parents could contribute homemade cookies for the event, providing refreshments without extra cost.
• 😊 The overall aim is to make the event memorable for the students and their families, despite budget limitations.

Q & A

Why did the speaker invite the teachers to this meeting?

The speaker invited the teachers to discuss the upcoming school farewell event, as there are concerns about whether it can be organized given the limited resources and budget.

What is the main challenge in organizing the school farewell event?

The main challenge is the lack of funds and resources to organize the event, including the need for a sound system, stage, and decorations.

What was the response of the parents last year when asked to contribute financially?

Last year, the parents were reluctant to contribute money for the event.

What solution does one of the teachers propose for organizing the event with limited resources?

One teacher suggests holding a modest event by using available resources, such as borrowing an auditorium, using classroom tables to create a stage, and asking other teachers and parents for decorations.

How do the teachers plan to handle the decorations for the event?

The teachers plan to borrow decorations from other teachers, use leftover balloons from the previous year, and ask students to make some decorations themselves.

What creative idea is proposed for the costumes for the event?

The teachers propose using the students' existing uniforms and adding simple decorations, like raffia strings and handmade flowers, to create a festive look.

How do the teachers plan to involve the parents in the event?

The teachers plan to ask parents to contribute by donating homemade snacks to be served during the event.

What is the final decision regarding the organization of the farewell event?

The final decision is to proceed with organizing the farewell event using available resources and the collaborative efforts of teachers, students, and parents.

Why does one teacher feel hesitant about holding the event?

One teacher is concerned about the time constraints and the effort required for organizing the event, including multiple rehearsals and preparations.

What overall tone does the meeting conclude with?

The meeting concludes on a positive and determined note, with the teachers agreeing to make the best of their situation and ensure the event is memorable for the students and their parents.