The Power of Small Wins: Building Belonging One Step at a Time

I used to believe that changing a school’s culture required massive, sweeping changes.

I thought I had to overhaul systems, rewrite policies, and convince everyone overnight.

Then, one day, a student changed my perspective.

They came to me after an assembly and said, “Thank you for saying my name right. It’s the first time someone’s gotten it right all year.”

I was floored. Such a small thing—saying a name correctly—and yet it had such a profound impact on that student’s sense of belonging.

From that moment on, I started looking for the small wins. The little actions that, collectively, could create a culture of connection.

Here are two small but powerful strategies:

1. Celebrate acts of belonging: Highlight teachers or students who make others feel included. A simple acknowledgment can inspire more acts of connection.
2. Tell your school’s story: Share stories of small wins in newsletters, announcements, or meetings. Visibility amplifies impact and reinforces the culture you want to build.

The lesson? Big change is made up of small, consistent actions.

So, let me ask you: What small act of belonging can you celebrate in your school today?