top of page
Writer's pictureWendy Rissmeyer

Cultivating a Langster Culture


At The Lang School, we understand that building a strong, supportive community is essential to student success—not only academically, but, socially and emotionally as well. Our goal is to create a positive school culture where everyone feels connected and valued. A large part of this comes from working closely with parents and the broader community; we know that when families, teachers, and local partners collaborate, students truly thrive.


Creating a welcoming and positive school culture goes beyond what happens in the classroom—it’s about how we engage with one another as a community. At The Lang School, we proudly identify as “Langsters,” a term that embodies our collective spirit and commitment to fostering a supportive environment. This identity unites us in our mission to nurture each student’s unique abilities while cultivating a culture of kindness, respect, and collaboration. Being a Langster means actively participating in our vibrant community, where every voice is valued, and every contribution is celebrated.


At Lang, we emphasize social-emotional learning to help students develop strong relationships, empathy, and self-awareness—these are core Langster values and help each student to feel valued and respected for who they are. We encourage our students, staff, and families to embrace this identity by engaging in meaningful interactions, building relationships, and supporting one another. Whether it’s through shared traditions, collaborative projects, or simply offering a helping hand, being a Langster signifies a dedication to creating a positive atmosphere where everyone feels connected and valued.


We come together for traditions that celebrate our shared community spirit, such as our Halloween parade, where students and staff dress up and Upper Schoolers hand out candy to younger students. Pi(e) Day on 3.14 brings students together to share delicious pies and celebrate math and science in a fun and memorable way. The annual Thanksgiving Potluck invites families to bring dishes and eat together as a community. These events make Lang a place where students, staff, and families feel connected, appreciated, and excited to participate in school life.


We believe that parents are essential partners in their child’s education. At Lang, we prioritize clear and consistent communication to keep parents informed without overwhelming them. It’s not just about academic updates—we also celebrate personal growth in social skills, creativity, and resilience. 


Family involvement at Lang is more than just communication. We actively invite parents and the community to participate in events such as Career Day, where parents, community members, and even building neighbors share their professions with students, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Events like this, we make it easy for families to stay involved in their child's education and create opportunities for the authentic learning that our students love.


Our Parents Association (PA) plays a vital role in cultivating this Langster culture and serves as a bridge between families and the school. By organizing events, volunteer opportunities, and helping with informational sessions, the PA fosters meaningful connections among parents, staff, and students. They are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every parent feels empowered to contribute their time, talents, and ideas. From coordinating social events that allow families to bond and share experiences to advocating for resources that support our students’ unique needs, our PA ensures that the voices of all Langsters are heard and valued. Their commitment to collaboration not only enhances our school spirit, but also strengthens the partnership between home and school, creating a supportive community that enriches the educational experience for all.


Throughout the year, we engage in school-wide events that bring our community closer together. Our Field Days in the spring and fall are much loved traditions where students participate in school wide activities that promote teamwork and fun. The Winter and Spring Showcases allow students to display their work and perform for families, reinforcing the pride we all share in their accomplishments. Events like the ELA Walk and History Fair give middle school and upper school students the chance to show off their projects and research to the entire community, while Indie Studies feature student-led roundtable discussions on in-depth topics they've explored.


We offer families practical ways to support learning at home, providing tips that align with our curriculum and encourage social-emotional development. This is particularly important for our 2e learners, who benefit from consistent support across both school and home environments. To maintain open communication, we provide regular updates on student progress, small victories, and upcoming events, ensuring that everyone is "in the loop." By celebrating both academic and personal milestones, we foster a positive atmosphere that strengthens teamwork between parents and teachers.


We also recognize the importance of building connections with our community partners. Our after-school programming features collaborations with outside experts, offering specialized activities that enrich students' learning. Additionally, as a hub for progressive education and 2e expertise, this year, Lang will host workshops that bring together educators, parents, and community members to exchange ideas and foster a shared learning experience.


Our Lang A Love Kid Campaign also draws on these wider connections and helps to build a strong sense of belonging and anchors the positive school culture we value. This campaign serves as a heartfelt community fundraising event that unites us all in our shared love for our students. The contributions through the 'Love a Lang Kid' campaign not only demonstrate the care for our unique learners, but also play a crucial role in ensuring they receive the specialized resources and attention they need to thrive. Together, as a community, we celebrate the extraordinary potential of every child. By joining in this fundraising initiative, each participant helps to create an environment where our students can flourish, and where their unique abilities are recognized and nurtured. We come together to express our commitment to their success and make a lasting difference in their lives, reinforcing the idea that we are all part of a loving, supportive community dedicated to empowering our students.


At Lang, we are committed to transforming the sometimes adversarial relationship between schools and parents. Open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative problem solving are the cornerstones of the trust we aim to build with our families. When parents and educators work together as equals, we create a comprehensive support system that benefits every student.


When schools and families work hand in hand, amazing things happen. Research shows and we know that students with engaged families have better attendance, higher academic performance, and enhanced social-emotional well-being. At Lang, we welcome parents into the fold, working together on shared goals to ensure that each child can achieve their full potential.


The Lang School is more than just a place for engaged academic learning. It’s a thriving community where students, parents, and teachers work together to foster a positive culture that supports growth in every way. By keeping communication open, celebrating successes, and building strong partnerships with families and the larger community, we create an environment where every child can flourish.

58 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page