Monday Morning Wins: Staff Newsletters Support and Connect the School Community

When we expanded the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at Ocean View High School, it quickly became clear that we needed more than systems and strategies. We needed shared understanding. Our staff, many of whom were eager and committed to the work, often asked the same question: What does this actually look like in our classrooms?

OBJECTIVES

Spotlighting weekly wins helps staff see themselves in the work.
Connecting real examples to MTSS makes the initiative more relevant and doable.
Consistently sharing what’s working builds trust and momentum.
Making instructional practices visible supports collaboration and alignment.

RESOURCES

OVHS-Monday-Morning-Wins Download

That question challenged me to think differently about how we support professional learning, especially around Best First Instruction. Teachers weren’t asking for theory. They wanted real examples of what MTSS and Best First Instruction look like in action, right here on our campus.

From a Question to a Culture Builder

To meet that need, I launched a weekly newsletter called Monday Morning Wins. Each edition offers a short, focused snapshot of something positive happening on campus, both inside and outside the classroom. The goal is to connect real examples of teaching, learning, and engagement directly to our MTSS priorities and school values.

The newsletter includes brief stories and photos that highlight effective instructional strategies, moments of student engagement, and classroom practices aligned with Best First Instruction. These snapshots give staff concrete examples of what MTSS looks like in everyday learning spaces. For those who are newer to MTSS or still making sense of it, these examples provide clarity and connection.

Students deserve great teachers. And teachers deserve the support they need to become great.

-Bill Gates

Just as important, Monday Morning Wins creates space to celebrate what’s already working. It shifts our focus from what needs fixing to what’s going well. That small shift has had a big impact. Staff are seeing their efforts recognized, and we’re all reminded that growth builds on strengths we already have.

Deepening Alignment Across the School

As this weekly practice became part of our culture, we began to see it influence other areas of our work. Our professional development is now more intentionally tied to MTSS. We’ve expanded opportunities for grade-level and cross-curricular collaboration, helping staff better support students and build relationships across content areas.

We’ve also clarified what success looks like for our students. By defining student outcomes and making them visible throughout the school day, we’ve helped staff and students focus on the skills that will prepare them for life after high school. These shared expectations are shaping everything from classroom instruction to campus-wide decision-making.

Small Action, Lasting Impact

Monday Morning Wins started as a response to a simple but important question. Over time, it has become much more. It helps us connect our daily practice to our bigger goals, reinforce a shared language, and keep our attention on the progress we’re making.

This work doesn’t require a complex initiative. It requires consistency, reflection, and the belief that noticing what’s going well can inspire even more good work. By celebrating small wins each week, we’re not just recognizing success — we’re building a school culture where everyone sees themselves as part of it.