Creating Community

The Ann Arbor Learning Community program is designed to promote and support a strong sense of community. Students, parents and staff work and learn together to create a school where everyone feels valued and safe.

To make AALC a place where learners and learning is respected we incorporate a range of different strategies.

Rather than a long list of school rules we abide by shared principles. Students are taught what each agreement means, what it looks like and what it sounds like. The same language and agreements are used across the school for students and adults.

Community Agreements
> Mutual Respect
> Attentive Listening
> Right to Participate/Right to Pass
> Appreciations/No Put Downs

Class Meetings
Class meetings can be called to plan instruction, to problem-solve, and to share information.

Community Meetings
The entire school population meets together weekly to share projects, presentations, or plays. A different class level serves as host each week, they plan and present a program for the rest of the school. All school announcements and information can be shared with the school at large.

Tribes
In the classroom or across the school population, small groups called "tribes" are formed to create heterogeneous groups. Students learn to work collaboratively, to value each person's unique strengths, and to use a variety of different problem-solving strategies.

Cross-Level Activities
Each year, the school plans activities that allow students of different ages and levels to work and play together. Such activities include: Enrichment classes, Community Meetings, cross-age tutoring, camping, and field day.

Conflict Resolution
Conflict between human beings is inevitable. At school, student conflict creates a teachable moment. AALC teaches students specific strategies to resolve conflict. Our goal is to first, help students learn how to communicate and to listen to others. Second, to develop an array of options for consideration. Third, to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. Fourth, to know when they have done all in their power and it is time to seek adult assistance.

For more information, please click on the links to the left.