Lower School Dean of Students

Full-time, 11-months (August – June)

This position exists to create and maintain a positive and productive culture and environment where all Preschool – 5th grade Lower School students thrive. The focus of this position is on student growth in the areas of social-emotional, relational, behavioral, and spiritual development.

Skills, Disposition, and Aptitudes

• Ability to integrate Biblical principles, Scripture, and prayer into the daily work
• Ability to handle confidential student information
• Strong collaboration skills, ability to work effectively with teachers to support student needs
• Calm and steady presence, ability to enter into and diffuse student situations, ability to help regulate students to re-engage in classroom activities
• Ability to deliver firm, yet loving, messages to students and families
• Ability to engage positively in challenging conversations with families, ability to establish strong and productive partnerships
• Ability to implement proactive strategies that support student growth and success in the classroom
• Flexible and adaptable to respond to immediate needs
• Dependable and reliable

Areas of Responsibility

Student Life

• Shape and oversee Lower School student culture, Minnehaha student expectations* and accountability
• Collaborate with the Counselor and Principal to deliver monthly Lower School Redhawk Rallies
• Collaborate with the Principal, Director of Faith Formation, and others to create and offer student leadership opportunities, service opportunities, morning announcements, and special events
• Collaborate with the Principal and others to identify areas of need for professional development, training, and resource management
• Participate in the Admissions process and mid-year transfer family onboarding
• Serve on multiple Lower School teams, including the Student Support Team, Crisis Management Team, and Team Leaders
• Greet students as they enter at the beginning of the day

Student Discipline

• Handle daily Preschool-5th grade discipline matters with a Biblical restorative approach, including family communication and partnership
• Collaborate with teachers regarding classroom management plans and implementation
• Create, communicate, and implement behavior plans for students as needed
• Make recommendations to the Lower School Principal for suspensions and expulsions

School Policies

• Annually review policies and student handbook, ensure ongoing fidelity to school policies and protocols
• Provide onboarding and training for new faculty regarding school policies and protocols

Lower School Operations

• Create Master schedule
• Coordinate report card process
• Coordinate and communicate ongoing calendar / schedule
• Manage the carline process at dismissal to promote efficiency and ensure student safety

* RACERS Student Expectations:

Respect: Showing care for God, others, property, and myself

Attitude: Choosing the way I think or feel towards work and others

Cooperation: Working together to create community

Effort: Trying my best in all things

Responsibility: Using what I know to make good choices

Self-control: Managing my actions and words