Mason High School Intervention Specialist teacher
Bud Strudthoff wants Mason students and the world to see that even the little things in life are worthy of a smile.
The #360smiles social media campaign is the brainchild of Strudthoff and comes from the approximate 180 student contact days of the school year, times two students each day, and staff members on Friday.
"On a day to day basis, I walk into a classroom and introduce myself to the entire class and ask if any of the students have smiled for any reason throughout the day," explained Strudthoff. "I might have to give ideas or prompts, but then usually 1-2 students in the class will share a quick experience that gave them a reason to smile."
Strudthoff decided on the first day of school to document a small cross-section of the student population at MHS as a way to build culture and relationships with students outside of his classroom and caseload.
When all is said and done, about 10% of the student population and about 10% of the staff at MHS will be documented.
"Walking through the hallway, even as an adult, with 3,600 other individuals is sometimes a lonely experience, and now I can look for familiar faces in the crowd as I move from class to class," added Strudthoff. "It is nice to see the kids who I don't have in class and be able to call them by name, make eye contact, and share a smile."
Read the Chronicle's coverage.