Building Belonging in Schools Through New Traditions
- Ryan Smith
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
As Deputy Superintendent in Bellflower Unified, much of my work centers on supporting the people who make our schools thrive. Across my career as Superintendent in Monrovia, Assistant Superintendent in Paramount, and now in Bellflower, I’ve seen how much culture and connection matter. Programs and policies are important, but belonging is what makes people feel valued and committed.
We talk often about belonging for students, and rightly so since it makes a measurable difference in achievement, attendance, and well-being. That same sense of belonging is just as important for the adults who make our schools run. When teachers, classified employees, and administrators feel connected, morale rises, retention improves, and culture shifts for the better.
Since joining Bellflower Unified, I’ve been proud to help continue and expand the work of Human Resources in building belonging through authentic experiences that send a clear message: you matter, and you belong here.
Recognizing Excellence: The STAR Awards
We hosted our first STAR Awards, a new tradition created by our Personnel Services team to recognize employees who make our schools shine. The name stands for Spectacular, Terrific, Amazing, and Remarkable. The evening celebrated Teachers and Classified Employees of the Year and introduced districtwide honorees for both groups.
More than a ceremony, it was a moment to pause and reflect on the power of people. Each story shared, from teachers who inspire students daily to classified staff who quietly keep schools running, highlighted that excellence in education is always a collective effort.
HR often focuses on systems, compliance, and data. The STAR Awards reminded us that at its heart, HR is about people: seeing them, valuing them, and creating spaces where their contributions are celebrated.
Honoring Careers: The Retirement Social
This year, we hosted our first Retirement Social to honor employees concluding their careers. Instead of brief acknowledgments at a board meeting, retirees were celebrated in a warm, personal setting surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family.
Each retiree received a “retirement kit” with a beach tote, towel, sun hat, and even a ukulele, serving as a lighthearted reminder that it’s time to relax, recharge, and maybe pick up a new hobby. The event showed that recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. It just has to be heartfelt.
The New Employee Tailgate: HR Building Belonging in Schools
To welcome new staff, we expanded our traditional New Teacher Breakfast into a New Employee Tailgate before the Bellflower High football game. There was food, music, and school spirit, and for the first time, classified and management employees joined in.
It was informal, family-friendly, and fun, exactly what we hoped it would be. As one new teacher put it, “I left feeling like part of the family.”
Connecting Community: The Career Expo and Resource Fair
We also launched our first Career Expo and Resource Fair at Bellflower High School, designed to connect families with community resources and recruit new employees into BUSD.
More than 300 people attended, 224 applications were submitted, and 90 on-the-spot interviews were conducted. The day included performances by student cheer squads and support from local colleges, community organizations, and the LA Rams cheerleaders. It was a vibrant example of partnership in action and proof of what’s possible when staff and leadership work together with intention.
Walking Together: The Cancer Awareness Walk
In October, we introduced a powerful new tradition: our first Cancer Awareness Walk at Ron Yary Stadium. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hundreds of staff, students, and families came together for a morning of hope, health, and healing.
Bellflower High’s band and cheerleaders performed, schools across the district participated, and partners like Caring Connections, PIH Health Hospital, the Bellflower Teachers Association, and our PTAs joined in. Before beginning the one-mile walk, participants gathered on the field for a photo in the shape of a pink ribbon — a moving symbol of community and care.
Creating Space for Gratitude
As the holidays approached, we launched the Season of Gratitude, inviting students, families, and staff to send messages of thanks to any Bellflower Unified employee who made a difference in their lives. Nearly 1,700 notes of appreciation poured in for teachers, classified employees, and administrators, many like this one:
“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate working with you. You work extremely hard every day, and you continuously support me and the families in BUSD. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.”
Reading those messages was humbling. They reflected everything that makes Bellflower special: kindness, teamwork, and heart. For many employees, a simple message of thanks became the highlight of their season. The initiative reminded us that belonging grows when leaders create space for gratitude, recognition, and connection.
From Events to Culture
These experiences have reinforced a few simple lessons about building belonging in schools. It helps to start small, because one meaningful event can grow into something lasting. Authenticity matters, since the best ideas reflect the community’s spirit. Belonging deepens when everyone sees themselves included and celebrated. Consistency turns good ideas into lasting traditions. These ideas echo what I shared in an earlier reflection on developing core values that drive educational leadership, and how shared values shape the culture we create every day.
Human Resources is often associated with systems, compliance, and negotiations, but at its core, it’s about people. Our work is to design experiences that remind employees they are valued, supported, and part of something larger than themselves.
The STAR Awards, Retirement Social, New Employee Tailgate, Career Expo, Cancer Awareness Walk, and Season of Gratitude all share one message: you are part of this community, and what you do matters.
When we lead with purpose and connection, we shape more than policy. We shape culture. And when people feel they belong, they bring their best selves to work — which is ultimately what helps our students thrive.
Dr. Ryan Smith, with more than 20 years of leadership experience in public education, is dedicated to ensuring every student receives an outstanding education and reaches their highest potential. Through his current service as Deputy Superintendent in the Bellflower Unified School District and previous experience as Superintendent of the Monrovia Unified School District, his commitment to putting students first has driven success and positive change across various schools and districts. Learn more about Dr. Smith at his website, on LinkedIn, or X.
