Anne Claud Claywell

New year. New theme. Can’t wait to have our upper school students back @Nrflkcollegiate on Thursday! 💙🤍💙

Hiding weaknesses doesn't project strength. It reflects insecurity. No matter how hard you try, people who know you well will see your flaws. You might as well get credit for having the humility to look for them, the self-awareness to spot them, and the integrity to admit them.

Productivity is overrated. What counts most is the quality of output, not the quantity. People may be impressed by the volume you produce, but impact depends on the value you create. Success isn't about getting more things done. It's about doing more worthwhile things well.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" sends the wrong message about work. We should teach kids that who you are is more than what job you do. Work is an activity—it doesn't have to define your identity. A healthy sense of self is rooted in character, not career choice.

Owning up to your mistakes doesn’t cast doubt on your credibility. Admitting you were wrong shows that you care about getting it right. Recognizing moments of bad judgment is a step toward demonstrating good judgment. Issuing a correction is a mark of intellectual integrity.

Once an Oak Always an Oak! @Nrflkcollegiate @Oaks_Athletics

“…relationships often have a bigger impact on behavior than the rules do.” @SteeleThoughts I think this is worth reading over and over… brilliant. Yes! It’s all about relationships and belonging.

“That’s just the way I am” is a missed opportunity for growth. Personality is not your destiny. It’s your tendency. No one is limited to a single way of thinking, feeling, or acting. Who you become is not about the traits you have. It's what you decide to do with them.

Don't mistake assertiveness for aggression. Being assertive is advocating for your interests. Being aggressive is attacking other people's interests. Standing up for your ideals doesn't make you pushy—it stops you from being a pushover. It's not selfish—it's self-preservation.

Hope all of our @Nrflkcollegiate teachers are doing just this! Enjoy your summer break. You took beautiful care of our students this year. Now is the time to take care of YOU!

You’ve NEVER failed to impress, @milespergallonn Not possible to be more proud than I am now but I’m also not a bit surprised! Your commitment and work-ethic are one in a million - as are you! Huge congratulations! @Nrflkcollegiate #onceanoakalwaysanoak amirite?

@milespergallonn MILES!!!! HUGE congratulations!! While I know it was a lot of hard work, I am not one bit surprised! Continue to be so proud of you and inspired by your determination and tenacity. Can’t wait to see what is next for you. #onceanoakalwaysanoak 💙🤍💙

hey @MrsClaywell , i graduated from Morehouse with a 3.90. talk about college readiness, amirite?

The highest compliment from someone who disagrees with you is not “You were right.” It’s “You made me think.” Good arguments help us recognize complexity where we once saw simplicity. The ultimate purpose of debate is not to produce consensus. It’s to promote critical thinking.

Sometimes kids push their boundaries. That’s what they do. Most adults were kids once. It’s good to remember. We hold kids accountable… but we still can show grace; we can still demonstrate compassion; and we always respect their dignity.

We judge people too much by the opinions they give and too little by the values they live. You don't have to like their point to admire their courage in making it. Decency is avoiding disrespect, not avoiding disagreement. Integrity is trying to get it right, not being right.

Many people fail to benefit from constructive feedback because they overreact and undercorrect. When a helpful suggestion feels like a big threat to your ego, you only make a small change to your habits. The best way to learn is to overcorrect. Discomfort is a sign of growth.

A1. Right now educators need to know they are valued, heard, and respected. #celebrated

“Every single kid wants influence. And every.single.adult either impairs or empowers that kid.” #VSCA2022 #connectingthedots #kidsdeserveit

@Oaks_Athletics Great season! Proud of you all! Go Oaks!

Boys Varsity 🏀 lose 47-66 to #1 ranked Blue Ridge in the VISAA Division II state tournament quarterfinals. “Go Oaks!”