Teacher Has Personalized Handshakes With Every One of His Students
In the bustling halls of Ashley Park PreK-8 School in Charlotte, North Carolina, there’s an extraordinary tradition that takes place at the start of each day. Fifth-grade English teacher, Barry White, Jr., stands at the front door, ready to greet every student with a personalized handshake. Yes, you read that right. Every. Single. Student.
For Mr. White, these morning rituals aren’t just routine greetings. They’re an energetic spark, a way to ignite excitement and prepare his students for a day of high-energy learning.
“These morning handshakes set the tone,” explains Mr. White. “I’m always pumped up and then we start doing the moves and that brings them excitement and pumps them up for a high-energy class.”
Each handshake is a unique choreography, tailored to suit the personality of the student.
“It all started with one simple handshake last year with a 4th grader,” recalls Mr. White. “She would wait for me every morning before she’d go to class. She’d get in trouble sometimes for being late because she’d wait on the handshake.”
This small gesture of connection grew into something far greater. Mr. White began crafting handshakes with students during recess, spreading a contagious wave of enthusiasm.
“I saw how much it meant to them, so I said, ‘Come on. Everyone come on.’ Then it was my full class, then it was kids from other classes. Now I have 3rd graders wanting to do it too.”
Remembering all the intricate moves might seem like a feat, but for Mr. White, it’s become second nature.
“It’s muscle memory at this point,” he explains. “I do it so much with them. They love coming up to me and doing it. I just know the certain moves that go with certain kids because it’s personalized.”
Interestingly, Mr. White’s involvement in a step team at the school has also influenced the handshakes.
“For example, I started a step team at the school. Some of my 5th graders I teach are on that step team and you’ll notice we step a little bit in their handshakes.”
The inspiration behind these heartwarming greetings came from an unexpected source: Mr. White’s admiration for basketball star LeBron James. He observed James’ similar interactions with teammates and recognized the depth of connection it fostered.
“You see that bond and how close they are,” he notes. “I wanted to bring that feeling into the entire 5th grade.”
His commitment to building strong relationships hasn’t gone unnoticed. Principal Meaghan Loftus emphasizes the impact Mr. White’s gestures have on the school culture.
“The only way to help our scholars achieve at high levels every day is to embrace the need for meaningful and deep relationships,” she asserts. “Barry’s handshakes represent his own authentic take on building those relationships. When I walk into my teachers’ rooms, I see the impact of those strong and trusting relationships. When kids know their teacher cares, they are attentive, engaged and driven to be successful. That’s the culture we are building at Ashley Park.”
In the hands of Mr. White, a simple handshake has become a symbol of care, trust, and motivation. It’s a testament to the profound impact a teacher can have, not just through academics, but through genuine connections that inspire a lifelong love for learning.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/QC3Vsv6OjgA?si=77Z0DL0gO03XqBpJ
- https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/teacher-personalized-handshakes-students/story?id=45190825
- https://www.todaysparent.com/blogs/youve-got-to-see-this-teacher-perform-individual-handshakes-with-his-students/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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