"Just smile and remember why you wanted to teach" - Unknown
As we begin to approach the end of the first quarter of our year I wanted to express the importance of choosing a positive lens. Shawn Achor told us in his TED talk that 90% of our happiness is determined by how our brains perceive the external world. At some point you all chose to get into education. My challenge to you this week is WHY? Why did you want to teach? Take some time this week to find that positive lens, create that happiness, and just smile. WIth that here are your STAFF NOTES for this week. "If everyone is moving forward together, then success will take care of itself."
-Henry Ford This past Thursday I was blown away with the teamwork that was displayed by all of you, the staff of FMS. First, our intervention team had the opportunity to meet in the morning to review students that are receiving less than 63% in two or more classes. As we went through the meeting I was very impressed with the knowledge of and professional dialogue that was had surrounding each student. Individual plans of intervention and communication between school, home, and student were set. We have some good things happening in this arena. Second, our math department spent the afternoon focusing in on the implementation of their new math resource as well as their own areas of focus. A huge shout out to Amanda Gaeth who opened her classroom to her colleagues and to the rest of the math department for their collaboration and discourse during the pre and post observation meetings. Finally, an enormous thank you to EVERYONE who stepped up and covered the two classrooms that didn't have subs. Your generosity and willingness to be a team player allowed the two important activities above to take place. The teamwork and selflessness that is shown above is why FMS is a special place! Thank you again to everyone and with that here are your STAFF NOTES for this week! "Don't put a limit on anything. The more you dream the farther you get." -Michael Phelps.
The beginning of a new school year brings with it a lot of excitement and anticipation of trying new things. As educators we read lots of articles and books, sit through professional development, and collaborate with our colleagues. From these actions come lots of "I want to try..." and "this would be so cool" statements. Then around mid-October we some how start to concentrate on treading water and some of those cool ideas get set aside. What's stopping you? Time? Support? Resources? Fear of it flopping? DON'T let any of these thing limit you. My challenge this week is for you to dig back into that article, book, PD notes, or conversations and pull one of those ideas out. Don't let a lack of resources or support stop you. Let Derek or I know how we can help. I know you all have some creative ideas that you are dreaming about implementing. Let's Do it! With that, here are your STAFF NOTES for this week! I spent this weekend doing many of what I would refer to as "typical" fall activities. I spent the day with my family down in St. Joe on Saturday, attended church Sunday morning, and did some yard work Sunday afternoon. I had multiple social encounters during all these events and I was asked if I was "in a routine" yet at school.
Routines are safe and predictable. I think its safe to say that most of us prefer to establish a routine and to stick to it. There are certainly a lot of positives when it comes to routines. However, like anything there can also be negatives. I would challenge everyone to look at the "routines" you have establish and reflect. Does your routine allow you a "fresh" start everyday? Does your routine allow you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things? Does your routine allow you to grow and change? I would argues that if your "routine" doesn't give you a fresh start or allow you to try new things, fail, and grow then your routine has become a "rut". My challenge to you this week is to find at least one opportunity to step outside your "routine" and do something new. With that...here are your STAFF NOTES for this week! There are a lot of directions that I could go with the "Turning over a new leaf..." saying. I could connect it to the fact it is fall (and actually beginning to feel like it), I could connect it to the "happiness advantage" video we watched last Wednesday, or the fact that today is the beginning of a new month. I will let you choose your own adventure and decide to interpret the title anyway that you wish.
For me, when I finished the PBIS conference Friday I was able to head straight out of town with my wife and some dear friends of ours. It was a great time to refresh and re-frame my thinking. My goal is to make the month of October the month that I renew myself to being positive. Remember that 90% of an outcome is based upon the lens in which you view the situation. I challenge you to find 3 gratitude's a day, journal about a positive experience each day. exercise, send positive emails/texts, and/or perform random acts of kindness. Shawn Achor tells us that doing positive things like those listed above for 21 days straight can actually change our brains. Committing to doing this is the leaf I'm turning over this month. I apologize for the delay in staff notes tonight. I got back into town later than expected and I wanted to spend some time with my daughter who I hadn't seen since Wednesday night. Thanks for understanding. With that her are your STAFF NOTES for this week! |
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