"Err on the side of positive"- George Couros (a reflection)

 I was listening to one of George Couros' podcasts on Friday afternoon, and this quote really struck me.

I think that it struck because I remember reading a number of tweets about toxic positivity.  The kind of positive I'm thinking about is looking at a situation and erring on the side of positive.  George shared this story (embedded in this blog) in his podcast about a man on a subway with his kids who were acting out.  I won't spoil the story, but every time I read or hear the story I think that the man is doing the best that he can at that moment.  And when we see people, including ourselves, acting in ways that might not equate with the situation, I encourage you to err on the side of positive and believe that they, and we, are doing the best that we can.

Calendar

Monday, November 2nd    Food drive begins (no classroom competitions)

Tuesday, November 3rd    8th grade Aspire AM

Wednesday, November 4th    8th grade Aspire PM/ Staff meeting 7:45AM (Plan for 11/5 or 11/12 conferences)/ 6th grade Aspire AM

Thursday, November 5th    6th grade Aspire PM/ 5th and 7th grade conferences/ Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, November 6th    Material pickup

Tuesday, November 10th    7th grade Aspire AM/ 5th grade Aspire PM

Wednesday, November 11th    7th grade Aspire PM/ Staff meeting 7:45AM (District meeting)

Thursday, November 12th    5th grade Aspire AM/ 6th and 8th grade conferences/ Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, November 13th    Material pickup/ Food drive ends

Wednesday meeting rotations

I wanted to make you all aware that there is a rotation for our Wednesday meetings.  The first Wednesday of the month will be a building meeting.  The second Wednesday of the month will be our WIN Wednesday district meeting.  The subsequent Wednesdays will be used for team and personal planning.  With that being said, please use the time next Wednesday to prepare for our upcoming family conferences.  Having materials in place to discuss with our families is really a powerful way to communicate the progress of our students.

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Little Things Throwing You Off The Edge? It's Not Your Fault! (by Allyson Apsey)

Learning That Works for the Learner (from George Couros)

"Without proper self evaluation, failure is inevitable."- John Wooden, basketball coach

If you have been here a while, you might remember...

Jenny Fischer.  She started a fundraiser to raise awareness regarding suicide.  Her mother and her grandfather were both lost to suicide.  If you'd like to participate in her fundraiser, here is a link.  Thanks for your consideration.

If you are a fan of Meijer...

and you know I am, check out this opportunity from Meijer for teachers.  It's a 15% off coupon for teachers.  All you need to do is show your school ID.  Thanks to Jim for sharing this with me and ultimately with you!

Today ends the first quarter of the year!

I find that line to be pretty amazing.  The first quarter of the year is done at the end of the day today.  Can you believe it?  Think back on the connections you've made with our kids and their families.  Think about the times you've celebrated and supported your colleagues.  I know that it hasn't been all rainbows and unicorns (and some of you know the other phrase that I add following unicorns), but I do know one thing.  There is no question in my mind that you are here for our kids every day.  When you are with the kids in class, you are spot on, doing amazing things, fostering learning, and building relationships.  I know that each of you puts all of your energy into that every day.  I know you leave school exhausted.  And I know you come back the next day because of our kids.  I am proud of you.  I am inspired by you.  I am awed by you.  You are amazing, and I thank you for all that you do for our kids every day.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Do something for yourself

Thanks for the conversations yesterday.  Today, Saturday, and Sunday should be days to relax and recharge.  Do something for yourself.  Monday will be here soon enough.  If you're into football, watch Wisconsin tonight.  If you're not, curl up with a book or watch a movie or binge a favorite show.  Or take a nap.  That's what I plan on doing.

Calendar

Friday, October 23rd    No School

Monday, October 26th    Wear Merton Spritiwear/ School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, October 28th    SEL planning by grade level 7:45AM (See below for more information)

Thursday, October 29th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, October 30th    Material pickup

Monday, November 2nd    Food drive begins (no classroom competitions)

Wednesday, November 4th    Staff meeting 7:45AM (Plan for conferences)

Thursday, November 5th    5th and 7th grade conferences/Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, November 6th    Material pickup

Wednesday, November 11th    Staff meeting 7:45AM (Plan for conferences)

Thursday, November 12th    6th and 7th grade conferences/Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, November 13th    Material pickup/Food drive ends

SEL planning on Wednesday

As we near the end of the first quarter, please get together on Wednesday to plan what may be taking place with SEL in November.  In particular, I'd like to have an idea come from each grade level of a theme that I could focus on for a virtual assembly.  Providing me a date for the assembly would also be wonderful, as long as it isn't for Wednesday, October 28th.

Aspire testing

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the best times and dates for your grade level.  I will be sharing schedules for testing dates with you early next week.

Parking Lot questions

Here is the link to the parking lot questions that was started at the beginning of the year.  If you have other questions to add, please do so.  This will continue to be updated as the school year progresses.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

You will make someone smile today

 You will make someone smile today.  You might not have actually seen it, but you will make someone smile today.  Please take this weekend to relax.  Put your school work away for at least one full day this weekend.  Spend time with your family.  Read that book you've wanted to read.  Binge watch a show or watch a favorite movie.  Do something that requires little to know thought.  You deserve it!

Calendar

Friday, October 16th    Material pickup

Monday, October 19th-Wednesday October 21st    Red Ribbon Week (see Jackie's email)

Monday, October 19th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, October 20th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/7th and 8th grade invitation conferences

Wednesday, October 21st    Staff meeting 7:45AM/ Material pickup

Thursday, October 22nd    No School- Professional Development Day (see schedule below)

Friday, October 23rd    No School

Monday, October 26th    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, October 28th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 29th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, October 30th    Material pickup

Parking Lot questions

Here is the link to the parking lot questions that was started at the beginning of the year.  If you have other questions to add, please do so.

Schedule for Thursday, October 22nd

7:45-8:30        District provided breakfast (Pick up at the Primary School cafeteria)

8:30-12:00        Grade level meetings (Please provide me with an agenda)

                        Vertical team (curriculum) meetings (Please provide me with an agenda)

12:00-1:00        Lunch on your own

1:00-1:30        District meeting in the Intermediate School gym

1:30-3:30        Time to organize and prepare for what happens if we are required to go virtual

                        Refine the 5 emergency lesson plans from Summer Academy

3:30-4:00        Time to read Onward (October chapter- "Be There Now")

I look forward to being back with you next week.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Be patient with yourself

How patient are you with yourself?  I really want you to think about that question.  We are patient with our students.  We are patient with our colleagues.  But are we patient with ourselves?  Take a look at this quote from @laurajaneillustrations.

Being patient isn't easy.  It's really hard.  We want things done now so that we can move on to something else.  It's how we're wired as educators.  We live in a time of instant gratification, where a microwave gets our food just warm enough to eat in one minute (I know based upon my lunch on Monday.).  I've talked about giving yourself grace earlier this school year.  Here's the link to the nuts and bolts that mentions grace.  Hopefully you've given yourself some grace this year, and now it's time to give yourself some patience.

Calendar

Tuesday, October 13th    5th grade invitation conferences

Wednesday, October 14th    Staff meeting 7:45AM (Staff and student SEL)

Thursday, October 15th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM/ 6th grade invitation conferences

Friday, October 16th    Material pickup

Monday, October 19th-Wednesday October 21st    Red Ribbon Week (see Jackie's email)

Monday, October 19th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, October 20th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/7th and 8th grade invitation conferences

Wednesday, October 21st    Staff meeting 7:45AM/ Material pickup

Thursday, October 22nd    No School

Friday, October 23rd    No School

Monday, October 26th    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, October 28th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 29th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, October 30th    Material pickup

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Today's Best (by Rae Hughart)

("The Calling"- Don't watch until the weekend!)

This week saw all of you helping out and stepping in, and I cannot thank you enough.  When a guest teacher was needed, Katie, Becky, and Dawn stepped up.  When a guest teacher filled in, grade level teams and Barb made sure that they had everything they needed.  If we needed someone to cover an elective or a study hall, someone was there.  It was an incredible week for our kids thanks to all of you!  Let's hope that next week is a little more normal.

Make sure to take time for yourself this weekend.  Spend time with your family, get outside and enjoy the weather, and put school on the back burner as much as possible.  We have one more five day week with the kids before we can enjoy a long weekend.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Who is your "go to"?

 As we're closing in on the end of our 5th week, I need to let you know that I'm so impressed by you.  You are there for the kids and each other every day, but how are you doing?  I  have found that I am really connecting with a select few who will listen, not judge, and let me just talk through how I'm feeling.  Jen is normally my first communication, but sometimes I need to reach out to my educator PLN.  It took me a while to reach out because I thought I could just handle things on my own but that is not the case at all.  I need others to talk to, to connect with, and to just listen.  And I honestly need to find time to talk with each of you more often, too.  I don't need to be your "go to" person.  In fact, I'm sure that some of you would rather talk to someone else other than me.  But we all need that "go to" person or people.  So here's a rhetorical question- Who is your "go to"?  And more importantly, when was the last time that you talked with them?  Maybe you should make some time for that today.  I know that I will.

Calendar

Tuesday, October 6th    Flu shots

Wednesday, October 7th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 8th    Picture retake day/Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM

Friday, October 9th    Material pickup

Tuesday, October 13th    5th grade invitation conferences

Wednesday, October 14th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 15th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM/ 6th grade invitation conferences

Friday, October 16th    Material pickup

Monday, October 19th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Tuesday, October 20th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/7th and 8th grade invitation conferences

Wednesday, October 21st    Staff meeting 7:45AM/ Material pickup

Thursday, October 22nd    No School

Friday, October 23rd    No School

Monday, October 26th    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, October 28th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 29th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, October 30th    Material pickup

Reminders

Please live our mantra- Wear your mask.  Stay 6 feet apart.  Wash your hands- all the time when you're in school.  The kids are watching our every move, even when we don't think they are watching.  Living our mantra is what will help to keep us face to face with our kids.

Take care of yourself...

"Stand and Deliver", movie about a high school Math teacher who set the bar really high for his students, was on Wednesday night.  I normally would have been involved in a chat on the Twitters on a Wednesday night, but my wife encouraged me to put my Chromebook and my phone away.  And by encouraged, I mean she told me to put my Chromebook and my phone away.  So I did.  She is my number one "go to" person so I listen to her advice and comply very often.  If you've seen the movie, you know the main character, Jaime Escalante (played by Edward James Olmos) goes above and beyond for his kids.  He gave his all to his students and in turn his students gave them their all, and they succeeded, but it wasn't because of the content he taught.  It was because of the relationships that he built.  The one relationship that stands out to me is the one with Angel Guzman, played by Lou Diamond Phillips.  Here's a short scene from the movie.

(Fandango movie clip)

I see so much of Jaime Escalante in each of you.  You have an amazing passion for our kids.  But you don't need to be Jaime Escalante.  He had no balance in his life.  He put his all into school and had nothing left for his family, his friends, or himself.  I took Wednesday off from school work once I got home.  And you know what?  I had a pretty darn good Thursday.  Can you find one day next week to take off from school?  I know that you can, but I would honestly start by taking off on Saturday.  All day.  You can do it.  And if you do take off Saturday, I'll bet you'll have a pretty darn good Sunday.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Memories of 21st Night of September- Earth, Wind, & Fire

This week sent me back a bit.  Two memories, which might seem unrelated, got me thinking about things that impact our lives.  The two are related because of the Earth, Wind & Fire song "September".

The first memory is of me in college singing that song as loud as I can (karaoke didn't exist in 1982) during track parties.  But the memory isn't just about the song.  It's about the decision that I made to change majors, from biomedical engineering to elementary education, during conversations with my track teammates.  We spent a lot of time together at practice and in the same wing of the dorm.  Some of us knew what we wanted to do or be after college but others, myself included, weren't sure.  It's those conversations with some guys at school that helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life, and I'm glad that I listened to them.

The second memory is of former Merton student Emily who passed last year on September 21st.  When I think back about Emily I just remember the impact that an 8th grade student had on so many of us.  She was kind, treated everyone with respect, and was a role model for all students and staff.  Her passing caught many of us off guard but it also brought the staff together.  Thanks to Jackie who emailed me on Sunday night to include an announcement remembering Emily's passing.  I told Dave that I still have the bag Emily gave me at the end of the 2019 school year with a hand written note and candy that stays uneaten.

Why am I bringing up these two unrelated memories?  Here's why. We all have the opportunity to be a part of the memories of our students and our colleagues.  We have the ability and the responsibility to impact those we come in contact with on a daily basis.  As one of our Merton fathers said to his son in my office a few years back, "With great power comes great responsibility."  It's also a quote from Spiderman.  We all have the power to positively impact one another.  Listen to each like my college friends did for me to help lead me on my path.  And be like Emily, kind and always caring for others.

Calendar

Thursday, September 23rd    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM

Friday, September 24th    Material pickup (This begins our weekly material pickup for virtual students.)

Monday, September 28th    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, September 30th    Workout Wednesday/ Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 1st    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ Self-review is due/CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM

Friday, October 2nd    Material pickup

Tuesday, October 6th    Flu shots

Wednesday, October 7th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 8th    Picture retake day/Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM

Friday, October 9th    Material pickup

Wednesday, October 14th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 15th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM/ CPI training 7:30AM and 4:15PM

Friday, October 16th    Material pickup

Monday, October 19th    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Wednesday, October 21st    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 22nd    No School

Friday, October 23rd    No School

Monday, October 26th    School board meeting 6PM

Wednesday, October 28th    Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, October 29th    Virtual materials to office by 4PM

Friday, October 30th    Material pickup

Tweets, quotes, and blogs

Just Bloom!

Please take a few moments to read this blog post from Tara Martin.  And be like a sunflower.

It was great seeing everyone together on Wednesday morning.  The shoutouts were great.  Seeing our new staff share their excitement about being a part of our Merton family was amazing.  Writing messages in chalk for our students was incredible.  We need to do find ways to get together more often.  Maybe Wednesday morning is the time that we make sure to reconnect.  Maybe I take a class so that you can connect with someone you haven't had a chance to connect with in a while.  I'm open to any suggestions.  We have so much to offer one another and as Brian Fleischman would say, "We are our best resource."  If you've got some ideas, send them my way!

And while I'm thinking, if you have a student or colleague that deserves a #GoodNewsCall OfTheDay, send their name and the reason why to me in an email.  I'd love to make about 15 calls today!

Have a great weekend, and I hope that you find time to unplug from technology and connect with family and friends.

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell

Give Today's Best

I always read the Sunday Seven from Dave Burgess Consulting.  Last Sunday while watching the Cowboys and the Rams on television, I had a chance to read what Rae Hughart (@RaeHughart) wrote.  Number one of the seven really caught my attention, and I hope that it catches yours as well.

1. Give Today's Best 

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again for our friends in the back - You can not give 100% all of the time and neither can your students. It's not that we don’t wish we could be superheroes and give our 100% every moment of the day - but things get in the way. Stress, Anxiety, Exhaustion - you name it. 

So why carry the expectation for 100% every moment of the day only to fall short? Give your self a little grace and start focusing on giving “Todays Best.” 

“I talk with my students all the time about the inability for anyone to be able to give 100% all the time. It's just impossible with all of the other elements of a person's life. 

So, I do not ask students to give 100% each day. Rather, I ask them to give Today's Best. 

Today’s Best is the best a person can give throughout their day at that moment in time. Sometimes Today's Best is only 90% of their typical effort, because they are struggling with things outside of class. Sometimes Today's Best is asking the student to operate at 60% or even 70%. 

Rather than set an unrealistic expectation when the going gets tough, simply provide the best you can for that day, at that moment. 

Then, you start fresh the following day.” 
- Teachers Deserve It, Chapter 10: Teachers Deserve Boundaries

Try it out and take a moment to reflect from time to time how your Best is going today? Can you commit to Today’s Best?  I know that you can!

Calendar

Monday, September 21st    BLT meeting 4:15PM

Wednesday, September 23rd    Intermediate Staff meeting 7:45AM

Thursday, Septemeber 24th    CPI training 7:30AM or 4:15PM (Special education staff and select classroom teachers)

Monday, September 28th- Sunday, October 4th    Culver's Week

Monday, September 28th    Board meeting 6PM

Thursday, October 1st    CPI training 7:30AM or 4:15PM

(Yes, Jen shared this with me.)

Reminders and requests

I received an email from a student on Wednesday with a request.  If you have a guest teacher, please remind them to start the Google Meet at the beginning of the class period.  I know that you have that habit in place, but our guest teachers don't have that habit yet.  Thanks for adding that reminder to your guest teacher plans.

Please remember to reach out to the families of our virtual students.  I know that each grade level had some sort of rotation in place to accomplish this communication.  On a related note, I've heard from some of our families that they are impressed with how you include virtual students in your classes.  Keep up the great work!

Blue dots!  Red dots!  Whatever color dots you have, if you need more, please use the Buildings and Grounds form that has been shared by Ron.  More importantly, please make sure that you have the student's seated on the dots.  That helps us maintain our 6 feet of distance.

"Teacher shape"

I've had this conversation with some of you and thought that I would share it with everyone.  The last time many of you taught all day was March 12th.  That's almost 6 months!  It takes time to get back into shape.  Is what we're doing now different from what we were doing March 12th.  It certainly is but I would argue that every year we take some time to get into "teacher shape".  This year just seems to be different with the addition of masks and virtual students.  We're now three weeks in and with any training to get back into shape, it's important to have time to recover.  Many of you know I'm done with technology at 9PM.  It let's my mind stop for a bit and helps me sleep.  Sleep is also important for recovery.  And think about what and when you're eating.  If you don't fuel properly, your training will not be as effective.  Ultimately, I just want you to make sure that you're taking care of yourself so that you can take care of our kids and each other.

Have a great weekend!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell