Happy Happy New Year! I was so excited to see everyone again on Monday and this week has been full of reminders as to why this school is so special. I know that the students were excited (although some reluctant) to be back here too and I look forward to the next 10 weeks together with students. This time can be some of the best and most continuous learning time during the year with a sweet week of relaxing at the end!
Thank you for your engagement and connection yesterday and this morning. We have many things to celebrate here and some things to work on. This year we specifically are advancing in the areas of EQUITY through interruptions and making connections with students and DIFFERENTIATION through using assessment and creating small group opportunities. That said, as our care coaches reminded us before break, you cannot our into others when you are not filled up yourself. As we move forward, I encourage you all to push toward the intentions that you set on Wednesday and share them with others. Post your sheet somewhere where you can see it and are easily reminded and check in with others who have shared their goals with you. We can all help each other as we continue to get better! Here is the Intention Sheet and the slideshow if you want to refer back at any time.
This morning was a first step toward increasing our work with interrupting hurtful language and inequities at PCMS. As you try out some of the language or phrases, share successes with other staff and help each other as you tackle these conversations. As Jay Smooth said, perfection is a barrier to being the best that we can be. Our connection with our imperfections is what makes us strong, not the absence of them.
Finally, this is a great time to re-address expectations to set the stage for success during these months. February can be a challenging time for both staff and students and your intention and time spent around re-direction now will only support you as we move forward.
Click on the calendar link above and explore the professional readings. I will update these each time. Thanks for being the best at getting better. There truly is nowhere I would rather be!