GASC Goes Virtual
Digital Leadership Opportunities
Executive Director Update
I hope this newsletter finds you well in spite of the unsettling times. Just over two weeks ago, Corey and I were in California at the CADA conference, learning and networking with some incredible student council gurus. We never could have imagined what the next weeks would bring as we watched many of our colleagues cancel state conventions across the country. I feel incredibly lucky and thankful that we already had our opportunity to network and celebrate the year at Rock Eagle, and my heart goes out to all the student leaders and advisors that are missing those opportunities.
That being said, I know that local school closures have caused heartache and frustrations for our own student leaders who had big plans for the spring. The abruptness of the closures has left all of us feeling a little lost, and there really isn't a map for any of this. I wanted to reach out to you all to let you know that while we don't have all the answers, we do want to offer all the support we can.
We put together this newsletter to offer resources as you try to navigate your new role as an online instructor, possible homeschool teacher, and virtual student council advisor. Just because school doors have closed and we are all practicing social distancing, doesn't mean our kids have to stop serving their peers! This is the time for leaders to truly shine!
Yours in Leadership,
Laura
Leadership Development
CharacterStrong is hosting VIRTUAL Assemblies
Inspiration is going digital! The CharacterStrong team has partnered with some of the best youth speakers, performers, YouTubers, and artists around the country to provide online assemblies to keep your students (and staff!) engaged, inspired, and hopeful.
They are partnering with some amazing speakers, storytellers, and musicians to bring you online assemblies on a weekly basis. More information is coming soon, but expect to see content from these incredible humans:
Houston Kraft John Norlin Yes Theory Esteban Gast Scott Backovich Parvati Shallow Kyle Scheele Chris Singleton Kate Garnes Jake Kelfer & more
Below is the recording of the first live assembly.
Sign up here to get updates on the upcoming rallies:
https://characterstrong.lpages.co/characterstrong-virtual-assemblies/
Mike Smith's Call to Action
School Culture & Climate
Scott Backovich of Envolve Provides Digital Activities
About Envolve:
Envolve was founded to help solve a huge need in today’s schools. After taking part in our in-depth trainings, campuses everywhere have seen massive improvements in activity participation and school culture.
Their Why:
Student activities exist to create phenomenal communities within schools. The more students participate in activities, the more at home they feel. The more at home the feel, the more successful they will become in school and life.
Check them out: https://envolveschools.com/
Below are some ideas from Evolve to foster positive culture & engagement in a digital world!
Hey You!
Every few days, use your Instagram to post simple, text-based images following a simple “Hey You” format. Posts can include (but are not limited to):
- Hey You! Keep your head up.
- Hey You! We miss you.
- Hey You! You’re doing great today.
- Hey You! We think you deserve a nap today.
- Hey You! Wash your hands.
Senior Night
Final Curtain!
GASC Digital Spirit Week
GASC Digital Spirit Week
Top Five Tips for Teacher-Advisors
Managing Your Class & Council in a Digital World
1. Set Boundaries. Traditional school days allowed for natural boundaries (even though we weren't very good at keeping them). When the building was closed, we weren't available. Now that the schoolroom has moved to the virtual world, it can be 24/7. Set clear work boundaries and establish "office hours." Share these with your students, parents, and your stuco kids. This is the only way to stay sane!
2. Keep a Schedule. Let's be honest--teachers love a good schedule! It's easy to fall into summer mode (where you don't know the day of the week or time), but keeping a schedule will help you be productive and stay on track. Schedules are also great for our students. They really do love routine--especially our council kids. Try to keep as close to your council schedule as you can, even if that means a few modifications. (see tip 3)
3. Zoom. Zoom. Zoom. Wow! This is a GREAT tool to keep in touch with your student council. My council is starting back to regular meetings this week-same day, same time, different place. Students can meet and share ideas about how to still impact the culture and climate of the school without being inside those four walls. Visit https://zoom.us/ for more information.
4. Do less. Remember that most kids are navigating this online learning just like we are, and it can be overwhelming. You don't have to do the same amount that you were doing before. This goes for your classes as well as your council. If you have a 50 minute class period, you don't need to assign 50 minutes of work. If you had 50 council projects going, you can let some of those of go-to! :) Focus on quality, not quantity!
5. Stay Connected. In the student council world, we have a disproportionate number of extroverts both with our advisors and student leaders. WE ARE NOT OKAY! No one loves quarantine, but the extroverts are really struggling! Find unique ways to stay connected with people you love and people who bring positivity to your life. Just this week my daughter had a virtual playdate in zoom to watch Disney Fairytale Weddings with her best friend, and my family just finished an epic Yahtzee battle via Facetime.
This is an overwhelming (and sometimes scary) time, but we've got this. Humans have an incredible capacity for love & resiliency--LET'S DO THIS! :)
GASC DISTRICT CONFERENCES
September 28: District 1 Conference
September 29: District 2 Conference
September 30: District 3 Conference
To find your district click here: http://www.gasconline.net/districts.html
We're here to help!
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