RISE
Rosie Sorrell School of Education and Social Services
September 13-17, 2021
I Will Never Forget
Like the rest of the world, we were riveted to the television for the remainder of the day. Dejection, confusion, Sadness, Helplessness, Anger...Lost were some of the emotions I felt that day. For the rest of the day, the school was eeriely quiet. The principal did not announce a day of silence..there wasn't a special called meeting...On that day, teachers, students, and staff seemed to understand that there were no words...There was no reason to speak as we all were trying to understand what was happening in our country. The incredible sadness hung in the air and was palpable throughout the hallways and classrooms of the campus. I will never forget. Twenty years later, I, like others, still feel the poignancy of September 11th...
I am proud that scholars in one of our Human Services class, took it upon themselves to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this by making and disseminating ribbons on Friday in our commons. Some even felt the need to dress up a bit as another way to show respect for the lives lost and the families whose lives were forever changed. Thank you, students for going beyond self and reminding your peers of a day that we will never forget.
VJKendrick
Principal
Monday, September 13, 2021
- Welcome to Week 5!
- Goal Setting /TEI Conferences Begin Today!
- Magnet Principals' Meeting 10:30
- ALC Meetings Continue
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
- Goal Setting/TEI Conferences Continue
- District-wide Principals' Meeting
- Townview Principals and District Meeting
- Progress Reports Distributed
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
- STAAR 2.0 PD 8:15
- Goal-Setting/TEI Conferences Continue
- Phoenix Leadership Team Meeting
Thursday, September 16, 2021
- Goal Setting/TEI Conferences Continue
- ESSM Culture Walk 1:30--2:30, Dr. Zysk
Friday, September 17, 2021
- Goal Setting/TEI Conferences Wrap-Up
- Lesson Plans Due
4 Ways Teachers Can Prioritize Their Own Mental Health
Discover some strategies you can implement to prioritize your own mental health and wellbeing this year and prevent burnout.
1. Protect your energy and mental health by setting boundaries.
One of the hardest things about teaching is that there’s always something to be done (and that there’s never enough time to do it). This can make it feel extremely difficult for teachers to set boundaries to protect their mental health. However, setting healthy boundaries is crucial to your success in the classroom since it can help you focus on what’s most important. Plus, it can help you find time to do the things that bring you joy and recharge you.
This looks like:
- Setting limits and timers for when and how long you will work on school things.
- Choosing to not check or respond to work emails and texts while at home.
- Saying no to things when you want to or need to (and not shaming yourself for it).
- Using your planning periods for yourself, instead of others.
2. Prioritize time to rest and replenish your cup.
It can be hard to turn off your teacher brain. But prioritizing rest can help you process your day (or your week), renew your energy, and ultimately prevent you from burning out. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
This looks like:
- Scheduling a few mini breaks throughout the day or taking your full lunch break (rather than pushing through and feeling wiped out).
- Giving yourself permission not to do work over the weekend or during school breaks.
- Limiting time on devices or turning them off after a certain time.
- Letting go of the pressure to constantly create lessons from scratch.
3. Stop expecting perfection from yourself.
You don’t have to be perfect in order to be a good teacher. It’s okay if your desk is messy or if your bulletin boards aren’t Instagram perfect. It’s okay if you don’t have the most extravagant lessons or the cutest classroom decor. All that you can ask from yourself is that you do your best — and your best is more than enough.
This looks like:
- Setting small, manageable, and realistic goals.
- Prioritizing your to-do list in order of what absolutely needs to be completed. Being okay with not checking everything off of the list.
- Muting social media accounts that make you feel guilty for not doing “enough.”
4. Practice self-compassion.
Just as you would say to your students: it’s okay to not feel okay. We all have good days and bad days. But it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection on you or your abilities. Give yourself grace, and the ability to start fresh.
This looks like:
- Speaking to yourself as you would to a friend or loved one — with affirming statements and understanding.
- Reflect on your progress and celebrate your growth. There’s so much you’ve done and achieved over the past year.
If nothing else, remember: teacher mental health is essential and necessary. Most of all, it’s okay to prioritize yourself.
Happy Birthday, CIC Tommy VanSickle! (September 16th)
Rosie Sorrells School of Education and Social Services
Vision
All scholars from the Rosie Sorrell School of Education and Social Services will graduate as empowered citizens equipped to lead and serve as impassioned educators and humanitarians.Mission
We engage and equip scholars to thrive in and out of the classroom through relevant, experiential learning, self-efficacy, and caring relationships to be college and career ready.
Email: VaKendrick@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/essm
Location: 1201 East 8th Street, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: 972. 925.5940
Twitter: @RSSEducationSS