Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
Trying to Juggle It All (April 1st)
"No matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets, I'm going to make it." - Les Brown
What an interesting week. In the matter of hours these things happened...
- Bridge Magazine leaked that school would be cancelled for the remainder of 2019-2020
- Detroit, Michigan became the Midwest Hot Spot for Covid19
- My brother was featured on CNN
- Over 50 confirmed cases were reported in Jackson, County
- Educators began scrambling to figure out what does a closure mean
Yet through it all I found myself focusing most on being a dad, a husband, and a friend.
Let's start with this...
First, you are of no good to others if you are not taking care of yourself. Check out this article, Rethinking Our Self-Care During a Pandemic. My favorite suggestion is, Be of service to others without depleting myself. Some days you will undoubtedly feel as though, YOU GOT THIS...and other days you may simply feel like crying. Don't beat yourself up. Give yourself grace and understanding.
Second, focus on family! Yes you are an educator, but you are also a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend. Being present and supportive to the people around you is very important. Checking in on extended family is more important than ever. Loneliness and depression are real to those that are isolated. As for your own family...this is an opportunity. Take time to slow the pace and enjoy being together.
Third, realize you are not alone. In the blink of an eye we went from having hallways and classrooms full of kids to now sending an email or hoping our kids can connect to our Zoom. As an educator it is normal to wonder what to do and how to make the time meaningful. My BEST suggestion is, connect and collaborate with others. I firmly believe we are better together. Now is the time to connect with colleagues and discuss ideas to engage our kids.
Fourth, check in on your kids. What I see from so many of my fellow educators is a BIG HEART for all kids. You miss your kids. You worry about your kids. You love your kids. Whether you are sending letters, checking in virtually, or simply picking up the phone, now is the time to check in on their wellbeing. If you have a student celebrating a birthday that is the perfect time to call or reach out. Everyone wants to be remembered on their day!
Lastly, find time to reflect. My guess for many of you is that life has slowed down. Now is a terrific time to journal, read, and reflect on the people in your life that bring joy and happiness. I'm a true believer that what we surround ourselves with matters. Don't believe me, check out this article: We Become What We Surround Ourselves With.
I continue to beam with pride as I watch all of you rise to the occasion during this unprecedented time. Please remember a couple things...I don't expect you to have all the answers and to be perfect. I just love that you are willing to try. Secondly, I'm here for you. Whatever you need, no questions asked.
What's On The Horizon...
1st) Staff please share and publicize this link: https://forms.gle/o9tHovkzK1jj2mdr8
It is for Kindergarten Round-Up 2020. The goal is to not only reach current Western Families but also encourage others to share with as many families as possible.
2nd) Do you have a family that you have not heard from? Please let me know and we can find ways to connect.
3rd) Curious what other States are doing to move forward? Here is the document developed in Illinois: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/RL-Recommendations-3-27-20.pdf
4th) Curious what other States are doing to move forward? Here is the document developed in Kansas: https://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Communications/Publications/Continuous%20Learning%20Task%20Force%20Guidance.pdf?ver=2020-03-19-084325-833
5th) Please remember to share your 5 second video with Deb by the end of the week.
6th) Please share ANY positive pictures, videos or messages that can be highlighted. My goal is to spotlight all the great things happening at Warner.
7th) Check out Mr. Cole's Panther Paws News for Families
8th) Expectations for Teachers/Staff:
We do expect teachers to collaborate weekly with their grade level (district-wide) or content area via video conferencing.
We do expect that grade levels (elementary) will provide the same baseline expectations and materials.
We do expect teachers to coordinate instructional activities.
We do expect teachers to remain in contact with students on a regular basis.
We do expect that all staff will be paid their full wages and benefits provided our educational plan is acceptable.