A Focus on Joy
Chancellor News and Notes, January 16-21, 2016
A few reminders:
- Tuesday the 17th: Dress in Bright colors for daily "No Name Calling" theme
- Wednesday the 18th: Sweat pants or warm-ups for daily theme, Team forms for Chancellor Under the Sea are due (one math, one science, and one literacy booth)
- Thursday the 19th: 90th day of school! Dress like the 90's while kids dress for future careers for the daily theme, or dress for your future career too! :)
- Friday the 20th: Wear a college shirt for daily theme
- Thursday the 26th: Chancellor Under the Sea!
- Friday the 27th: Chancellor's first Friendly Friday (2:30-3:00), Girl Scout Cookie Order for Chancellor Girl Scouts is due :)
So I've chosen my word for this year.
It took me a couple of weeks to decide, in thinking about current changes in my life, goals, and looking to the future (OMG I might have to plan a wedding and not elope as planned?!), and I narrowed it down to one word. Joy. I will work to actively choose joy, find the positive, be kind, and work toward making life a pleasurable experience in all aspects, from the fun stuff to the stuff that's not quite as fun (such as the gym...or cleaning...or laundry...). That means less complaining, working toward being proactive rather than reactive, working toward my goals with a positive outlook, and making the time to celebrate the little milestones along the way. So that's out in the public now, I can be held accountable. :)
Do you have your one word for 2017?
The simple premise of choosing one word for the year is to give you a focus for your life, where you are going next, and it offers a lens to view your goals, aspirations, and dreams through. Your word should be something that will make an impact on you in a positive and productive way, and that will give you a push in the right direction. Jon Gordon's book, One Word, is a great resource if you want to know more about how to use this idea in your life! A new expanded edition has just been released, which I am planning on reading next (as soon as I order it). The original book can be found anywhere, and there's lots of copies around campus that can be borrowed too, so just ask around!
How does choosing joy change perspective? A few examples! :)
Sounds kinda sappy, right? But just pause and think, if we choose joy, and kindness, and love, how will our lives change? We get caught up in testing stress, behavior battles, annoyance at having to give that extra five bucks to a shower to someone not even on your team (I could have used that $5 for Starbucks!), but when we stop for a minute and process those things through the lens of choosing joy, how does the perspective change?
- Testing stress: If I am actively choosing joy, I will allow my students or myself to become overly stressed by testing, as we are proactively working toward goals with specific plans in plans. My students will not be stressed because we are keeping things goal-oriented and positive. Stress is inevitable if we are not getting the results we want, but I will celebrate EVERY SINGLE GROWTH with fanfare, no matter how small, and let my students know I am proud of their efforts.
- Behavior battles: If I am actively choosing joy, I have developed a community in my classroom, where everyone works together to make the right choices for our classroom to flow productively. I don't argue with children, or expect children to always be perfect, because I am the adult. I know how to use CHAMPS and STOIC to my advantage, and I use PBIS, Bucket Fillers, and Love and Logic strategies to help get my students back on track without having to resort to a "battle of wills."
- Wedding and Baby Showers: I only mention showers because this spring we have a bunch! If I am actively choosing joy, then I know by giving my donation (equal to a grande cup at Starbucks), I am helping a fellow staff member receive a lovely present or gift card toward their upcoming marriage or baby on the way, and I am getting to participate in their moment of joy and hope for the future (along with some yummy cake and snacks provided by the hosting team!). How awesome is that?! And at some point, others have done the same for me, or will do the same for me, so it's all about paying it forward.
Kindness Challenge! How do kids view kindness? Do they know what it means when you say "show kindness"?
Kindness Challenge continues!
Comet of the Week is...Mrs. Theleesa Jasmin!
Mrs. Perry has nominated Mrs. Jasmin in first grade because "she is funny, patient, supportive, and has a very great temperament with all students. Also, you can really see how much she loves her students and cares for them dearly. Mrs. Jasmin works hard with all students and she motivates them all to do their best. She truly has a heart of gold."
Mrs. Jasmin will receive the COW parking spot for the week, a snack shack coupon, jeans pass, and the privilege of nominating next week's Comet of the Week!
Calendar for the Next Two Weeks
16 MLK Day
Staff and
student holiday
17 EDC 88
Music Meeting
GOTR KSE Chess Club
Leading Ladies PLC 1st #12
18 EDC 89
Mentor meeting
STUDCO PLC K #12
19 90th Day EDC 90
Principal meeting
Technology Committee meeting
FAME Committee meeting
GOTR Sports Club PLC 5th #13
20 EDC 91
ILT content meeting
Fat Friday (2, 3, ILT, Block)
3rd gr. Field Trip - 9:15-12:00
PLC 4th #13
23 EDC 92
Progress reports due
PLC 3rd #13
24 EDC 93
Science Specialist meeting
Intermediate LA Specialist mtg
Intruder Drill
GOTR KSE Chess Club
Picture Perfect PLC 2nd #13
25 EDC 94
Asst. Principal meeting
STEM
Wellness Committee meeting
STUDCO PLC 1st #13
26 5th reading CCA EDC 95
Progress reports go home
ILT mid year review w/Dr. Page
GOTR Tech Squad
Chancellor Under the Sea
5:00-7:00
27 4th reading CCA EDC 96
Lunar New Year Luncheon
Friendly Friday
PLC K #13