To the Point
Prairie Point Staff Newsletter
Issue 16: December 9, 2014
The Power of Words
I thought this video was a good one to share with you as we approach the holidays. Sherri Dhuse sent it to me last year at this time and it's always stuck with me. I love this video because I have always believed in the power of words. They allow us to not only communicate, but to understand others and the world. Lately, I've been intentionally trying to alter my outlook on different situations and see things from a new angle. Use new words to describe old things, or pay closer attention to words I've always said, but rarely take time to reflect on their true meaning.
Over Thanksgiving, I thought about gratitude. Events that have occurred in the lives of my friends, and within my own family, have helped me to reflect that the word gratitude really goes deeper than simply being "thankful." It's taking time to recognize the blessing in all of the small things that we don't normally consider, or the things we just pass over without taking the time to think about the significance within them. On Saturday, I received a "selfie" of my mom and dad. After the turmoil of my dad being taken to the hospital by ambulance on Thursday with what we thought was a heart attack, and the happiness and relief when he was released on Friday night, it was that picture that I reacted to the most. The picture (Santa hat and all) was not different than any of the others my dad likes to send from his much prized smart-phone, but it was me, as the receiver of the picture, that was different. The word I would have used a week ago was "dad's just being silly again." Now, I took a few extra minutes to see and accept what it was, and the word became...."beautiful." Now I just can't let myself forget...Change your words, Change your world :-)
We will have our annual holiday celebration on Friday, December 19th at 12:15. Lunch will be provided for you. During the party, we will have our annual Ugly Sweater Contest and White Elephant Exchange. Let's take some time to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy one another's company.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
With love,
Heidi
ISBE Math Materials - Resources for K-5
News & Info
Wednesday Morning Meetings
Next Meeting - Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Topic: ISBE Math Resources, K-5
Team Collaboration
Please review the agenda prior to each meeting. Wednesday meetings will be held in the Community Room. We will begin promptly at 7:35 a.m.
If you are unable to make it to a meeting, please let us know in advance, if possible. Please see Heidi or Jen as soon as you can after the meeting to find out what you missed.
Coming Events!
Writer's Workshop
Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015, 07:30 AM
Prairie Point Community Room
RSVPs are enabled for this event.