Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
Your Circle Matters (July 26, 2019)
“The people we surround ourselves with either raise or lower our standards. They either help us to become the best version of ourselves or encourage us to become lesser versions of ourselves. We become like our friends. No man becomes great on his own. No woman becomes great on her own. The people around them help to make them great.
We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves.”
― Matthew Kelly, The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
I was fortunate enough to connect with some friends this summer that I don't always get to see, but we do occasionally chat. What I cherish about great friends are three things...
- It doesn't matter that time has passed you can pick things up right where you left off.
- I never feel judged by my closest friends. The support is unconditional.
- True friends make sure the relationship is two-way.
We are on the cusp of a new school year. With new beginnings often comes excitement, anticipation and even anxiousness. But it's important to understand that you can't do it alone. We must surround ourselves with people that lift us and support us. With that I'd like you to read this by Lolly Daskal.
We’re surrounded with people most of the time—the people we work with, family, friends, romantic partners. Whether we’re aware of it or not, these people all have a tremendous impact on our thinking, being and living. That makes it worth pausing to ask yourself, Are these the people I want in my corner?
Here are a few of the different kinds of people who may have an effect on your life. See if any of them seem familiar, and then decide how much influence you want them to hold over you. Remember that it matters who you surround yourself with.
People who bring value. Many people in this world desire to help others. They are the makers—the ones who are all about bringing and adding value. They understand that the purpose of our lives is to add value to the people around us. They’re a consistently valuable presence in your life, so make sure you bring value to them as well.
People who take from you. Most people are fairly quick to give and a few are wildly generous, but there will always be some who are wholly devoted to taking. They’re the ones who put on a warm friendly exterior to hide their calculated motives. It’s not unusual to have a taker somewhere in your life, but you can set firm boundaries to limit their influence and keep them from draining you.
People who expand you. Some people seem to have a gift for building others up. Their faith in you makes you feel you can be bigger, stretch further, achieve more than you ever have. They’re constantly challenging you to be your best as they help you embrace your weaknesses and maximize your strengths. If you’re fortunate enough to have one of these people in your life, consider their influence a treasure and keep them close.
People who shrink you. It’s rarely intentional, but some people have a way of letting you know you’ll never be quite good enough or smart enough for them, that you’re not living up to their idea of your potential. They behave in ways that are hurtful and harmful, all in the guise of caring about you. If you’re close to someone like this, it can be painful to realize their true nature. It requires that you be strong and consistently resist their messages, both the subtle and the not-so-subtle. You never know—sometimes the best path to connecting with your own strengths is for someone else to try to take advantage of you.
Who’s in your corner? What kind of people do you surround yourself with? Remember that while everyone in your life is there for a reason, you need to know whose influence to embrace and whose to resist.
Lead from within: Be picky about the people who you keep around you. You are a product of those you surround yourself with, so make sure it’s the best people.
What's on the Horizon:
Monday, August 19th: Building Activities
8am-11am Parma Elementary for ACES training
11:30am PTO provided lunch at Warner12:15pm Staff Meeting1:15 - 3pm Classroom Time
Tuesday, August 20th: District Activities
7:45-8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast (WHS Commons/Lunchroom)This is a change from the usual hot breakfast.8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. All Staff Meeting (WCAC)
10:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. -11:30 a.m. PLC Kick Off 2019 (WCAC)
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Catered Lunch (WHS Lunchroom)
12:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Collaboration Meetings (WHS)5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Warner Open House
Second, PD opportunity at the JCISD
JCISD is pleased to announce an upcoming workshop for K-8 teachers and administrators with nationally recognized literacy coach and author, Gravity Goldberg. Gravity's session, “Mindsets and Moves” describes how to let go of our default roles of assigner, monitor, and manager and instead shift to a growth mindset. Easily replicable in any setting, any time, her framework ultimately lightens your load because it allows students to monitor and direct their reading lives.
Please review the attached flyer for details. We look forward to having you join us to learn from this renowned educator.
Third, Fountas & Pinnell PD at the JCISD
The JCISD Literacy Team will be offering a one day professional learning opportunity for all K-5 teachers to become familiar with the administration, scoring and analysis of the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System, 3rd Edition. Additionally participants will explore ways to use assessment data to inform instruction.
The training is scheduled for Friday, August 9, 2019 from 9:00-3:00 at the JCISD. The cost is $25. Teachers are asked to bring their BAS kit to the training.
Click to register:
https://www.solutionwhere.com/ww/Aspx/Public/Search/ShowCourse.aspx?courseNum=1064&cId=89&pCId=0
Fourth, Office Max is appreciating educators.
It's time once again to show our appreciation for our teachers.
In partnership with Texas Roadhouse, we are hosting a Teacher Appreciation Lunch.
The date: August 14th. The time: 11am-3pm. The place: Office Max in Jackson.
Texas Roadhouse will be serving pulled pork sliders for lunch and we will have chips, cookies and beverages as well.