Staff Newsletter
because it helps to know what's going on
Friday, December 14
15 Things Successful People Do Over Holiday Breaks
The holidays are almost here, which means you might be looking forward to some time off from work.
While this time of year might be a bit chaotic, a break from work can offer you the chance to recharge and refocus.
However, it's crucial that you don't squander the opportunity.
Here are 15 things that successful people do during breaks:
1. They have a plan
"Successful people plan ahead when a holiday break is approaching, because they recognize that it's a rare opportunity to enjoy well-earned leisure time," Taylor said. "Even if the plan is to kick back, they usually have in mind certain activities, such as visiting with family or friends."
2. They compartmentalize
Don't ruin your break by overworking yourself. If you need to get stuff done, there's a way to handle it without dragging down the rest of your time off. "If work needs to get done, assign a period during the day or the break to attend to it," Taylor said.
3. They set boundaries
"Successful professionals let others know when and how they can be reached, so they can truly recharge," Taylor said. "Setting a day and time during the week allows you to get a lot accomplished in an efficient way." So make sure to set up an "out of office" email.
4. They get organized before they leave
It can be hard to relax on break if you've left your work in a state of disarray. "Tying up loose ends mitigates chaos and projects falling through the cracks by the time you return," Taylor said.
5. They assign someone to fill in
"You may not have the luxury of literally handing over your projects to a staff member, but savvy professionals will at least have a contact available who can reach them in an emergency," Taylor said.
6. They set limits
Sometimes, you just have to say "no" to things on break. "Depending on the status of your work and latitude in your position, you may sometimes have to say, 'No,' albeit diplomatically, when asked for things that can wait," Taylor said. "If that's been a challenge for you in the past, this is an opportunity to grow and feel more empowered in your work life."
7. They unwind
Successful people try to detach themselves from their cell phones, Taylor said. It will help you unwind and relax.
8. They visit family and friends
There's no place like home for the holidays. "There may be other times of the year when you have time off and those you care about aren't available," Taylor said. "But this is prime time for reconnecting with your family and friends; they likely have some downtime, too."
9. They allow for some slack
At the end of the day, breaks are meant to be relaxing. Don't overbook yourself. "If you book yourself solid with activities during your time off, you may feel pressure, which is counterproductive," Taylor told Business Insider.
10. They plan quick getaways or staycations
Full-fledged vacations can be amazing, enriching experiences, but a lot of holiday travel can also be rather draining. Taylor noted that successful people realize that low-key getaways and staycations can be just as fun during breaks.
11. They exercise
Don't make excuses. Odds are, you're downing a few more candy canes than usual over break, so it's more crucial than ever that you keep up your exercise routine. "Skipping workouts over the holidays can make you feel like you're dragging, and you want to capitalize on valued time off by feeling your best mentally and physically," Taylor said.
12. They engage in their passions
Getting involved in your favourite hobby or pastime, whether it's music, sports, art, reading, or other endeavors, gives you a broader and healthier perspective on life," Taylor said. "It also makes you a more interesting person in and outside of work."
13. They enjoy nature
Taylor said that the holidays are an excellent time to enjoy the great outdoors and get some much-needed fresh air.
14. They detach from work
Whatever you do, don't waste your precious free time on work. You might get ahead in the office in the short-term, but you're risking burnout and sacrificing your own relaxation. "Work-life balance can seem a trite term, but it's how many business leaders define true success," Taylor said.
15. They volunteer
"The holidays can be an ideal time to help others who are less fortunate, especially during this time of year when a sense of support and community goes a long way," Taylor said. Plus, helping others may make you feel happier and healthier.
An Update on Nhut
Congratulations Mrs. Figg on your Retirement!
~Enjoy your retirement!
Tina
Welcome New Staff Members!
Jayme Rector and Zach Daily.
You might recognize Jayme, as she has children in our district and is the wife of Northview Christian Church's Pastor, Nathan Rector.
Zach Daily is relocating here from Jeffersonville, Indiana and is a certified teacher.
I am excited to have both on board. I will be working on the specifics of their schedule and hope to either get that out by Friday afternoon or before we return from break.
Zach will primarily cover the duties that Linda Figg was covering and Jayme will work with a specific student in Tammy's class that Megan Hopper has been covering.
I know all of you will make them feel right at home when they arrive.
Unfamiliar faces in the building over break
- Believe it or not, rubbing a walnut on damaged wooden furniture can cover up a lot of dings and scratches.
- If your toothpaste says it repairs teeth, make sure it contains "NovaMin" as an active ingredient. It's the only ingredient that actually does repair teeth.
- Lifting up on a door while opening or closing it will often keep it from squeaking and waking people up.
Reminders
- Nominate a Student of the Month for any outstanding student you might have.
- Don't forget....Send any students down to the office with a "positive referral" to sign the Great Big Book of Awesomeness. Students who sign will get a notification to take home to their parents.
- It's now the end of December....time to update South's Data Dashboard if you haven't already.
- Don't forget to "Sign In" each week on the 2018-19 PD Sign in for PGP Verification" Doc
Flyin' High with RTI
Jaymee here!
We've been focusing on fiction this week, particularly how the actions of a character affect the feelings of the other characters. An important aspect of this is noticing the point at which the feelings change.
Renee here!
I am SUPER proud of our Math Lab students in the last few weeks. Many have really brought a positive attitude and strong desire to succeed to class.
I will NOT be meeting with the 4th grade MFM groups today- I have a meeting and will be helping with some benchmarking.
The Zen Zone will be CLOSED today so that I can make up some skipped library classes.
CIC Meetings For The Year
Upcoming Dates
Dec. 21: Teacher Workday. Grades need to be posted before leaving
Jan. 7: Return
Jan. 7: NWEA Window opens
Jan 8: PLC Meetings
Jan.9: Faculty Meeting
Jan. 14: School Board Mtg.
Jan. 15: PLC Meetings
Jan. 18: 4th to Clowes Hall
Jan. 21: MLK Day, No School
Jan. 22: Textbook Caravan, PLC Meetings
Jan. 23: Grade Level/Dept. Meetings.
Jan. 24: Data Team Mtg.
Jan. 25: CIC Meeting
Jan. 25: A Cup Above Catering
Jan. 25: NWEA Window Closes