Panther Press

Empathy and Engagement

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work based boundaries

In a large organization, there are many moving parts, and it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture. When we're privy to discussions about staff attendance, the progress of certain groups, strategies for involving parents, and upcoming school events, it's natural to have questions and doubts. But it's important to remember that our colleagues and administrators are doing their best, and that they may be dealing with factors that we're not aware of.

Just take pause. Before we criticize decisions or projects that we haven't been a part of, let's take a moment, a breath even, to reflect on the intricate puzzle of managing a large organization. There are countless factors to consider, and it's important to respect the privacy and understanding of our colleagues.

Let’s not forget the tasks that have already been tackled by our amazing team of teachers, related service providers, office staff, coaches, secretaries, coordinators, and paraprofessionals. We pride ourselves on being a tight-knit community, and true efficiency comes when we recognize and respect everyone's unique strengths. We're all working towards the same goal: providing our students with the best possible education.

Calendar/Events/To Do

October 9- OFF- Indigenous People's Day

October 10 to 27- Initial Planning Conferences

October 14th- New Teacher Induction, Ellery site

October 16th- Extended Day, IEP Tracker review

October 22nd- Disability Pride Parade

October 23rd- Hispanic Heritage Month culminating projects due

October 25th- Hispanic Heritage YouTube Live event

October 27th- SANDI closes

October 27th- Masquerade Ball

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D75 Back to School Event

Mayra, Tenia and I had a great time working the D75 Back to School Event at 233Q this past Saturday. A huge thank you to Ms. Gilinson for helping us to coordinate our West African Mask activity- it was a hit!
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McKinney Bulletin Board

Not to be outdone by Structured Teaching, I present McKinney's "50 Years of Hip Hop/Find Your Rapper Name" bulletin board. Mine is Baby Child- what's yours?
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Station Teaching Brown Bag

Thank you to Ms. Ali for hosting.

Feel free to review her presentation.

School Swag for Sale

See our model, Brian Williams, for purchase.
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Buena Vida Gardening

Our Buena Vida crew helped beautify the Ellery site!
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Shout Outs

Osvaldo Claudio for advocating for and successfully enrolling our students in an advanced culinary training program! Thanks to his efforts, the following students will participate in a Manhattan-based, year-long course:

Manny Acevedo

Darius Johnson

Julia Lugo

Marquis Welch

Song of the Week

While not released until 1992, Judge Not is actually the first single recorded by Bob Marley in 1962. This song feels particularly apt recently, as we work to change culture and embed systems within our school. Change takes time, and can often feel glacial (and honestly, it should). It is uncomfortable, and an easy process to second guess. It is much easier to judge the effort than engage broadly or give grace. I ask that we all take a step back and be easier with one another.

As Marley says so eloquently, "I know that I'm not perfect, and I don't claim to be."

Judge Not