In education we strive to be life long learners and to constantly improve upon our weaknesses, but rarely do we celebrate our achievements. Winter break has ended and 2023 is here!! I like to think of the New Year as a fresh start, time to recharge, refocus and refresh my plans. Like hitting the refresh button on your computer, the start of a new year can give you the chance to refresh your mindset, your goals and your energy. Forbes magazine recently shared an Instagram post encouraging readers to "reflect, learn from, and celebrate the last twelve months." Stating "It is important to focus on and learn from our performance gaps. The trap is when we only focus on the gap and fail to acknowledge what we accomplished and what it took to do so." I encourage you take a few minutes and think of all the great things you have accomplished, the people you have inspired and the lives you have changed. The following questions from the Forbes' post may help you reflect and celebrate:

• What were my most interesting moments and unique experiences over the last year?
  
• What challenges did I face in the last year, personally and professionally? How did I grow from these?
• What new skills did I develop/improve last year?
• What have I learned about myself, how I work, and what I need to be at my best?
• What am I most proud of?

As educators and life long learners there are always new ideas and tools to motivate and improve our classrooms. Check out these upcoming training opportunities!

Restorative Practices are a continuum of research-based informal and formal strategies to develop community in schools and foster healthy relationships.

• We are excited to offer another opportunity to attend this powerful Foundations Training - April 6th and 7th
  More Information and Registration
• For those that completed the Foundations Training in June we are also offering virtual coaching and tidbits afternoon sessions on Jan. 30th, Feb 15th, March 15th and April 27th. Contact Tammy Nguyen for more information.
• For those that completed the Foundations Training in June or will complete in April, we will offer Restorative Justice Conferencing - June 15th and 16th
  More Information and Registration

Early Literacy Virtual Professional Learning Network

https://educationspeakersnetwork.com/elsb-pln-fall22/

Learning for Justice

https://www.learningforjustice.org/professional-development

California After School Network (CAN)

https://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/trainings-events

Recently the Truth Initiative published a quick read on the link between mental health and nicotine. Studies show that quitting smoking or vaping, which many turn to in times of anxiety and stress, will lead to improved mental health. According to a the British Medical Journal "quitting smoking is linked with lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress, as well as, improved positive mood and quality of life..."

If you know of students that need support to quit vaping or smoking, please refer them to a counselor or Ana Danielson at MCOE. There are also a number of anonymous text-based help programs, including This is Quitting, Kick it California, and SmokeFree.