Staff News-Summer Updates
June 18, 2020
Summer Relaxation
Although most of us are still doing some work over the summer, I hope you are finding some time to relax and enjoy this beautiful summer. I read an article online about how to truly relax. Here is a summary.
Learning to truly unwind and unplug will help us become happier and more balanced, and recharge our physical and spiritual batteries. Psychotherapist and positive living expert Diane Lang, author of the book, Creating Balance and Finding Happiness, offers 10 ways to truly relax this summer.
1. Take some time to spend outdoors. When we spend our time in nature, it naturally calms us and gives us a feeling of inner peace. The bonus is natural sunlight, which gives us our vitamin D – great for the bones and a mood booster.
2. Unplug from technology. Use the summer as an excuse to be in vacation mode. Even if you only can do this once a week, take that time to connect to nature by unplugging from technology.
3. Start a fitness program that is fun and adventurous. Go hiking, bike riding, etc. Do something new and fun! Make it better by bringing a friend.
4. Slow down. It's summer; start living mindfully by doing one task at a time, enjoying the beauty around you and living in the moment.
5. Spend time with friends and family. Set up date nights and fun nights! The days are longer, so it's a great time to really go out and have fun!
6. Do activities you really love. Read the book you never had time to, take a day trip to a new town and see new sights or go to the beach and relax. Whatever brings you “flow.” This is the time to do it.
7. Step outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. It can be something simple like trying a new drink or food or going to a new restaurant. Every time we try something new, we take a risk and feel a boost of happiness.
8. Use up your personal time from work and have some free time with no expectations. It doesn't matter if you go on vacation or just take a walk; just enjoy some time off!
9. Create some “me time.” I wake up 10 minutes earlier in the summer to sit outside on my deck with my coffee and just enjoy the silence. All you need to do is take 10-15 minutes a day for you!
10. Breathe. Even with nice weather and longer days, we still can get stressed. So, when you feel the stress coming, take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath. It works
Virtual Technology Conference
Envision eLearning Online Resources and PD
Canvas is coming!
A district-wide decision has been made and LSC will be using Canvas K-12 as its Learning Management System (LMS). This will be easier for parents to access documents using the same platform consistently throughout our district. This is new to our elementary buildings K-4. Professional development will be offered this summer and course invitations to the PD will be pushed out to teachers within the next few days. This Canvas PD will take place via Canvas. I know this seems odd to use this, but it will work well, and it will provide the opportunity for teachers to use Canvas from a student perspective, too. Staff will be able to work at their own pace and convenience to complete the course. Teachers and administrators will work through some modules, short videos, assignments, and quizzes. The assignments and quizzes will need to be completed in order to receive PGPs. I know many of you loved Showbie Pro but due to fiscal limitations, it will no longer be available. All K-12 teachers in LSC will be expected to use Canvas but plenty of help and support will be offered. We are all learning this together. As with all summer PD, this is optional.
Zones of Regulation
Sprucing Up the Building!
The New Roof
Our Parking Lot is GROWING!
The new parking lot is well underway. It will connect to the Beck Lane entrance and runs the length of the building and wraps around almost to the playground black top on the south side of the building. . What an undertaking! The parking lot is expected to be completed late July. We will have new drop off and pick up procedures in place for the first day of school on August 11th.
I will be hosting a brainstorming meeting to create our new drop off and pick up procedures on Friday, July 10th at 10:00 am. You are welcome to join us! We need your BRAIN POWER!!!