From Grace and Jodi
Grace: Last week I reflected on my love/hate relationship with November. In the Catholic tradition, November is also a time to remember those who've died (ie. All Soul's Day). Last year this month, my mother-in-law passed away, and 48 years ago I suddenly lost my father. Every culture has its way of honoring those who have come before us. I would not be the person I am without my father, and my mother-in-law was in my life for over 30 years.
I am thankful for all of you - and am thinking about how hard you are working to keep classrooms open and safe, while also growing the mindset needed to accelerate learning. I am worried about the dark days of November through January (see graph above) and the stress of budget/probable org season. But I know that you will persist through these stressors and continue to serve students and families. Please take time over the holiday for gratitude and time with friends and loved ones - there's much on your shoulders, and I appreciate you.
Jodi: Grace and I collaborate on creating this blog. When I read her reflection above I was struck by its stark honesty and a little worried that she was heading into the dark place I sometimes go to. (She's not) Then I realized the beauty that is in remembering even though sometimes it is bittersweet. I am who I am, as an individual, in a great part due to my grandmother. We are, collectively, who we are because of our ancestors. We are the leaders we are because we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Someday our shoulders will serve as the pedestal for the next generation of leaders who will rise and serve.
In the present I am thankful that my own leadership is made stronger because of you. That our journey has brought us together in this moment. The present moment may not be easy or simple but I know we hold each other both in community and spirit. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for you.
December Region Meeting
Since formative evaluations are right around the corner, this in-person meeting time will be used to calibrate classroom observations together. Lauren Murdock has graciously agreed to host us at Orchard Gardens. The school is large enough to accommodate all of us; however, their parking lot is not. You may want to carpool with your colleagues that work closest to you. Another option is to find street parking near Bolling and walk over.
Please make your best effort to block off the full morning on 12/7/21 8am-11am to engage in this work. This will be our first in-person meeting as a region in two years!
Colleague Connections
Tynan: If you are looking for a model 6th grade math classroom reach out to Leslie at the Tynan. Mr. Fredericksen is talented at culturally affirming practices, weaving Sel-Well practices into lessons, and maintaining high standards for students.
Timilty: Marvin and his operations team have created an incident report and follow up cycle that helps to keep everyone informed about what is happening and how resolution was reached.
Orchard Gardens: Although there has been news about how we have problems with pooled/rapid testing and contact tracing, I would like to highlight that the Orchard Gardens effectively contained the spread. It only happened because the entire team rallied, from nurses to the operations team to the CIC coordinator to ensure the test/stay program was effective. So often we hear of when things are not working - we need to acknowledge times when they are. If you have concerns about an outbreak, contact Lauren.
Friday Flyer
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