Supporting Through Loss

As an elementary school principal, I often reflect on the many roles I play in our school community. The roles extends beyond administrative duties, planning programs, meetings, and staff support. It also includes an emotional responsibility—a commitment to be present in the lives of our students, teachers, and their families during both celebrations and losses. One of the most challenging aspects of this role, and yet one that is incredibly meaningful, is attending the funerals of students, their family members, and the families of staff. This responsibility is a unique part of my position, but it’s one I take very seriously.  This week I attended two funerals for former students. I attended with staff members from my school.  We stood together, as we have many times before, to support each other and the families.  In my over 20 years in administration I have attended numerous services like these.  They never get easier for me.  I never have the correct words.   It is always awkward and uneasy.   But, I feel my attendance is important.    

When tragedy strikes, and a member of our community is grieving, my attendance at these services isn’t simply a formality; it’s a statement of solidarity. For the families, students, and staff experiencing loss, my presence shows that our school truly cares. These are the times when we come together, not only to mourn but also to support each other, to let them know they aren’t alone. Loss has a way of isolating people, and the presence of a familiar face—of someone who shares in the joy of their child’s growth or who witnesses their day-to-day lives—can help alleviate that isolation, if only a little.

For students who have lost a classmate, it’s especially important to show up, to remind them that our school is a safe, supportive place. Seeing me and our staff there, people who represent their school, helps them understand that this loss is felt by many, that it matters, and that there is a network of people around them who care deeply.

For our teachers, who give so much of themselves to their work, these moments provide a reminder that they are valued not only as professionals but also as individuals. Attending services for their family members, when they choose to share that part of their lives, demonstrates that our bond extends beyond school walls. We are a family in many senses, and showing up at these moments is one of the most meaningful ways to honor that.

The responsibility is difficult, no question, but it’s one that allows me to fulfill my role as a principal in the fullest sense. The impact that simply being there can have is significant, and it reminds us that our community is more than the sum of its parts—it is lives woven together, in joy and in sorrow. And as I step into these moments, I am constantly reminded of why I do what I do: to care for others, and to be a source of support, especially when it matters most.

The Power of Gratitude in Education: 5 Ways Educators Can Show Thankfulness

In the hustle of daily routines, it's easy to overlook how impactful a simple "thank you" can be. In education, practicing thankfulness not only boosts morale but fosters a warm, supportive environment that students, teachers, and families all benefit from. Gratitude helps build a culture of respect and appreciation, reinforcing the importance of each person’s role in our school communities.

Here are five meaningful ways educators can express gratitude and bring the benefits of thankfulness into their daily practices:

1. Personalized Notes of Appreciation

Taking the time to write a personal note goes a long way. Thank a student for their hard work, acknowledge a colleague’s support, or let a parent know how much you appreciate their involvement. Whether in a note, card, or even a quick email, showing gratitude in writing makes it personal and lasting.

2. Start Class with Gratitude Moments

Begin each day or week with a "Gratitude Moment." Invite students to share one thing they’re thankful for, or take a moment to recognize a student who showed kindness or perseverance. This habit encourages everyone to reflect on positive experiences, setting a thankful tone that can ripple through the classroom.

3. Celebrate Milestones and Small Wins

Whether it’s a completed project, an improved test score, or a display of resilience, celebrate both big and small achievements. Acknowledge these wins with applause, a "good job" sticker, or a positive note sent home. Recognizing and appreciating progress makes students feel valued and encourages a positive learning atmosphere.

4. Organize a "Thankfulness Wall"

Create a space where students and staff can share things they’re thankful for, from acts of kindness to special memories. Encourage everyone to contribute, and update it regularly. This wall of thankfulness helps foster a sense of community and reminds everyone of the positive impact they have on each other.

5. Thank Your Team Publicly

Take a moment in staff meetings, on social media or school newsletters to recognize colleagues’ hard work. When teachers and staff feel valued, they’re more likely to stay motivated and engaged. Highlighting accomplishments and contributions shows that their efforts don’t go unnoticed and strengthens team morale.

Expressing thankfulness isn’t just a gesture; it’s a practice that helps everyone feel seen, valued, and connected. In education, these acts of gratitude can make a lasting difference in creating a positive, supportive environment where everyone thrives. Let’s all strive to make thankfulness a daily habit!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE REMINDERS

Parent conference are just around the corner!  Here are a few tips to help educators prepare for these important meetings!

1.Keep It Positive -Assume good will from parents as our partners.

Parents want to see their child succeed more than anything else. Welcome every parent as your strongest ally in working with their child.

2. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare- Be ready to use your time wisely

What is your goal  for the time you have with the parents? What exactly do you want to communicate? What would you like the outcome of this meeting to be?

Have notes and work samples, and plan exactly what you want to share. Don't open a huge folder bursting with data. Put sticky notes on the items you want to share, and select the best examples to help meet your goal.

3. Be Solution Oriented- Don’t admire the problem.  Have ideas for possible solutions.

Be specific when asking for change. How can the parent help her child?  What specific action would you like them to take?

Always convey a growth mindset.Change is always possible, given the right conditions. If you want to see changes, be prepared to offer specific, actionable solutions.

4. Take the Opportunity to Learn-  What don’t you know about the child?  Listen to what is said, or not said by a parent.

What can you ask parents that might help you better support their child? This is a great opportunity to hear the parent’s perspective on their child's school experience, and for the parent to share what their child enjoys outside of school.  Be an active listener.

5. Show that You Care- Parents don’t care what you know until they know you care.   

For parents, conferences can be stressful. Parents all have experiences with teachers from when they attended school.  This shapes who they are, and how they respond.  Don't underestimate the power of specific positive feedback.  There is always, always something positive and praise-worthy about every single child. It's your job to find it and share that with parents.

6.  Be Intentional With Your Message.  Pay attention to your body language and Avoid “Teacher Lingo”

Be cognizant of how you set up your area.  Sitting next to a parent, rather than across, sends the message we are working together.  You should also set up your area so you can see a clock and keep track of time easily without distracting from the conversation.  Pay attention to your facial expression and what messages your body language sends. Avoid the use of school/ educational acronyms and educational jargon.  Use plain language to explain ideas to parents.  

Reminders of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People offers timeless wisdom for personal and professional growth. Whether you're revisiting these principles or encountering them for the first time, here’s a quick reminder of how these habits can guide you toward success:

1. Be Proactive: Take responsibility for your actions and focus on what you can control. Being proactive means acting with intention instead of reacting to situations.

2. Begin with the End in Mind: Envision your goals and work backward. Define what success looks like for you, and plan each step accordingly.

3. Put First Things First: Prioritize what truly matters. Focus on important tasks, rather than just the urgent ones, to make meaningful progress.

4. Think Win-Win: Seek mutually beneficial solutions in relationships. Cultivate an abundance mindset that focuses on collaboration rather than competition.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Practice empathetic listening. Take the time to truly understand others’ perspectives before expressing your own.

6. Synergize: Leverage the strengths of others by working together. Collaboration can create better outcomes than individuals working in isolation.

7. Sharpen the Saw: Maintain balance in your life by renewing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Continuous self-care keeps you effective in all areas.

You can buy a copy HERE.

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can create a foundation for personal and professional effectiveness. Which habit will you focus on today?

Engagement Matters!

 Engagement is the cornerstone of effective teaching and learning. When students are actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to retain information, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a love for learning. As educators, it is our responsibility to create an environment that stimulates curiosity, encourages exploration, and cultivates a passion for knowledge.

Here are a few reminders about the significance of engaging children during lessons:

1. Increased Retention: Active engagement helps students retain information better. When children are involved in hands-on activities, discussions, or problem-solving tasks, they are likelier to remember the concepts being taught.

2. Enhanced Critical Thinking: Engaging lessons encourage students to think critically and analyze information. By posing thought-provoking questions and encouraging discussion, teachers can stimulate higher-order thinking skills among their students.

3. Promotion of Creativity: Engaging lessons provide opportunities for creativity and innovation. Children actively involved in their learning are more likely to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and develop creative solutions to problems.

As we strive to create an engaging learning environment for our students, please reflect on your teaching practices and explore new strategies to enhance student engagement.   

Principals:  Here are a few questions for you to consider as you visit classrooms:

1. Are higher-order thinking questions being asked?

2. Does the teacher allow some thinking time after they ask a question?  (Count to 10 in your head after a question is asked.  When does the teacher ask for a response?)

3. How often does the teacher allow students time to do a “Turn and Talk” before the students respond to a question?

4. Does the teacher only call on students who have their hands raised?

"Stop Doing" List

 

We often talk about having a "To Do" List.  But have you ever considered a "Stop Doing" List?
 

In the pursuit of success and happiness, it's essential to not only focus on what we should be doing but also on what we should stop doing. A "Stop Doing This" list can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, helping you declutter your life and pave the way for success and happiness. Here are a few tips!

 

Eliminate Unproductive Habits:

This is an opportunity to identify and eliminate unproductive habits. Whether it's excessive time spent on social media, procrastination, or engaging in activities that contribute little to personal or professional development, recognizing and cutting out these habits can free up valuable time and energy.

 

Focus On Priorities:

By identifying tasks or commitments that do not align with your goals, you can redirect your efforts toward activities that truly matter. This intentional focus on priorities ensures that time and resources are allocated to endeavors that contribute meaningfully to personal and professional success, and happiness.

 

Focus On What You Can Control:

There are many things in life we cannot control.  Complaining about these things, and spending your time focusing on them does nothing to help you.   Instead, look at what you can control, and make the adjustments you need in these areas. 

 

Take Action:

Try these steps to make your list.

1. Reflect on Your Goals

   - Consider your short-term and long-term goals.

   - Identify behaviors or habits that are not aligning with your objectives.

2. Reflect  on Your Habits

   - Reflect on your daily activities and habits.

   - Identify patterns that may be holding you back or causing stress.

3. Prioritize the List

   - Arrange the items on your list in order of importance.

   - Focus on the behaviors that have the most significant impact on your goals.

4. Be Realistic

   - Set realistic, achievable goals and a timeline for eliminating each behavior.

   - Avoid setting yourself up for failure by setting overly ambitious targets.

5 Ways Teachers and Students Can Show Gratitude for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude, an opportunity to appreciate everything we have, and the important people in our lives. In the classroom, teachers and students can come together to express their thankfulness in a variety of creative ways. Here are five ideas!

1. Gratitude Journals:

Encourage students to keep gratitude journals during the days & weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Each day, have them write down three things they are thankful for. This practice helps students focus on the positive aspects of their lives and fosters a sense of appreciation for the world around them. Teachers can also participate, sharing their own reflections with the class.

2. Thankful Art Projects:

Get creative with gratitude-inspired art projects. Students can create drawings, paintings, or collages that depict the things they are grateful for. These can be shared with the class or displayed in the school to spread positivity. Teachers can lead by example and create their own thankful artwork to show their appreciation.

3. Acts of Kindness:

Thanksgiving is not just about being thankful for what we have but also about giving to others. Encourage everyone to perform acts of kindness as a way to express gratitude. This could include picking up trash around the school, volunteering for a local charity, or writing thank-you notes to family and school staff.

4. Thanksgiving Themed Discussions:

Host discussions in the classroom where students and teachers can share what they are thankful for. These conversations can be a great way to foster a sense of community and empathy. 

5. Gratitude Tree:

Create a gratitude tree in the classroom by decorating a tree trunk on a wall with paper leaves. Throughout the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, students and teachers can write what they are thankful for on the leaves and attach them to the tree. This visual representation of gratitude can serve as a constant reminder of the things that matter most.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for teachers and students to come together and celebrate gratitude. By practicing ways of showing appreciation, both educators and learners can create a positive and nurturing atmosphere in the classroom while reinforcing the values of gratitude and empathy.