#SAMedchat Archive
#SAMedchat is a an excellent interactive forum that discusses the latest in trends, strategies and issues relating to the exciting world of education and school leadership! Please join us on Thursdays from 7 pm to 8 pm, MST!
Thursday October 13, 2016
Welcome to ! Our topic tonight is Balance. Please take a moment to introduce yourself: name, role, and lo… https://t.co/b1J6NS1dOB
Hi everyone! Crista Anderson, principal of Dixon Pre-K -8. Glad to be here!
Welcome back! Thank you for joining us tonight!
Chat will be the standard Q1, A1 format. Include on every post.
Question 1 is on its way…
A1: Long days right now. 10-11 hr work days. Only get to hang out w/my girl for 2 hrs before she goes to bed :(
A1: Definitely long days... Especially w/commute. I finds myself multi-tasking. Trying to focus and "shut down" when with my kids
oh, commute - how much more does that add to the day?
A1: Oft late for events.. Sports, concerts, etc. because I want to check things off work list before leaving. Need to "let it go"
I notice that I have hard time doing this too
Almost two hours :-/ I try to make it constructive time though.
Question 2 coming in one minute…
A1.2: Between work and trying to spend time with my family, I lose sight of my friends and my health
A1: Depends on the day, but most days I spend more time on the job than off the job.
Welcome! I can't imagine the amount of time you put in as a Superintendent...
A1. I spend a lot of time at school or doing school work. Plus teaching for Mtda. I just do stuff w kids after.
Thank you for joining us tonight! How much time to you get to spend w/kids after all of those other things?
A1. I coach them in sports and try to read or talk about day or do homework
A2: Sometimes I think it is inefficiency due to lack of sleep. I would like to find a way to work smarter rather than harder.
A2: I try to find a good stopping point for the day, but I notice it is hard to leave our Ss, Ts, and families "at work"
A2: During day, I tend to focus on students and teachers… As acting superintendent & principal, lots of red tape saved for eves
It's amazing that we don't listen to what our bodies are telling us. I struggle w/this too.
A2. I have to step back and prioritize daily. I try not to do things that don't matter. We have tried to simplify
Yep. Ss & Ts come first. Paperwork, email, & other come second
A2. I think if I try to help kids and staff then I've had a great day. All other things can wait
What are examples of things you characterize as "don't matter?" This may help us all
Sometimes we just need a reminder and that comes in a lot of different ways. https://t.co/4mSRdDL8Ex
It's amazing that we don't listen to what our bodies are telling us. I struggle w/this too.
Question 3 coming in one minute…
I think emails. Trivial things. Inefficient structure where people can't problem solve
has great ideas on admin efficiency
A3: I found this to be difficult. I tried to find ways to involve my family in school job so I could be two places at once.
A3. I think the more you simplify goals for staff and set procedures and help for each other the more quality time you have
A3: I try to remember that I have other "main things" in my life besides - My wife, daughter, friends - they all matter
A3. Everyone needs down time or you aren't effective. Different for all
These sound like some great gratitudes! Always good to remind ourselves of what we are thankful for. https://t.co/VryGshEqOf
A3: I try to remember that I have other "main things" in my life besides - My wife, daughter, friends - they all matter
Blending the two worlds of home & school seems like a good way to start balancing
I think the more you do this the better leader you are
We do need to help each other to achieve balance in our lives!
A3: School secretary, clerk & I are all bad at getting out of building on time. Now check in with ea other and prompt to leave
This is a great chat. I enjoy hearing from you all. We aren't super man or super woman. And that's ok
Yes sir! I am also thankful for having thoughtful leaders like you!
Well is super woman actually
It is ok to be human. As a leaders it is good for others to know that you are only human. https://t.co/oIHcY7Lyl1
This is a great chat. I enjoy hearing from you all. We aren't super man or super woman. And that's ok
My boss and great at saying take the time you need to regroup
That's great advice. We need to remember that constantly in this profession
I make a lot of mistakes and have great bosses and staff that know I try hard daily to get better
Question 4 coming in one minute...
I really needed this chat tonight. Inspiring. Gets me back to focus
A4: My wife is LOL as I read her this question, as she has a hard time believing that I have a handle on this balance.
A4 simplify. Focus on a few things. Be understanding and empathetic w coworkers
I am glad you are part of this PLN. We need reminders to reset, recharge, reflect...
Interesting… Was just discussing with friend the power of "reboot" or "reset". Clear cache, simplify ;)
A4 drop work and give time to family and self
I was just thinking that any answer I put would be a bit hypocritical. Do what I say, not what I do??
A4: Find something (probably a hobby) that requires so much focus that you forget about everything else.
A4: Put the phone away when you get home! Definitely an area where I could improve.
A4: Give yourself permission to focus on other aspects of your life - family, self, friends, hobbies, faith
perhaps reading each other's advice will inspire us to change -
Welcome! I need to remember to do that and just focus on family
I believe this to be true
So critical to reset or pause for a predetermined amount of time. If not, POP! goes the weasel.
That would be great! But then I would miss all of these amazing chats ;-)
yes sir. Very true. I'm more aware of this now
So true! We need to be mindful of what our body is telling us physically & mentally
Question 5 coming in one minute…
Q5: What is one thing you will do this year to help create a more even balance in your life? https://t.co/TSt3vdymdz
True! I have this dull ached that starts on my right shoulder and travels up to my head.
Ha ha. I have that sometimes!
A5: Being more consistent on my journal, time for reflection - gratitudes and positive experiences.
A5. I'll take some ideas from here and remind myself to simplify focus daily and do more w family w friends w me. Maybe exercise
Now that you are aware, you have to plan this pause. I make sure I have a quiet time to reflect and think.
A5. Work smarter on our structure to lesson my load
Great ideas. I still have my values card w/me
Great reminder to think about your values each day. I have to look for mine. https://t.co/8vSwsBGGcx
Great ideas. I still have my values card w/me
A5: Spend more time w/family during the weekdays. I have to remember that I won't get these early years back w/my girl
Admire you so much for that ;-) I make sure I have plenty of time to obsess & fixate. (know better Habits)
A5: I have started using a timer for managing email and other communications. I even set it when I jump on social media
1/2 Living in a HUGE city, I have time in my car. The dull traffic noise is white noise. 30-60min at times.
We reflected on what's important to us at the beg. of the year using materials from
sounds like it was a meaningful activity!
Happy. Bosses month week and day. Please take time to reflect on your leadership.
I agree. I still try to reflect on gratitudes on a daily basis!
2/2 If traffic inhibits thinking, I plan time after the family goes to bed. No more than 60 min.
I will have to check that out
Yes. Mr. A is going to do a presentation on this at an upcoming conference. https://t.co/Sx3ZJ2aZnG
sounds like it was a meaningful activity!
Hope to see you at mcel nxt week
Thanks, I like my sanity. With so many things trying to take it away, I have to guard it carefully.
I'll be there. I look forward meeting you F2F!
Completely get this. https://t.co/rpnsW5NCm6
Thanks, I like my sanity. With so many things trying to take it away, I have to guard it carefully.
Thank you for joining us tonight!
