Our chat will focus on the idea that we can lead and make positive change from any position in our school systems. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of thinking and acting.
Welcome to #LeadLAP. I'm your guest moderator, Todd Schmidt, an elementary principal in CA. Thanks to @BethHouf and @burgess_shelley for the opportunity to take the reins of the chat! Speaking of reins, my least favorite holiday song is "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"
Hi All! I'm Beth Houf, co-author of #LeadLAP and proud principal of #FMSTeach All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Sorry!
Harvey from Cheney, WA. This is embarrassing, I like all holiday songs because they create a joyful spirit and remind us of the importance of relationships. #leadlap
I'm a teacher leader in Missouri & my least favorite Christmas song is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". Awful memories involving a solo & my lisp. 😛 #LeadLAP
Welcome to #LeadLAP. I'm your guest moderator, Todd Schmidt, an elementary principal in CA. Thanks to @BethHouf and @burgess_shelley for the opportunity to take the reins of the chat! Speaking of reins, my least favorite holiday song is "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"
Thanks! Are you off for the entire week? For fun, we hosted a Sweet Potato Launch with our school staff this week and it was a blast! Just planting an idea ... the laughter was such a treat! #leadlap
A1: I have no problem busting out the ol' inflatable Santa Yoda to get me ready for the holidays...do or do not get in the holiday spirit; there is no try!
#LeadLAP
A1: My favorite things are making the paper chain for the tree with my mom and daughters, and putting up my outdoor lights. I do love me some Christmas lights. #LeadLAP
A1. We make reservations to have Thanksgiving dinner on this beautiful boat out in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a new tradition for us. Life is all about adjusting to changes! #LeadLAP
A1: I'm typically a Scrooge, but I do love to decorate my classroom after school on the day of Thanksgiving break so the students walk into a wonderland when they get back. #shock#awe#christmas#LeadLAP
How about FAVORITE holiday song. I loved "Some Day at Christmas" by Stevie Wonder, for yrs. taught it to my 5th grade class, because it was about hope. (Okay all Nat King Cole holiday songs are favorites!) #leadlap
A1: My 9th graders wrote and discussed the importance of giving. Giving is more satisfying than receiving, and I'm happy to know that a bunch of 14 and 15 year olds at Timber Creek in @KellerISD believe that to be true. #LeadLAP
A1: Breaks from school aren't always a happy time for many of our Ss. We get in the holiday spirit by focusing on giving. Nov and Dec at our school are all about human spirit over holiday spirit. #LeadLAP
A1: I focus my energy on family and friends. It helps me recharge so I can be more positive at school, where sometimes the stress of the holidays is showing. I want to help lift the load that some people feel. #LeadLAP
A1: I like to take a moment each prep period, eat a Dove's chocolate, sip a Coke Zero, then dive back in. Life is always hectic for me. Take a breather when you can. #LeadLAP
A1) I get myself in the spirit outside of school. Because of our cultural diversity & equity training, we’re sensitive to not celebrating with Christmas decorations, symbols or traditions. In school kindness gets me in the spirit. #LeadLAP
A1: Does watching Curious George Christmas on repeat with/for my toddler count??? Holiday songs start rolling off my lips randomly throughout day around this time of year #leadlap
A1- This year my Admin team has committed to the Giving Back spirit. We will be ringing the bell together & holding each other accountable for keeping that spirit! #Leadlap
A1: We're starting Secret Santa with staff Dec 1st & we've got some other fun planned between now and winter break. The HS band & choir will come give a concert. Sometimes less is more, so we're looking for a great balance. #leadlap
A1 Decorating my house right after Thanksgiving. Spreading joy to students and staff. Seeing smiling faces of students as they experience the excitement of the holidays. #LeadLAP
A1: I like to break out the holiday scented candles and plug ins. Nothing like a room just feeling like the holidays and not being able to put your finger in it. #leadlap
A1: Taking my students shopping so they can pick out a gift for a student in need gets us all in the holiday spirit! (Until my card gets declined because my bank thinks no one should spend that much $ at 5 Below!) #LeadLAP
A1: now that Remembrance Day events are over...the Christmassing begins...our crew is going to do a cookie exchange this year...I will organize...anyone have a good PIRATE Cookie recipe handy? #leadlap
A1- this year I'm going to do the 12 days of Christmas with Staff and show them appreciation and get them into the spirit leading up to vacation- and keep the Morale positive! #LEADlap
A1: Planning for what ideas we will do at school, getting the decorations up and listening to the kids who are excited about Christmas. Unfortunately many are not. #leadlap
A1b: For others, I plan a day where my friend sets up coffee/hot chocolate bar in my room 1st period, we fill preorders and Ss deliver to Ts. We take orders. Holiday flavors. Ts love. We also do 12 treats of Christmas, where leadership team each takes a day to treat Ts. #LeadLAP
A1 To get into the holiday spirit takes some reflection: How can I help students to understand the meaning of the holidays, from Thanksgiving thru to New Year. Need to think about those less fortunate, how to be change agents, and empower others to reach their dreams. #leadlap
A1: Our local Toys For Tots storage locker was broken into. Our school district is working to save Christmas. At our school they are stuffing me out of my office! #leadlap
A1: Our staff is working on scheduling fun things to do together throughout the year. Just had a dinner this week at a colleague's restaurant. Holiday lights 5K in Dec. #leadlap
YES! I'm hosting a Coffee Chat on Monday for the counselors who want to connect pre-holiday, to destress and refresh. Small things can be HUGE at this time of year. #gratitude#kindness#leadlap
A1: Girls in my fam (& this year my son too) head to PDX for annual holiday shopping trip. This year extra special because my daughter is in her 1st year of college there! My ❤️ is happy! #leadlap
Hi #LeadLAP!Valerie from Fl joining! I love going to craft shows in the area or Christmas events! Puts me in the holiday spirit to see the festivities!
Yes! We emphasize kindness with a December calendar of acts we can perform each day until winter break. Last year our Gr4 class completed 255 acts of kindness! #leadlap
A1: Our local Toys For Tots storage locker was broken into. Our school district is working to save Christmas. At our school they are stuffing me out of my office! #leadlap
Family time is always a great thing. So is reflection! It's impossible to enjoy the holidays without reflecting. That makes us learn so much more #LeadLAP
True... it is just the shift to different tunes... my Bing Crosby imitation seems to be a hit with the office staff... not so much with my students :) #leadlap
A1: We have a book advent box at home. I wrap 24 children's books and my kids take turns opening. We all read together, even the HS and MS kids. Ends with Night Before Christmas. #LeadLAP#momsasprincipals
A1: Keep the spirit up in the building. I help with our climate committee and we've done things like Guess that Teacher and currently https://t.co/CLC6gKftkQ to "Play it forward" and just have fun. #leadlap#hopdina
Our high schoolers have organized it as a competition between surrounding districts. So awesome to see our kids take charge to make a difference! #leadlap#fultonproud
Oh, I love the idea of doing a fun run together! This week we made snowflakes together to help fulfill a Make A Wish winter wonderland. So many opps to connect and celebrate! #leadlap
Last couple years we've done secret Santa for anyone who wants in (faculty/staff). Small gifts throughout the time - one final gift at Christmas party. #LeadLAP
A2: We do an Angel Tree each year. On each ornament are the gift requests of a needy child in our community. Families anonymously "adopt" a child and make sure they have gifts to open during the holidays.
#LeadLAP
A2: We're sponsoring a holiday food drive, and the proceeds from our staff/student volleyball game on Monday will go to support the family of a student with cancer. #LeadLAP
A2- we do a whole school "Socks for Santa" we collect new socks that are donated to local charity that gives to those in need. Our goal this year is 1,000 socks. We sing at nursing home and bake sale to raise money for fuel oil for those in need #LEADlap
A2 remind them that everything is not about them. For the most part my students get it, but showing them what real need looks like can help. I want to have my class adopt someone off the tree this year. #LeadLAP
#LeadLAP A1 Kick off gratitude challenge during Thanksgiving week to get people to think about how luck they are! The holidays are meant to remind us to be humble and gracious!
A2: Each of our homerooms is given a family in need. Their job is to provide a nice Christmas for them - food, clothes, presents, etc..
All we know is Boy 9, Girl 7, Mom. #LEADlap
A2: This should be a daily practice throughout the year. I always ask how they think ___ makes others feel. Good or bad, it introduces a process of reflection, awareness, empathy. Then we talk about how we can build on the positive. #LeadLAP
A2: We raise awareness of homelessness and hold #feedtheflame, a month long coin drive for families who need help with electricity payments in cold months. We educate about the cause not just raise money for the cause. #LeadLAP
Russell, FL principal. A1: We do Feast Days for the short week of Thanksgiving. Everyone brings their favorite dish on the day assigned & get to eat all week! Lots of food & fun! #LeadLAP
A2: doing the gift and food drives, penny/coin drives, adopting other schools and sending them gift bags for families, having students volunteer at local shelters and food banks serving meals, having Ss sing carols at retirement homes #leadlap
A2: Our giving tree was out during PTCs two weeks ago. Tags gone in two days! We keep getting names to put on and the tree is bare every day. Blessed with such a giving community. #leadlap
A2 Holiday food drives, partnering w/ the community to help families in need, build community w/ spirit days & assemblies that celebrate kids. Emphasizing community is key in a high poverty area #LeadLAP
A1: focus on what’s important. I just purged a ton of my decor because I’m intentionally focusing time on family and faith this holiday season #leadlap
A2: We are four months down the road to recovery from Hurricane Harvey so our Ss will be helping the @KidsforPeace#KindCoins campaign to help restore play spaces for Ss who were adversely affected by the flood waters. https://t.co/ju0rozbBTv#leadlap
A2: Each of our homerooms is given a family in need. Their job is to provide a nice Christmas for them - food, clothes, presents, etc..
All we know is Boy 9, Girl 7, Mom. #LEADlap
If it's inside the building, that's how I answer my phone after Thanksgiving. "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" the rest of the year it should just be "Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam" #LeadLAP
A2 Our student action teams are all focused on helping others. Several are finding ways to reach out to those in senior living via cards, songs, art, etc #leadlap
A2 Providing opportunities for Ss to show kindness and the true spirit of the holidays. Talk about service to others. Read books that demonstrate this. #LeadLAP
A2: Our main focus this year has been building empathy. Just finished global school read aloud of Wonder and headed to take all of them to the movies on Monday. We have a week of kindness planned for after Thanksgiving to keep it going! #LeadLAP
A2: This year, @isterlingn along with our #CTkindness students are creating a way to recognize teachers and staff via student nominations with our #CTcelebration cart in T-9 days! #LeadLAP
A2: Holiday canned food drive, play with someone new, have students choose a staff member to thank for something specific. Happy adults =happy kids! #LeadLAP
Q2: we have had food drive and Santa’s Anonymous where our students do chores at home and bring in loonies or toonies (our funny Canadian money) and we purchase toys for kids. We record their chore and name on a star that we put on a tree in school...kids love it #leadlap
A2: Our S clubs have lots of community service projs this time of year: Thanksgiving food drive, toys for tots, angel tree, and a coat drive. Oh, and our Winter Queen winner is the candidate who raises most money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. #LeadLAP
A2: We currently have good drives and Christmas cards to the troops. Loving the ideas here, we will be adding more ways to spread kindness for sure! #leadlap
A2: doing the gift and food drives, penny/coin drives, adopting other schools and sending them gift bags for families, having students volunteer at local shelters and food banks serving meals, having Ss sing carols at retirement homes #leadlap
A2 Providing opportunities for Ss to show kindness and the true spirit of the holidays. Talk about service to others. Read books that demonstrate this. #LeadLAP
Morning- trying to jump on! Love using New Year's resolutions as a way for Ss to think about making a difference for others-perfect timing w/diving further into #geniushour#Leadlap
We use a local organization and they give us the information on the families. Families come to the school to pick up their boxes. Almost forgot - school provides a frozen turkey to each family. #LEADlap
A1 I usually don't! Lol this year I have been blessed to work w/a group of people who really take time out to celebrate one another. The trickle down effect is that I want to celebrate too! Lol I have been thinking of ways to let people know I appreciate them #LeadLAP
A2: Our SGA has a wonderful Christmas party for children in need. It’s a 35 year tradition and a great way to involve the entire school community at the holidays! Giving back is so imp! @TigerTownCHS#LeadLAP
A2: We do an after school optional tree decorating contest. The trees are decorated by teams and clubs and donated to families who want a tree but can't afford one. Ss decorate in academic and athletic themes. #LeadLAP
Aww thanks, Barbara! The students are excited to see if anyone comments on their ideas. We’re trying to show how their voice and ideas can impact the world! #leadlap
A2: use holidays as teachable moments for students. Fifth grade social studies classes used their study of world wars to host nets for Vets that raised money to send 6 vets on the honor flight #leadlap
A2: It has been awesome to see our students give all year. We have ongoing service projects for different organizations and needs. The spirit of giving all year long! #LeadLAP
A2: Other than our class shopping trip, my StuCo has a gift exchange. We experience the joy of giving & opening gifts, but then we experience the greater joy of donating the gifts to those in need. #LeadLAP
Sorry Crew...I have to run...so sad to miss the rest of this chat...helping my principal colleagues this morning with some assessment marking...I will catch up the chat later...tags me with all the great ideas please! You can be my missed work buddy team 😉 #leadlap
A2: We did a pack of hope food drive to help students in our own school who go without meals during that weekend. It is a challenge for our kids from poverty which is 94% of our kids. Most really do think of others. We try to recognize and encourage kind acts. #leadlap
Yes! We emphasize kindness with a December calendar of acts we can perform each day until winter break. Last year our Gr4 class completed 255 acts of kindness! #leadlap
A2. It's important to begin by stressing, 4 many it's a sad time of the yr. Loneliness, poverty, are with us. Then ask students to take it from there, & depending on age level, material capacity & resourcefulness, make verbal & material commitments to make a difference. #leadlap
We do a writing lesson using the hot chocolate scene - divide class into 5 senses then watch/describe scene with that sense only, then join all into a class paragraph. SO much fun! #leadlap
Yes! We emphasize kindness with a December calendar of acts we can perform each day until winter break. Last year our Gr4 class completed 255 acts of kindness! #leadlap
A3- that's a tough one... plan, organize. We have staff party Nov. 30th- trying to fit it all in. Xmas shopping on line (today).. Know that it slows down once vacation comes after xmas! #LEADlap
A2: We close Thanksgiving week. Staff and Comm volunteer to open Mon & Tues for a free STEAM Enrichment Camp. About 300 will come. All meals and transportation provided. @ChinookWinds donates a dinner for over 400 Tues for us to serve. We believe in and model giving. #LeadLAP
A3: I am intentional with my schedule. It's not ok to push into family time. Being the Christmas Queen means that I have established traditions that MUST be maintained. LOL #LeadLAP
A3: Prioritize family and traditions. Be present and don’t give the fam the leftovers of my holiday joy. Balancing is a struggle & something I’m always working on being better at. #leadlap
A2: My StuCo also has a pajama week fundraiser. For free will donations, kids can wear pajamas daily before break. The $ is then split evenly between classroom teachers so they can buy new books for their classrooms. #winwin#leadlap
#LeadLAP So many to list:
#WorldKindnessDay students sent messages to one another on post-its, gratitude challenge, worthy collections, adopt family in need, character ed assemblies etc.
A2. It's important to begin by stressing, 4 many it's a sad time of the yr. Loneliness, poverty, are with us. Then ask students to take it from there, & depending on age level, material capacity & resourcefulness, make verbal & material commitments to make a difference. #leadlap
A3: Online holiday shopping! Live in the moments. When with family...disconnect & be completely with family. When at work...maintain that focus & determination to make the most out of every moment & interaction. #leadLAP
A3: take my kids to holiday school programs, ginger-bread decorating nights, and make sure to remember to spend time with family as the work will always be there #LeadLAP
A3: Unfortunately, I have to schedule everything. Even my family time. I schedule prof reading, Twitter, church and youth group, working out, making dinner, etc. But it works. At the end of the day, I drop into bed wiped out. But I know I've done my best. #leadlap
HAHAHAHAHA!! Me too! I don’t want to even get near a mall...the principal in me comes out when I see the chaos...like I don’t do it enough already 😉😃😉! #Leadlap
A3 All the food that needs to be eaten makes it easy. During breaks I do not work at all, I try to leave town, and I try to assure I leave at decent times each day and be present at home. #LeadLAP
A3: Always a tough one. I'm participating in a Twitter chat for a class I'm taking, but set my timer for 15 minutes because my daughter just asked if I could play a game with her. I'll try to be in the moment with her, but thoughts of school still hang there #leadlap#hopdine
A3: Don't have this one figured out quite yet, because I have school duties as communications director that are every day any time, so we attend as many school functions as possible, but we still do fam time. #LeadLAP
A2 This is a great push. I think my idea for this would be that as we work to celebrate and recognize one another as a staff that trickles down to our mentors and residents and THAT trickles down to the students we all want to impact! #Leadlap
A3: Balance? What's that?! j/k No matter what time of year, I leave work at work so when I'm home I can concentrate on home.If that means coming in early or staying late, I make sure it happens.I'm less productive working from home so I'd rather keep home&work seperate. #LeadLAP
A2: We get students to think of others by modeling, empowering & reminding frequently that they always have something to offer the world regardless how how “little” they may feel that they have; and by helping them experience the awesome feeling that comes along with it. #Leadlap
A1. By celebrating Thanksgiving every, single day. I shared this with my faculty yesterday to see if they will begin to as well. 🍗 https://t.co/Wb8ThekuoS#LeadLAP
A3. Always believed you could get too caught up in thinking about this challenge. Just be fully present in life and the rest will take care of itself. #LeadLAP
A3: There's the million-dollar word: BALANCE! We must remember the NO is a complete sentence. We do NOT have to have it all, do it all, BE it all. We just have to do our best. I like the word #simplicity when it comes to holiday giving! #leadlap
A3: One thing is gift buying for my own kiddos...we do four-Something I want, Something I need, Something to wear, Something to read and a stocking from Santa. Our emphasis has shifted to spending time together vs stressful shopping! #LeadLAP
A3: We volunteer together and stay home together. Someone has a game, we all go. Someone has a play, we all go. Family is where we are at in the moment. Family support the passions of each other. Sometimes that means supporting them at work. #LeadLAP
A3: There's the million-dollar word: BALANCE! We must remember the NO is a complete sentence. We do NOT have to have it all, do it all, BE it all. We just have to do our best. I like the word #simplicity when it comes to holiday giving! #leadlap
A3: We give finals before Christmas so we can actually use break to hit the refresh button. Especially when you give tests on LMS like @Schoology and it grades it for you. #bonus#LeadLAP
A3: When I was in classroom I enjoyed planning something novel during holidays that we could focus much of our day on. Play performances usually. High engagement, integrated learning and allowed me to have some fun outside of school. #LeadLAP
A3: Balance is tricky during the holidays! As I’ve grown wiser I’ve learned to say “no thank you” more. I’ve had to learn how to pace myself because I tend to want to do everything! #LeadLAP
A3: There's the million-dollar word: BALANCE! We must remember the NO is a complete sentence. We do NOT have to have it all, do it all, BE it all. We just have to do our best. I like the word #simplicity when it comes to holiday giving! #leadlap
I read an article Balance is Bunk. Balance is over time, not in just one day. I have found that helps me celebrate my time with others better. #LeadLAP#momsasprincipals
This is important! Both deserve our full attention. **Except when there's a good Twitter Chat like #LeadLAP but I try to only keep to a few chats a week
A2. Each year, and it continues a decade later, we had Breakfast with Santa, where our families and staff all joined together just before the holidays. Everyone loves it! #LeadLAP
A3: Fortunatley my kids are older so they are busy as well. However, I just find time for us to spend with family and friends because that is who we are. Take care of the most important first and then you are able to balance the other. God first, family and friends next..#leadlap
Haha! Truth! Although, I will admit, I’m a sucker for Black Friday shopping. I go out in the crowds doing acts of Kindness for RAK Friday: https://t.co/xTfVm9AduQ#leadlap
Whoops! Looks like I need to leave early. Thank you all very much! Had s great time. IM THANKFUL FOR ALL YOU EDUCATORS! You make me better. Happy TG🦃 #LeadLAP
A3 #LeadLAP I use the app “Commit to 3” and prioritize my tasks. I always take ten minutes in the morning and evening to just myself. I also unplug (social media) a LOT during that time. It helps so much.
A3. Thanksgiving (just look at the name) should be lived all yr. So dealing with the true meaning of the holiday season can serve as a reminder, in and out of school, about what we should be doing each day. Embrace relationships, the material gifts are fleeting. #leadlap
A2: #leadlap I try not to get preachy but I do include little bits of reminders about being kind to one another regardless of the prospect of gifts and sugar involved. I deal with 16-17 year olds, so keeping it subtle is key.
We do "Local Consumable Christmas". It has to be bought at a small business locally and/or consumable. Their favorite is a new cookbook and then I buy all of the ingredients and wrap them. They find the recipe and then we make it. #LeadLAP
My Ss came up with Acts of Kindness to start on Monday, until Xmas break. Any @TLDSB classes want to join us in the challenge?! Use our calendar or create your own. #TLDSBlearns#GoHoyas
A3 #LeadLAP I use the app “Commit to 3” and prioritize my tasks. I always take ten minutes in the morning and evening to just myself. I also unplug (social media) a LOT during that time. It helps so much.
A4: I don't incorporate religious traditions in my classes, teach tolerance, learning from others, & model it, & Ss know my traditions, so we focus on kindness & spirit of the holidays. #LeadLAP
A4- We do Christmas Around the World in PK-3. This year each class chose a continent and the room parents will put together an ornament craft that goes with that continent and sometimes a story too. Each class goes to each other's room. #LeadLAP
A4: We use Google Classroom for digital writing and encourage Ss to write about their holiday traditions whatever they may be then share with class if they choose. Would be neat to do this w/@Flipgrid or @Seesaw! #leadlap
#A4: #leadlap In that international school scene things are sort of on the global context year through. So just wishing everyone a restful holiday, previous time with dear ones and safe journeys captures it.
A4: Encourage students to share what they do with their family during the holidays. Have students share what they learned from others. Maybe a holiday @Flipgrid#LeadLAP
A3 #LeadLAP I use the app “Commit to 3” and prioritize my tasks. I always take ten minutes in the morning and evening to just myself. I also unplug (social media) a LOT during that time. It helps so much.
A4. I make gratitude and appreciation part of my daily practice and have worked to develop ways to make it easier for others to do so quickly/easily/mindfully as well. It can change an entire school culture. https://t.co/iL1UK0oHnK#LeadLAP
A4: intentional in using the word "Holidays" and not Christmas and making sure to honor and celebrate other holidays occurring. Make sure all communication is all inclusive #leadlap
A4 I offer a Holiday Culture Exchange Day(s) inviting any interested students/families an opportunity to share their family culture and traditions #LeadLAP
A4: Not a lot of diversity when it comes to holiday celebrations at my current school. Always encourage students to share their holiday traditions with others. #LeadLAP
A4 We have guidelines within our district about this so we try to just focus on the spirit of the season in kindness & joy. Knowing S's plays a huge role in navigating this #LeadLAP
A4: I always ask students about what they do, their beliefs, and traditions. Every family is different, & I try to celebrate individuality as much as possible! #LeadLAP
A4: I try to never favor a specific holiday at school. Our population is diverse and everyone deserves to feel accepted. Positivity is universal, so just have fun! #LeadLAP
A4 this yr we have an incredible diversity committee and Ss often explain different cultural traditions even during morning announcements it's really cool #LeadLAP
A4: I believe in respecting others holiday traditions. We have such a diverse population in our schools now. Being accepting of others should be high on our priority list as educators! #LeadLAP
A4: first grade staff @HGESHawks have students celebrate holidays around the world. Students showcase their traditions and kids keep a passport and suitcase of their visits #leadlap
A4. Those of us who work in culturally diverse schools learn so much from our students about different holidays. Perhaps there is a lesson here to spread this knowledge to schools where diversity doesn't exist? #LeadLAP
A4 I am fascinated by them, read about them, and participate where I can. If it is important to the kids or adults I work with then it is important to me too! #Leadlap
A4: Our NSA has held an annual Giving Thanks event and taught about traditions. Last year we were taught a dance and traditional prayer. Very powerful. #LeadLAP
A4. A great Q, and one that tests whether we just talk about the holiday spirit, or really live the spirit. A key, finding common ground: tolerance, love thy neighbor, respect for other religious beliefs. Also, taking a stand against those who criticize other religions. #leadlap
A4: Holidays also mean time away from school. Our staff intentionally plans to connect with kids more often knowing that it is a hard time for many. #LeadLAP
I'll never forget my wife's face when my daughters were asking to borrow her Christmas sweaters a few years ago. She was so happy. Then she found out why they wanted them..... #LeadLAP
One of my schools had a Heritage Pageant. Songs and loved poems were #diverse and #representative. AfterwArds a whole school #feast with special cultural foods shared. #LeadLAP
A4. So many children across the US attend schools where the majority of students hold the same beliefs they do - multi-cultural schools could reach out and share. #LeadLAP
It's also important to understand the religious factor of this time of year. Some of our students don't celebrate any holiday. They shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable either. #LeadLAP
Your school family is SO blessed that you're starting the day in Restorative Circles. If you'd like to write a guest post for my blog The Corner on Character, we'd LOVE to know more! #leadlap
As a former military wife, I can say that act of kindness for our military families during the holidays make a HUGE impact! This season can be so challenging for them being away from loved one! #leadlap
My daughter's school does an international fest where Ss showcase their culture through dancing. Their food is also showcased during lunch hours. @SandburgHS#LeadLAP
A5: As I am living in "The OC," what better way to honor that cheesy show than with "The 12 Days of Chrismukkah!" Check it out here:
https://t.co/tmeQLT4moz#LeadLAP
A5. One year I used one of those video programs where you cut and paste the head of the staff members onto a singing and dancing elf - OH MY! How they laughed! #LeadLAP
A5 Show gratitude. I have lunch catered for a Thanksgiving Feast & gather the ENTIRE staff to share a meal & company to kick off the season, cards, small gifts, encourage them to stay balanced. #LeadLAP
A5: Leadership team does 12 Days (treats) of Christmas, the staff & S ugly Christmas sweater contest, door decorating contests, & anything else we can think of to create a spirit of gratitude and giving. #LeadLAP
A5: We have a staff Christmas party off-campus in December and an on-campus breakfast the last day of school with staff recognition of retirees. Those with Secret Pals also do a little something extra. #LeadLAP
A5: I leave random notes & little gifts, or bring surprise treats for the lounge. Also up my daily check-ins as much as possible. They feel the crunch and need to feel the support. #LeadLAP
And recognizing that some Ss don’t have celebrations due to economic factors, too. Find ways to engage all students in the spirit of the season without sadness or embarrassment! #leadlap
As a former military wife, I can say that act of kindness for our military families during the holidays make a HUGE impact! This season can be so challenging for them being away from loved one! #leadlap
A5- Secret Santa! Lots of participants this year, Elf on the Shelf- they get excited when Rudy visits their room, Christmas music in lunch room, 12 days of Christmas, Red/Pink day for Joy (advent) #LeadLAP
A5: playing music, holiday parties, crazy holiday spirit days, surprise small token or presents for staff--one year I did lottery $1 scratchers for everyone #leadlap
A5: Our students write Christmas “I wish” letters. We choose the top 25 and our local high school helps us with getting volunteers to make wishes come true. Reading kids letters really shows the needs of the kids and changes our perspective. #leadlap
A5: Our best holiday outing has to be the one when we loaded staff up on busses for a surprise Price Is Right outing, to shop for others! There's just nothing like that helper's high that we get from Thanks & Giving! https://t.co/4KLYWYFCVs#leadlap
A5- we are getting each teacher a stocking and hanging it outside their room for treats. We play Christmas missive, dress up. Throw the holidays at em #LeadLAP
A5: I love #leadlap Anchors of Appreciation during this season - no greater gift than a heart-felt sentiment written and given especially in the busiest time of year!
A4: My Ss are only aware of Christmas. To teach empathy, I have to take the time to teach about other cultures. This year, through math Ss will learn about Kwanzaa & Hanukkah. #LeadLAP
The role of an educator can be overwhelming. Throw in the holidays??? Yikes. Maybe it's time to post this again: The Danger of Never Being Done https://t.co/YwOaQI6sNF#LeadLAP#ZenTeacher#tlap
A5b: The PAK outing was fun, too. The faculty that plays (and serves!) together stays together. I think a Food Truck competition would be fun, too, and then take our creations to families in need! #LeadLAP
A5: Our best holiday outing has to be the one when we loaded staff up on busses for a surprise Price Is Right outing, to shop for others! There's just nothing like that helper's high that we get from Thanks & Giving! https://t.co/4KLYWYFCVs#leadlap
#LeadLAP A5: We decorate our doors for Christmas and have a contest. We did a coin drive to raffle off 5 turkey dinners to students for Thanksgiving. Potluck dinners with the staff.
A6: One of my favorites was writing and mailing a card to each staff member's emergency contact letting him or her know how special that staff member was to our school!
#LeadLAP
A5 Show gratitude. I have lunch catered for a Thanksgiving Feast & gather the ENTIRE staff to share a meal & company to kick off the season, cards, small gifts, encourage them to stay balanced. #LeadLAP
A6- giving back, Socks for Santa collection, Hearts for Heat bake sale. Whole school fun- Polar Express Day, Pink JOY Day, Ugly Sweater Day- give Ts early release for Xmas shopping! #LEADlap
A6: Our HS marching band Ss come to the MS and play holiday music as they march through the halls. All classes come to the hallway to watch & listen. It’s incredible to hear the talent and feel the joy! #leadlap
A6: I treat my yearbook staff to a Pizza party once the first deadline is made (b4 Christmas break), & they do secret Santa. I give staff little gifts and treats. Plan fun but still content creating/consuming lessons right up until dismissal. #LeadLAP
A5b: The PAK outing was fun, too. The faculty that plays (and serves!) together stays together. I think a Food Truck competition would be fun, too, and then take our creations to families in need! #LeadLAP
A6: I leave an orange post-it thanking Ts for something I saw in their classroom on the door on the way out. I have started to get a few on my door from staff now, too. My goal is to do it all year. Three months strong! #LeadLAP
A5 The holiday period values are really values that are stressed all year: kindness, love of students, respect for colleagues and community folks, building relationships, high expectations for all. So really not that much should change. #LeadLAP
Thank you everyone for joining #LeadLAP today. Wishing you all a beautiful start to your holiday season. Thank you @tsschmidty for starting us off right. #LeadLAP
A6: I love writing little, specific notes and leaving them in teacher's mailboxes with a corresponding treat showing appreciation and thanks. I got these cards from @SweetBlessShan and they are amazing! #LeadLAP
A6: Our HS marching band Ss come to the MS and play holiday music as they march through the halls. All classes come to the hallway to watch & listen. It’s incredible to hear the talent and feel the joy! #leadlap
A6: To keep things secular I've done something similar to Secret Santa, but used Secret Snowflake which was found at Teacher Pay Teachers https://t.co/zI3OWFbQkC Great focus on kindness for each other. #leadlap#hopdina
Thank you for a motivating chat @tsschmidty Awesome ideas from an awesome crew! Join us next week as @staci_erickson2 helps us continue the Thanksgiving spirit all year long! Happy Thankgiving, #LeadLAP crew!
Great idea! Love this. This would be so amazing to get all staff to do this and create a culture of positive post-its! It also helps get rid of the negative stereotypes of principal observations. #LeadLAP
A6: I leave an orange post-it thanking Ts for something I saw in their classroom on the door on the way out. I have started to get a few on my door from staff now, too. My goal is to do it all year. Three months strong! #LeadLAP
A6: I leave an orange post-it thanking Ts for something I saw in their classroom on the door on the way out. I have started to get a few on my door from staff now, too. My goal is to do it all year. Three months strong! #LeadLAP
A6b: I am a teacher myself, but our principal does staff shout outs on our weekly newsletter. Its nice to be recognized for our good work. @DebiMcNeal#LeadLAP
Thank you so much for joining us today for a great #LeadLAP! Thanks again to @burgess_shelley and @BethHouf for trusting me more than Chevy Chase hanging Christmas lights!
Enjoyed the chat and some new connections today! Thanks @tsschmidty for leading a great chat! Off to the gym and hang up the lights now that I'm inspired #LeadLAP
Plastic eggs w names, everyone gets a paper w names on it & write good things about that person & why they’re thankful for that person. Cut paper & put in labeled eggs. Hide eggs. Person finds their own egg full of compliments about themselves. #LeadLAP
