A1: not enough time spent with them in the evening. Night class every Tuesday and Monday event. School event tomorrow, but it’s a fun fest and mama is bringing them up! #MEMSPAchat
A1: I was a little frustrated after the MSU/Northwestern game on Saturday (along with my son). Instead of showing him patience, I was short and wasn’t the best dad I could be. #MEMSPAchat
A1: FAIL: thinking "balance," speaking "balance," learning about "balance" and the FAILING over and over. Working to spend quality time with the kiddos when I "get home from work" but never really "get home from work." #practicewhatyoupreach#failbuttryagain#MEMSPAchat
A1: I was a little frustrated after the MSU/Northwestern game on Saturday (along with my son). Instead of showing him patience, I was short and wasn’t the best dad I could be. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Okay, my kids are all grown up, but I failed to connect with them this week like I planned to through a call or Facetime. SM makes it easy, but I like to see them and find out what really is happening in their world. Once a parent, always a parent! #MEMSPAchat
A1: not gonna lie, My girls are grown and flown. Little opportunity to fail, I just get to be their cheerleader! It my list of fails while they were young is LONG! 😏 #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: We have break rooms in the office. Also, students that have special accommodations like this have specific places they can go to take a break with another teacher with whom they comfortable. Works well. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: I have a bench on the other side of my office windows. We have book boxes with a bunch of books from which to choose. It seems to work...most of the time. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Some students have a designated place/space. Often we have them sit in either the front or counseling office. Oddly, there are times that an Admin office allows for the same impact.
Give space.
Give time.
Look for the why.
#MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: Our counselor applied for a foundation grant from our district's foundation and has the sweetest sensory room in three counties, maybe four. Crash pad, swing, weighted ball, lava lamps, legos, emoticon balls, tactile wall coverings. It is magical. #MEMSPAchat
A2: We have a "quiet room". It has a board for drawing, a tent for quiet space and a few other odds and ends. It's a nice space to take a break. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: Yes, but it is not the same for every child. I have to find what they need be it a space, a walk with me, a place to draw/color to express feelings. I try to meet them where they are and provide that for them. No one size fits all. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: support staff offices, student responsibility center, extra office in main office but with growing numbers our extra spaces are shrinking quickly. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: We let our students reflect in the hallway for 5 minutes with a reflection form, walk around with support staff, see the Behavioral Specialist. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I used to do your difficult work,we had a Fitness Trail in the building where kids could do some wall sits, push ups, yoga moves, calm down with me before we had a one on one. Also, had a Think About It space with tent, blankies, heavy weight, fidgets, food, etc. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Some students have a designated place/space. Often we have them sit in either the front or counseling office. Oddly, there are times that an Admin office allows for the same impact.
Give space.
Give time.
Look for the why.
#MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
Hah! Rebekah, I always wanted to have one of those Whack-A-Mole games in my teacher's lounge! I looked into buying one, but way to expensive! #MEMSPAchat
A2: We have a sensory room for breaks that’s within our special ed resource room. I have a big comfy lounge chair in my office that I let kids relax in with kid friendly things on nearby shelves. We also made a bunch of calming bottles with @UWGeneseeCo#MEMSPAchat
A2: Yes, but it is not the same for every child. I have to find what they need be it a space, a walk with me, a place to draw/color to express feelings. I try to meet them where they are and provide that for them. No one size fits all. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: We’ve all said it. Go to your room!
When a student in your building is displaying escalated behavior, is there a safe place they can go to get out their frustrations before we make any attempts at conversation with them? #memspachat
A2: We have a behavior room that was put in last year and being used more effectively this year. Also, there’s a quiet room in the front office for kids to go to, just a small meeting room. Nobody wins when trying to talk when they aren’t ready. #MEMSPAchat
Q3: Children cannot make thoughtful decisions or have meaningful conversation while worked up. What are some calming strategies have you used or have seen used to assist a student in calming their mind and body? #memspachat
A3: Calm tone of voice. Provide options and not directives. Breathing techniques. Divert their thinking to a positive/funny focus. Low lighting, quiet. Light, calming music. #MEMSPAchat
Q3: Children cannot make thoughtful decisions or have meaningful conversation while worked up. What are some calming strategies have you used or have seen used to assist a student in calming their mind and body? #memspachat
A3- obviously mindfulness strategies are awesome for kids, but we cannot forget the power of giving them time! Time to chill out, time to process before they chat with an adult! #MEMSPAchat
A2: We have a calming room for deescalation, but use our MakerSpace for therapeutic OT release. Nothing beats taking apart a toaster when life gives you lemons. #MEMSPAchat
A3: Plastic glitter jars(google it), fitness trail, sensory room space, have to teach them how to calm before a blow up. Hard part is always explaining to T's, they think the kid is playing! Need to share the why! #MEMSPAchat
Q3: Children cannot make thoughtful decisions or have meaningful conversation while worked up. What are some calming strategies have you used or have seen used to assist a student in calming their mind and body? #memspachat
Counseling office should offer some space where kids can sit alone quietly and reflect. When they are ready to return, they could go to the counselor and talk him or her through the solution. A2 #MEMSPAchat
A3: I think the calmness/patience in the voice of the educator can send a message to a student who in crisis. I’m here to help, to listen, to support, in whatever you need. Sometimes the reaction those students receive is of a raised voice and temper #MEMSPAchat
A3: Just being present with a student. I have found less is more sometimes. Less talking, less distraction, just less. Off them time, let them work through and when they are ready, be there! #MEMSPAchat
Q3: Children cannot make thoughtful decisions or have meaningful conversation while worked up. What are some calming strategies have you used or have seen used to assist a student in calming their mind and body? #memspachat
A3: In my own house we use deep breaths. No words, just intentional deep breaths. At school, let them write their thoughts first before we discuss anything. Let them engage the conversation. #MEMSPAchat
A3) piano music in the background & offering them a time out to the bathroom or another location. Asking them to tell me when they are ready to talk. #MEMSPAchat
We have created a sensory room with a rocking boat that flips over to become steps to climb up and down, comfy chairs, puzzles, yoga balls, etc.#MEMSPAchat
A3: Walk, get out of the area that is causing the students stress, fidgets, breathing, teaching them to recognize their trigger, cup of water, toss a ball #MEMSPAchat
Q4: Our own kids have their personal interests. Mine love Art, music, and soccer. What benefits have you seen that show connecting with students based on their own interests helps in communicating our expectations to them? #memspachat
A3: At SISD, I have an amazing whole child supervisor who is providing training and support around this. A lot of discussion around breathing, mindfulness, meditation, etc....#MEMSPAchat
Q3: Children cannot make thoughtful decisions or have meaningful conversation while worked up. What are some calming strategies have you used or have seen used to assist a student in calming their mind and body? #memspachat
A3: Just giving space and not feeding the behavior. Our behavior coach has a great sensory area to help kids understand where they are and what to do to get back to a calm place. #MEMSPAchat
Validation. Often kids are worked up because they feel unheard. When we tell them that it’s okay to feel the way they do, they usually calm down. Sympathy. Then together we can talk about an alternative solution to express their feelings. A3. #MEMSPAchat
A4: When we (Admin) have conversations with Ss, we are always looking for connections between who they are (what they're about) & Sailor PRIDE (Personal Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Engagement). This is key to creating relationships & connections.
#MEMSPAchat
Q4: Our own kids have their personal interests. Mine love Art, music, and soccer. What benefits have you seen that show connecting with students based on their own interests helps in communicating our expectations to them? #memspachat
@JWSwegles Through their interests we build connection and what I’ve found is that can be a strategy in itself. Show the kids you care by showing them you know their interests by asking them questions about it. #MEMSPAchat
A4: #relationships are everything. Listen more than speak. We are working really hard to try and bring out more genius hour, more PBL, and living up to our districts mission to bring out Ss “Unique Genius” #MEMSPAchat
Using Restorative Practices to allow Ss the opportunity to "come back" once they are calm and rejoin the group or the space they were in with dignity and pride!
A4: When I did my 3rd-grade home visits this year I leaned so much about our incoming students. Even just a couple months into school, that knowledge of who they are as people and their interests has been used in many situations to build our relationship #MEMSPAchat
A4: So important to find that thing that will give you a connection with a kid and relate your expectations to that interest. For the student to feel connected they need to feel connected to the building. Stressing relationships and understanding the why to staff #MEMSPAchat
A4: The more we know about them, the more we are able to connect. It is the challenging kids that need us more than ever! They act up sometimes just to see if we are going to give up on them. Never my friend, never! #MEMSPAchat
A4: This is the core of building relationships with students. You have to show them you care about who they are as an individual to gain mutual respect and connect. #MEMSPAchat
Common interests create relevance and understanding, which in turn leads to relationships. Kids love nothing better than an adult who knows something about what’s important to them. A4 #MEMSPAchat
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
This is the work! Since each student is SO different and comes to the table with a different background/experience, this work (for teachers and admin) becomes increasingly challenging, difficult, and yet extremely meaningful!
Well said!
#MEMSPAchat#welead
A4: So important to find that thing that will give you a connection with a kid and relate your expectations to that interest. For the student to feel connected they need to feel connected to the building. Stressing relationships and understanding the why to staff #MEMSPAchat
A5: Be more proactive with items at work so less time is spent putting out fires later. Also staying a few minutes later to finish items so as to not bring them home and focus on the fam when I walk through the door. #MEMSPAchat
A5: It looks like being “disconnected” to be more “connected” It means being aware of unconscious bias before entering into a conversation with someone. It means being vulnerable. It means games of checkers with your own kids:) #MEMSPAchat#WeLeadMI
Q4: OMG, relationships are so huge! Build it and there's a connection. They don't want to let you down if the relationship is built, trust is established. #MEMSPAchat
Q4: Our own kids have their personal interests. Mine love Art, music, and soccer. What benefits have you seen that show connecting with students based on their own interests helps in communicating our expectations to them? #memspachat
A5: All principals, parents, spouses, are pulled in many directions. Sometimes those are directions we choose, sometimes they are chosen for us. What we can control is how we listen n are present in the moment. And when we do that consistently, it carries great impact #MEMSPAchat
I've taken the intentional step of buying an alarm clock to get the cell out of my bedroom. Now, I just need to plug it in when I get home and leave it there. Baby steps. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Middle school sports schedules do not work well for working parents. I missed my daughter's game yesterday. While I saw it as a fail, my daughter was full of grace and understanding. I can learn something from her! ❤#MEMSPAchat
A4) anytime you pay authentic attention to someone, kids or adults, the benefits are unmeasurable. Nurturing relationships is priority #1 in any career. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Never in my office at work. Always in classrooms and hallways interacting and working WITH teachers and students. At home, engaged in conversation with wife and kids consistently.
Full interaction and LISTENING.
#MEMSPAchat
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
A5: Playing with your child and being engaged while at home. Leave work at work. Work being visible and showing students and staff you care. Take an interest in what staff is doingI try to fist bump or high five students, positive interaction. #MEMSPAchat
A5: This means...
-- letting go of the rope
--squinting to hear
--focusing on those in front of you
--asking questions
--breathing...and repeating...
--being authentically engaged
#MEMSPAchat
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
Studies show that social connection is a leading predictor of happiness. Happiness leads to great success individually and as a group. #MEMSPAchat#relationships
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
A5. It’s simple. Put down your phone. I make it a point to leave my cell in my office at school so I’m not tempted to look or answer a call. At home we have a “device basket” so we can be present for our kids. #memspachat
A5: Love makes the world go round! As busy educators, although being present should be a natural thing, sometimes we have to schedule, family night, date night, guys/gals night out, you catch my drift. Have to be intentional! #MEMSPAchat
A5: Be present! Be intentional and committed to your space; at school, be there, be intentional in your work and how you spend your time. Be the same at home! Most things can wait til morning. Play the games, draw the pictures, hear the stories #MEMSPAchat
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
Q5: Bob Goff tells us, “There is a huge power in just being present, being available, to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life?” What would that look like for us Principals at both work and home? #memspachat
Q6: Radio host and speaker Dave Ramsey believes that individuals often fail for one of two reasons. They don’t know their expectations or they don’t care. How can we as parenting principals make our expectations clear? #memspachat
A5: I think we teach these things... eye contact, listening, engage in convos. Focus on who is in front of you. Being a Principal requires us to care about everyone, but sometimes the most important person that needs us the most is the one were with in the moment. #MEMSPAchat
Being there can only happen when we are in the present. Stop reliving the past or preliving the future. There is no such thing as to successfully worry. Only here and now. Peace.A5 #MEMSPAchat
From our Servant Leadership in Action book study for @msms_sailors Leadership Team (chapter 22 if I recall)...
When we squint to see, it is to gain clarity and a closer look; we see things we may have missed...we NEED to do the same when we listen to others.
#MEMSPAchat
A5: Not just being present, but present without other distractions. Cell phones, TV, laptops all left out and just personal connections being made. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Be a role model. Do what you ask your students, staff and own children to do. No one will buy in and follow if you are not doing it yourself. #MEMSPAchat
A6: I would adjust the question…with our Husky CREW at NHMS, they are not “our” expectations…they are “us” expectations. What does it mean to be a Husky? Focused on SEL during CREW so expectations become part of emotional awareness! #MEMSPAchat#WeLeadMI
Q6: Radio host and speaker Dave Ramsey believes that individuals often fail for one of two reasons. They don’t know their expectations or they don’t care. How can we as parenting principals make our expectations clear? #memspachat
A6: Keep our beliefs/expectations in front our people always. In addition to my belief statements and count on me/count on you (thanks #lmcohort8) I circle back with my weekly newsletter to staff with these ideas. #MEMSPAchat
Q6: Radio host and speaker Dave Ramsey believes that individuals often fail for one of two reasons. They don’t know their expectations or they don’t care. How can we as parenting principals make our expectations clear? #memspachat
A6: Have them. Talk about them. Hold to them. Make them part of your family culture. Re-establish and communicate often.
Like anything, you must be passionate about them or they will never fully develop.
#MEMSPAchat
Q6: Radio host and speaker Dave Ramsey believes that individuals often fail for one of two reasons. They don’t know their expectations or they don’t care. How can we as parenting principals make our expectations clear? #memspachat
Q3: Worry box. Ss write down their worries & put them in the box. Research shows that the simple act of writing it down reduces stress! Ts can use it to see what is worrying kids, find a theme, provide support & show Ss they aren't alone in their worries. #MEMSPAchat
A6: Expectations plus support will yield success. We have to clarify our expectations repeatedly and then when students faulter, which they will, we have to support them. #MEMSPAchat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
@JWSwegles A6. Live and breathe your expectations. Your actions speak louder than words. Not only have high expectations of your school but also have high expectations of yourself. Every weekly communication includes something that supports/models my expectations #MEMSPAchat
Q6: Radio host and speaker Dave Ramsey believes that individuals often fail for one of two reasons. They don’t know their expectations or they don’t care. How can we as parenting principals make our expectations clear? #memspachat
A&7: Respectful talk with similar vocabulary. If we model, they will follow. Respectful interactions. Fun. Listen to one another and follow through. Show them we help each other no matter what. #OtherPeopleMatter@IHJaguarLeader#MEMSPAchat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
A7: Affirm and recognize at every opportunity, especially in front of students. ONE way we (@scottpanozzo and @MrNumms) do this is by going into classes, reading a positive note to T in front of Ss and giving them a coffee card.
Little things = positive impact
#MEMSPAchat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
A3: mindfulness activities. Deep breathing. Quiet area in the classroom. Physical activity. Creative outlets. Most important reminder is to not engage in battles while child is under distress. Keep child safe while S tries to regain control. #MEMSPAchat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
A6) I would think knowing what your non negotiatables are would help any educational leader establish which expectations are more significant than others. Maybe having clarity around this would put into persepevtive which battles you might fight or let go. #MEMSPAchat
A7: Created the Lancer Love note box for staff to share their appreciation for other staff members. Love having small conversation in the mornings with staff about life "stuff". People first, district employees second. #memspachat
A7: Treat every person we come into contact with by showing them kindness and respect, regardless of the situation. Kids and staff notice that and it becomes part of your norm and culture #MEMSPAchat
A7: Do what you preach! Students need to see you in action to truly believe and understand what it is you want them to learn. Don’t assume they know!#memspachat
When we treat kids like they matter, when we give them choice and voice in their learning; when we believe them and listen to them; when we show our concern and interest in what’s important to them - we model the behaviors we expect from them. A7 #MEMSPAchat
A7- It starts by valuing your staff as professional educators and then truly taking a "family first"approach. Supporting then when they have family things happen goes along ways. #MEMSPAchat
Q7: At home, the relationship we have with our significant other is the first adult relationship our children will see & learn from. At school, how can we model kindness, respect, appreciation, etc. to our staff so students are learning these same characteristics? #memspachat
CHALLENGE QUESTION: What is The One Thing you can do this week that will have the most impact for you both as a parent and as a principal? #memspachathttps://t.co/oROLbdcbyz
I will be in the dunk tank tomorrow night in 43 degree weather because I love our Husky Crew, our staff, and my kids! They have already practiced throwing baseballs:) #MEMSPAchat
A8: I will stay in the moment and not pick up my phone or look at my screen. Play on the floor, jump in mud puddles, go for walks with colleagues at work and sip some coffee in the office. Sounds like a great week ahead #MEMSPAchat
A8: Being There. As a Principal as we are starting something brand new. I want to help as much as possible and Be There! As a parent - Being available and positive. Being involved and Being There! #MEMSPAchat
A7) having gratitude inside your heart for who you are & what you have will allow the best side of you to shine. And when others feel that glow, it’s reciprocated (maybe not so much to the pessimist though) sounds so cheesy, but a simple kind smile can be uplifting! #memspachat
@JWSwegles Challenge A. Spend the entire weekend celebrating my daughter’s 7th birthday. Get all my work done tonight and tomorrow so I can be present for her. Enjoy every moment. She will be seven only once! #MEMSPAchat
Putting family first not in word but in deed and directing staff do the same. Ask for all of the meetings to be done by 6:30, if they are in the evening. Make this a priority. Let it be known and lived. A7 #MEMSPAchat
Challenge Q - just listened to this podcast and the guest, @facebook head of market development his philosophy is “To be the best part of another person’s day.” #MEMSPAChat
Awesome job and kudos to @JWSwegles for leading tonight's #MEMSPAchat - A true Michigan Leader in action, leading a trending ed chat for Principals #WeLeadMI
Thanks for a great chat Jonathon! Have a wonderful week everyone!
Don't forget to check out the new Resource page on the #MEMSPA website to help make things a little easier for you. :) @TarynLHurley has been working hard to put it together. #gotaryn#MEMSPAchat
Challenge A: Parent: Hug, love, interact and be present. Tell my kids I love them and am proud of them.Principal: Take interest in what staff is doing in classroom and saying thank you, for students giving them a smile, fist bump, notice something positive they did. #MEMSPAchat
