#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 May 5, 2016
Welcome to ! Tell us your name, position, school/location!
Jon Konen, Principal, Lincoln ES, Great Falls, MT
Tell us your name, position, school/location
Good Evening! Adrian, elementary principal, from Bozeman!
make sure to add so it gets to same thread
Q1 What are some examples of Joy and Celebration that you have seen or experienced in your school or other settings?
A1: We just had our International Day performance to honor and celebrate the rich diversity at our school!
A1.2: Ts & Ss performed songs and dances from all over the world. We even through a little humor in the mix this year :)
Yes! Dancing and singing today - food and presentations of cultures tomorrow!
A1: Ts are recognizing hidden heroes in our school...those unsung hero kids...I read them every morning. Kids on pins and needles
This is a great idea - are they just recognized by Ts or can other people nominate?
we haven't done it yet this year, but last year we had 1/3 of our Ss affiliate w/some other culture or tribe!
Any staff member can write one...I usually read 2-3 a day..Ts have been good so far at writing them and sending
I would love the learning and bonding that would go on with each others cultures!
Q2: What are the two biggest “stressers” you see with the people you work with and how might you address it?
A2: Right now it is time - Not enough time to finish x, y, & z. I try to be an active listener & support as much as I can
this is a great time! Do you have something like this at your school Jason?
Sure - I believe you are fully engaged w/the person and not having any preconceived judgement. They talk, I listen...
This is pretty amazing. How long have you been doing this? https://t.co/26C3lbBoFK
we haven't, but should. we incorporate local customs/language into our school. it is exciting and parents love it
Sometimes people just need to be heard; nothing else... https://t.co/MlwrYCTP5P
true, someone said the 1st step to communicating is listening, had a parent meeting 2 nights ago and just listened
That's a frustrating. Perhaps norms need to be established in meetings that involve Ps & Ss? https://t.co/uCCkwxwKY7
I've noticed a lot of parents in meetings, even IEPs, that text on their phone while we talk; not active listening
Q3: What types of things do you do to show support for your staff?
True - this, like anything else we want to improve, takes time and practice https://t.co/GpYRV7JOW0
yes everyone is busy, slowing down to fully engage is a skill
A3: Listen, Be Present, Follow Through, Trust in Them, Celebrate
A3: Most powerful action.."AM Walk Through" (no kids yet) walk to every room before school and say hi, ask about family, etc..
I would love to see pictures, if that is ok. I want to make sure we are connecting w/our Ss appropriately & often
It is all about relationships! https://t.co/g0gk1wBdV8
A3: Most powerful action.."AM Walk Through" (no kids yet) walk to every room before school and say hi, ask about family, etc..
A3: attempt to alway be 'there' and care, say thank you, understand, I like to feed the staff and enjoy meals together
Sometimes the best connections are made around the dinner table :)
We try to make connections w/our Ss, families, and community as much as possible; both formal & informal
(pt 2) We celebrate often, share out the amazing things our Ss do, and try to include our families in everything
A3that's right just be there. Problem solve and support
How often do you invite families school-wide? We call these "celebrations of learning" https://t.co/h4iOViFGh2
(pt 2) We celebrate often, share out the amazing things our Ss do, and try to include our families in everything
celebration of learning - I like that! We do it more at the classroom and grade levels as opposed to school-wide
Q4: How do you support yourself and your staff in finding balance?
A4: I'm not a good model, but I tell them family first, then health, then school...healthy, happy teachers teach better!
A4: That's a tough one! We have to give ourselves permission that it is ok to spend meaningful time outside our school walls
Sorry dude, missed your stuff...I was in Tweetdeck under ...I'm not ignoring you
A4.2: As educators, we always want to do and be the very best - which is great, but we have to remember everything else...
A4: I am not a good role model either. What does being a balanced school leader look like?
Nicely said https://t.co/hib6vOHRVk
this is a challenge isn't it. One practice is to let staff know that 'family is first' and to take care of family first
I believe they have a balance of achievement, strong family, some religious beliefs, and good health
Great Question - When someone finds true balance, please let me know! https://t.co/Rq0OkSIFFY
A4: I am not a good role model either. What does being a balanced school leader look like?
