#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday September 15, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Welcome to tonight's topic is Tips & Tricks. Please introduce yourself and share a picture of a happy moment!
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Welcome buddy. Looking forward to it.
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Checking into happening NOW!
Mike Domagalski, Elementary K-5 Principal and Elem Curriculum Coordinator
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Welcome crew! Please introduce yourself and share a pic of a happy memory.
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Jason Gribble, Forest Elementary School, Riverview
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Dave Anderson K-5 principal in Gibraltar, checking in tonight:)
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Looking in on tnght - learning & growing in the profession
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Hello crew! Jon here, elementary principal from Livonia and just wrapping up Open House & Curriculum Night!
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Welcome Gribb! Great to have you here.
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Julie Mytych. Walker Elementary. WWCSD
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Cody Gion here from the University of Oregon!
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Nice pic Doug! Great to have you joining in.
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Hey ! Molly Funk, Principal Mentor & Professional learning facilitator - in and out tonight!
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Nick, thanks for getting involved.
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Allison principal, Hoppin Elementary, Michigan
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My MAN! Jon, thanks for being here.
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Andy, elementary principal from Hudsonville ready to engage with my PLN!
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Q1: What Tips & Tricks do you do to sustain a positive beginning to the school year?
How do you keep the momentum going...
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Allyson Apsey, elem principal in Zeeland. Howdy y'all!!
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Thanks for joining Julie!
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Go Ducks! Thanks for joining in Cody.
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Loving this...watching with my daughter and doing . Great night
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Molly! Yes, glad you are joining in.
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Glad you joined in Allison!
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David Stefanich, principal Great Lakes Elementary in West Ottawa
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Going to be a great chat, thanks for being here Andy!
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Woo HOO...thanks for joining the chat Allyson!
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A1: Start the year off with a positive attitude, welcome back lunch, chocolate, and a sincere interest in building relationships
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A1:Constant comm. and making myself available to staff to see if any "tweeks" need to be made to make things run smoother.
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Thanks for being here David!
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Hey everyone, Bill from Yale Elementary. Happy to join all of you wonderful people again tonight!
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A1: Maintain momentum with visibility, focus on our vision and passion for learning, and commmittment to staff/S's
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A1: Be visible. Engage with students and staff. Greet Ss and Ps in parking lot in AM. Positive. https://t.co/RtzTbEICJH
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Q1: What Tips & Tricks do you do to sustain a positive beginning to the school year?
How do you keep the momentum going...
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Positive Attitude in CRITICAL! Love how you mentioned "sincere" in the tweet. I think this is important.
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Communication is one of those topics that can't be overstressed. We must be strong communicators.
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Yes. Set the positive tone from minute ONE! https://t.co/uJRNKMxXpJ
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A1: Maintain momentum with visibility, focus on our vision and passion for learning, and commmittment to staff/S's
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A1: Started with sharing what we did this summer. Start with relationships & then move into our positive vision for the year!
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Yes! TSU Pride in the HOUSE!
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Great to have you here Spiri.
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A1. Chocolate. :) Trying to give everyone the time and tools they need to get started on a good note. Communicate as best I can!
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Agree Doug! How important is it to learn ALL student names?
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A1: wearing my pirate costume on the first day welcoming Ss,Ts, and Ps to start off on a positive note
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A1 it's a great time to share growth from the previous year.
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Q2 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to develop partnerships with families?
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Well done! Essential to all be on the SAME page.
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If it's in my calendar, I have a MUCH higher success rate. Plus, APs and I hold each other accountable to be.
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A1) There is nothing better than when Admin smiles and says "Good Morning" or "Have a great day"
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Pictures Jason...We want pictures!
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You're talking my language!
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Listen, listen, listen https://t.co/LcAmnZHfZK
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Q2 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to develop partnerships with families?
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A1 I gave each T a welcome back basket with some "essentials" chocolate, etc...and spent time together sharing about our summers
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Sounds just like you Grib!
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Build relationships, ask questions, be a great listener. Develop our shared vision and focus areas for the year together
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Good Cody. Bring us back to the REAL keys for growth.
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A1 as a new principal, it's been important to build a relationship with each teacher.
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A1: read positive emails/notes, etc. from last year's parents to staff
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A2: Invite them in! All the parents that just came to Open House now have a positive image of the school & classroom!
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Making time to see each person, every day is important.
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A2: Ps give us a TON of insight into culture, learning, experience, and growth. Seek it...LISTEN. https://t.co/V0o73kAdwU
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Q2 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to develop partnerships with families?
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yeah, it has helped tremendously with buy-in and sustainability
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You got duty...clean up duty
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What should we listen for, Cody? Explain.
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Great idea! I give some Sailor Swag on the first day back.
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Great ideas here! Who does love being showered with praise and goodies.
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got to build those positive relationships
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A1: We are reading FiSH and making sure we incorporate being present, choosing our attitude, making each other's day and PLAY!
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A2 I called all of my K families before the year began and have made several positive phone calls home to start the year.
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Love it! Sharing the unknown can lift everyone's spirit.
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Even in passing! Acknowledging someone is so simple, and it doesn't cost anything
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Good to see you too...hope the year is starting strong! Are you coming to the MEMSPA annual conference?
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A1: My wife and I host a back to school social for staff the night before Opening Day PD. It allows us to connect.
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A Lot to be said for establish TRUST.
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HUGE...900 in my building...I'm not great at it. Working to grow in this area...
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Paraphrase, summarize, reflect back, and see if what I am hearing is what they are saying.
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In today's society we just don't see enough people staying "present." Love that you are prioritizing this.
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and I are trying to swing it this year...you know because I can't go anywhere without him!
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A1: Smiles, looking like we are having fun, genuine interest in each other
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A2: talk to Ps about how you can work TOGETHER to help their child, go to them, meet them on their terms, listen/listen/listen
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a2. Last year we a 21st century respect event in which we talked about respect for digital footprint, body, health, etc.
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Terrific! This year our KDG teachers are meeting face to face with ALL families.
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Just a smile and a welcome.
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A2: Started taking "birthday selfies with the principal" and sending to parents. They have loved it. https://t.co/Gut4WfhXK4
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I've done this, it's great to have staff see each other in a casual setting.
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that's a lot of names! I have about half of my 300 so far and I'm trying to make it a priority!
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We did throw Swedish Fish at our last collaboration time!
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Tall order, but tremendous in value.
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Q3 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to personalize Professional Development for staff?
cc
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A2-open house gave P's a YouTube link for video introducing myself, quicker start to WATCH DOGS, parent survey for communication
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a2. This past summer and I went to neighborhoods and gave out free books. Meeting them where they are is huge!
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The ONE and ONLY is in the chat! YES! Digital Citizenship is important for ALL families.
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A2. Be available and visible! Greet them at the door, bus, drop off. Where ever you can.
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A3: Work in progress, but we are transforming staff meetings into mini PD sessions on topics of staff choosing.
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A3: Get the agenda out to them ahead of time, and debrief individuals to tailor the PD to them. Be open to options
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A2: Try to make personal connections w families. Lots of family events at night. Struggling to grow PTO though.
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A2:I am hosting a Twitter 101 for parents during/ after school for parents that do not understand Twitter and want to learn more
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Like the idea of flipping it! Sounds like a trick.
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Thats a great step. All learning all of the time
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I had my teachers read a "serious" article but it really was a hysterical story. Great laughs!
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A3: use an model for PD whenever possible. Let the experts in the building determine their needs & grow for each other
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Visibility matters. Right on my friend.
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A3 "individualize the learning" They write down THEIR training objectives, and revisit them. https://t.co/4aJ1GEXCDO
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Q3 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to personalize Professional Development for staff?
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A3: Get to know staff, talk about "pearls and sands," get into classrooms, & make PD meaningful. Listen. https://t.co/sWMFlxi3O2
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Q3 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to personalize Professional Development for staff?
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A3: Staff meetings should not be to give info, they should be to PD anyone in attendance. Training, Learning, Collaboration!
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a2. We enticed kids with free haircuts and makeovers. Great turnout!
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we invite spouses and significant others too because they play a huge role in the success of the year as well.
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A2 I have been able to greet Ss everyday with a high five and this has created several great opportunities to talk to parents!
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WOW how are you doing that?
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Simple, yet powerful to have the agenda ahead of time. Like it!
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A3: If we like each other more and are inspired to do our very best for students, any PD is a success!
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A3: Flip "staff meetings" to keep agendas to learning. Partner with other principals to plan Diff PD at buildings. Work smarter
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THIS! Incorporate choice and allow leaders to rise. Great to have you chime in, Tommy. https://t.co/Qjb2CIAqOP
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A3: use an model for PD whenever possible. Let the experts in the building determine their needs & grow for each other
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Do they do the homework to flip-it?
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A3: let Ts choose the books they would like to use for book studies. Then have each group share their learning to whole group
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A3 I was able to work with our Tech director to personalize my buildings Google training to fit my Ts needs.
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Informational items in email...time together is for learning. Staff put ideas for PD & we tap into our experts.
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Completely agree, Cody. Individualize and Personalize the process for each staff member.
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A3. Try to share what knowledge I have and try to help them find the resources that can assist them more than i can.
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Did you get a haircut or were you stuck in the garage?
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Did this by surveying Ts on strengths they would share & things want to learn...then matched them up
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Like trying to get the GREAT out to our district!!! Can't wait!!!
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How do you partner with other Principals?
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Focus on culture and building relational trust. Model effective instructional strategies. Motivate, inspire, energize staff
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Yes! No more staff "meetings". All are collaborations. Smartest person in room is the room (not me) https://t.co/A80w9LiXWW
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A3: Flip "staff meetings" to keep agendas to learning. Partner with other principals to plan Diff PD at buildings. Work smarter
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A3: for my first staff meeting, I held it like an EdCamp. Theme: books they read over the summer
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Fast moving chat! If you see an idea or tweet don't be afraid to have a side convo.
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it still is a huge hit. The kids come in after school and still want to play.
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A3: Don't try to be the Sage on the Stage or the next Tony Robbins. Let Ts lead their learning.
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The more we share with each other the better we become. Keep the ideas coming.
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Plan and host various PL based on Ts needs. i.e Bldg A hosts Run Records-Bldg B hosts Lit stations https://t.co/5J2CdvBBpd
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How do you partner with other Principals?
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Fabulous pic! That is a keeper.
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A3 first staff meeting we spent time building teamwork and relationships, celebrated with a party & cornhole tourney!
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A4: I got nothing. I am horrible at this.
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A4 little different not being in a school. But I try to focus on the big things, not wasting work time. https://t.co/KhIJqPBUiJ
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A guy can dream...Tony Robbins is a legend : )
What if some teachers are reluctant to lead? How do you encourage?
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Me TOO! I'm still at work right now : )
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A4: Faith. Family. Friends. MSMS. Wherever you are, be ALL IN. It maximizes the experience and moment. https://t.co/F1ZkxqNOyq
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A4: Family Time, Music, Travel, Walking the Dog. More to come next week as the topic will be balance;) https://t.co/sGzi7OBGbm
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A4. My wife..she keeps me grounded.
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A3: If Ts follow their professional passions, they will have a natural interest in the PD that follows. https://t.co/q2PxbGiIyc
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Well said, Doug! You sound like a terrific model for this.
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A4: make sure you delegate where you can. You don't grow other leaders or build trust when you try to do it all yourself.
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I bet you are a dog walking expert!
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A4: Its strategic IMbalance-Its a constant tipping of the scale. Don't let it stay on one side too long https://t.co/f2Il4Ykk0k
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A4: Make sure I am having fun, reading, spending time with family/friends...I am no good to if I am a grump!
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A4 Life's not always balanced. Let there be some ebb and flow. Schedule your priorities, personal and professional
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Are you currently doing laundry or washing dishes?
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A4: Sporrts, out with friends/family when I can, no shop talk! Also, weekend away with my wife every couple weeks = a must!
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Love it! How do you "delegate"/ build internal capacity?
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A4 - I put this on the doors of all staff the first Friday of the year. https://t.co/vtg3YDO7ja. It's a marathon, not a sprint
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A4: what is this "balance " word? Lol.
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just got done with both before the chat! :)
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How do you stay balanced? Tips and Tricks.
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keeping it 100 as the kids (and I) say.
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A4: my drive home helps my disconnect everyday
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I MUST stay active. One way or another this is a MUST.
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AMEN brother! help clear my mind!
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developing other leaders is a leaders job. Start with baby-steps, but everyone needs to grow.
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A4: Aristotle called it the "Golden Mean". Buddhists call it the "Middle Path". I call life balance "Sanity".
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I knew that! You're an EXPERT.
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Q5 - What Tips and Tricks do you do to prevent EMAIL from running your To Do List?
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Agree...some just struggle with that aspect.
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Q5 is a biggie! What are your Tips and Tricks?
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provide opportunities for Ts to lead a PLC meeting, lead part of a staff meeting, create a culture survey, share data
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A5 I have a set time to respond to emails a day. NEVER first thing in the morning. Emergency? Call https://t.co/rC3rw9KR2J
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Q5 - What Tips and Tricks do you do to prevent EMAIL from running your To Do List?
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A5. Started leaving my phone in a different room or in my office when I am out!
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That's what growth is all about. Without struggle we do not grow/improve. https://t.co/JlL9l1idTB
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Agree...some just struggle with that aspect.
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I love that I think the ability to build strong internal leaders is undervalued.
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A4: You all help...we are in this together!
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I'm trying this as well. I also have tried to stop checking emails once I get home.
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A5: After a few weekends for Google Certification, I learned the bliss of "Inbox Zero" (or close to it!)
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Its hard. I like dealing with it so I don't have to think about it!
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Absolutely! Gotta lean on each other. That's why we have Voxer.
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A5: This is an issue for me. I can't stand unread emails, but I need to learn to shut it down more
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A5: take time during the lunch hour (when things are crazy) to answer emails that don't take brain space.
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A5 I have to be better at this, but I try to check my email at certain times vs all day. Efficiency is the key!
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A5 - I set 3 times a day to answer it in my office, squeeze quick ones in on my phone, evenings, and Sunday
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A5:. Simple, it is not linked to my phone.
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Yeah it can be a time suck. https://t.co/wV02SVpKF7
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A5: This is an issue for me. I can't stand unread emails, but I need to learn to shut it down more
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A5: No email notifications
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A5: Quick replies only. I leave in my inbox as reminders...delete=done.
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It is. Tommy is spot on. We simply don't lift others enough to be strong leaders.
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Ben Gilpin are you guilting me? :) I'm terrible at this... https://t.co/AZtutxwWIA
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Q4 - What Tips and Tricks to you do to keep LIFE in balance?
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A5: I skim emails. If I can't deal w it immediately, I mark "unread" so I don't forget about it
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A5 B: As says, It's not about how many emails in your inbox, it's about how much of your mind is in your inbox
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I'm at inbox 18. I hate you ; )
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A5: add a sig to phone email like "please excuse typos and brevity" & then BE BRIEF when you can. Save others for later
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You aren't alone my friend!
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Preach it! https://t.co/i1bvDs3VrU
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A5 B: As says, It's not about how many emails in your inbox, it's about how much of your mind is in your inbox
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Balancing the importance of email and staying present. That's the battle.
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How do we not let email run our To Do list?
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A5: Always have a working To Do list. If you are a mobile & visible leader, e-mail won't control you Bcuz most convos will B F2F
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Wow. I don't think I could do that.
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A3:Designing next PD session based on the results from a survey I gave last spring. Personalizing and offering choice in our PD
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I also like the email rule called - NO SCROLL Emails. This is a good rule to share with people.
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my goodness this is going quick! Lots of great answers and questions tonight!
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Emails are the bane of my existence. I choose to communicate most of the time face to face instead. My Fitbit loves that!
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I'm literally shaky reading this. Great idea, not sure if u could do it
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Q6 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to support bus drivers and other staff that are not always "in" the building?
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Come on Bethany! You've got a family and you still find time to smile every day. How do you stay so positive?
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A5: Let it be known that e-mail is checked 2x a day. You need to be an instructional leader during the Ss day.
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A5 Read an email once. Answer it, delete it, or turn it into a task. Don't save it for later. https://t.co/2x1eVdPRjw
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Q5 - What Tips and Tricks do you do to prevent EMAIL from running your To Do List?
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Powerful share! Sometimes I let my mind dwell on "certain" emails.
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A6: I need to work on this...Would love to hear ideas!
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Oh positive! I got that covered! I thought you were talking about work (I'm a workaholic) https://t.co/i6klJf0zoX
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Come on Bethany! You've got a family and you still find time to smile every day. How do you stay so positive?
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A6: Always greet and show interest. It's important to listen to them instead of just hear what they are saying
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A6 I do a ton of trainings for Bus drivers, Caf, subs, etc. on PBIS. Get em involved https://t.co/Upo1vSVhTq
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Q6 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to support bus drivers and other staff that are not always "in" the building?
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I just always think about how my mood directly impacts others. I can choose to improve someone's day. https://t.co/i6klJf0zoX
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Come on Bethany! You've got a family and you still find time to smile every day. How do you stay so positive?
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Twice a Day! This is good advice.
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A6. Trying to get better in this area. Trying to spend more time with them and build those relationships.
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The one and only is dropping amazing advice. LISTEN TO HIM...he is smart. cc https://t.co/jojw2fpAJs
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A5 Read an email once. Answer it, delete it, or turn it into a task. Don't save it for later. https://t.co/2x1eVdPRjw
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Q5 - What Tips and Tricks do you do to prevent EMAIL from running your To Do List?
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A6:Invite "out" S to PDs Coffee, chai, doughnuts to bus drivers (and PRIDE behavior matrix for busses). https://t.co/TBogXb5OIh
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Q6 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to support bus drivers and other staff that are not always "in" the building?
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A6: Host a breakfast & school tour for bus drivers in Oct after am run. Give school spirit wear. They feel at home
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Power of a Positive Attitude!
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A6 - choose a couple times each year to have staff and I bring coffee and donuts to bus drivers. Include them in social events
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Reach out to them, show your support. I've found that follow up phone calls to initial conversations are very much appreciated.
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A6: Diagnostic staff not full time in building. Go out of my way to include them in emails, convos, & things around our culture.
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THIS! Great advice on being a champion for Bus Drivers and Support Staff. https://t.co/lbIOlWEgmW
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A6: Host a breakfast & school tour for bus drivers in Oct after am run. Give school spirit wear. They feel at home
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A6: nothing works better than a gift card
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A6: Thank a bus driver or custodian or food service worker day to encourage Ss to recognize ppl who provide services to them
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That's my go to as well. Last year I gave out Subway. https://t.co/qFeRy70lZt
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A6: nothing works better than a gift card
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A6: Drop off Donut holes to techs, drivers, etc. at their lounge. Note that says "I appreciate you a HOLE lot"
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Taking the time to appreciate and show gratitude goes a long way.
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Checking out tonight. Life balance and all. Have a great night everyone!!
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Let's finish strong
Great Tips and Tricks you are all sharing!
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Yes! and send personal thank you notes to them via school mail! They'll love it!
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Good thinking. I rarely email drivers. I should do that more.
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A6: I also recognize them with their picture in the morning video announcements on their birthday
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I've been invited to talk abt new Mich Sci Standards at your Nov. event. How about tweeting me some Qs you have?
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Q7 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to help YOURSELF stay motivated and positive?
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Now that's easy. Recognizing Support staff and Drivers on their birthday is a no brainer, great advice!
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A7. Easy... You all keep me inspired and going. Nothing BUT positive in this group!
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A7. Easy... You all keep me inspired and going. Nothing BUT positive in this group!
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How do you stay motivated and positive? How do you not let yourself get in a rut?
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A7: Connecting with positive & inspirational Educators! is like a shot in the arm each week of positive energy!
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Agree. When I miss a couple weeks it shows. Gotta prioritize chats.
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A7: Visit with students and collaborate with colleagues. Focus on providing a pathway to a guided solution = gratifying.
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A7 focus on successes and try to build more of them https://t.co/V0fo3h1SU6
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Q7 - What Tips & Tricks do you do to help YOURSELF stay motivated and positive?
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A7: Coined a phrase that became popular with our team last yr..."bad day, good mood." Reminds us we are in charge of our mood.
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Agree! I also love to go to conferences or meet ups and see people face to face.
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A7: my PLN, reading the latest books, Twitter chats, voxer groups, and lurking
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A7 - when I am in my toughest moments, I grab a book and go independently read with kids or listen to a passionate T read aloud
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Absolutely Ben! Nothing replaces those face to face meetings! https://t.co/e1Z5uD3Oea
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Agree! I also love to go to conferences or meet ups and see people face to face.
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I like this. I also try to do something new or innovative. I love podcasting with kids and other educators.
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Don't forget to check out this link: https://t.co/6k6mPmrJrk talk to your district about the importance of constant learning
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Eyes wide open. Read. Stay in moment. Talk to other Admin. MEMSPA. Think outside box. Get in classes. https://t.co/sIrIXhdDw5
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How do you stay motivated and positive? How do you not let yourself get in a rut?
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You're an animal with prof. reads.
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thats awesome my brother (admin) is trying to get us in the Pod game. Don't think we have the voices for it. ha
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You know it Mike! Looking forward to presenting this year.
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Always love to visit KDG. Nothing but smiles and hugs in those rooms.
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thank you. I honestly appreciate the comment
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Less is more. I try to surround myself with fabulous people! cc
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Yes! Whether it's at school or on Twitter, staying connected is the key to staying motivated! https://t.co/VQuR3bzxjS
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A7: Visit with students and collaborate with colleagues. Focus on providing a pathway to a guided solution = gratifying.
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Thank you and all for a great chat! Checking out a bit early!
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A7:brain storm with colleagues and remember to laugh! It is the best medicine for exhaustion, frustration etc
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Great having you chime in, Bill. Now go take out the garbage!
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Q8 - Share something positive that has happened with kids in the first few weeks of school.
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Every now and again I try to watch Youtube videos of Sebastian Maniscalco or Brian Regan. Those guys crack me up!
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Knowing the blessings of living in the best country w/ best educators in the world.
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A8: Every smile, every high five, every time a child tells me they are glad to be back at school!
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A8: When the students say they are happy to be back, and the staff just simply pop in and say "thank you"
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Thanks for chiming in
We are so blessed! https://t.co/hu2V1dqLkd
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Knowing the blessings of living in the best country w/ best educators in the world.
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Great ppl are most important.
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Heading out friends! Thank you & for another inspiring chat!
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