#mdeschat Archive | Participate

MrsMurat Apr 14 @ 8:00 PM EDT

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rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:00 PM EDT

Happy Thursday and welcome to #mdeschat. Please take a moment to introduce yourself.

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:01 PM EDT

Chris, elementary principal in Glen Burnie, MD #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:02 PM EDT

Hi @principal64 ! How are you tonight? #mdeschat

MrCsajko Apr 14 @ 8:03 PM EDT

Mr. Csajko here. Will be in and out. Hey everybody! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:03 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz awesome, thanks! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:03 PM EDT

@MrCsajko Hey there, thanks for being here for what you can! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:04 PM EDT

If we have a few more people join us, we'll be talking about how and what we celebrate this time of year in elem. schools. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:05 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz they're out there, come on lurkers, join in 👍 #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:06 PM EDT

@principal64 They could be like me.... working on report cards. #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:06 PM EDT

#mdeschat. Hi everyone. Teacher at MacArthur. May I join your chat?

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:06 PM EDT

We'll be using the Q1/A1 format to get us started. Make sure to use the hashtag in your responses. Q1 is coming up next. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:07 PM EDT

Q1 At this time of year, why is it important to ensure and perhaps increase celebrations in elementary schools? #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:07 PM EDT

Good evening #mdeschat I'm here - but trying to finish up report cards too https://t.co/rhFB79dIzL

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:07 PM EDT

@Billzluv1 Welcome, Brenda! We're delighted to have you with us tonight! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:08 PM EDT

@Billzluv1 of course! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:08 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart Thanks for joining us tonight! I'm doing the same thing tonight! #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:09 PM EDT

A1 bec this time of year is stressful 4 Ss & Ts #testing #wornout and #complacency #mdeschat

KidInnovators Apr 14 @ 8:09 PM EDT

A1 bec this time of year is stressful 4 Ss & Ts #testing #wornout and #complacency #mdeschat

MrCsajko Apr 14 @ 8:09 PM EDT

A1-This is the time of year that stakeholders fizzle. Need to fuel the flame #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:09 PM EDT

A1. It's the toughest time of the year, lots going on, we want to finish strong, so celebrate! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:09 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart Good words. These capture the strain that exists. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:10 PM EDT

@MrCsajko Very true... and that fizzle is manifested in many ways.... what challenges do you see? #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:11 PM EDT

#mdeschat A1 - Students get burnt out with testing. We forget how hard they work - everyone needs a little play!

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:11 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz @MrCsajko I see S behaviors deteriorating, bec Ts get complacent with routines & expectations (incl myself) #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:11 PM EDT

@principal64 While it's hard to pick, I agree this is the toughest time.The beginning is busy... but now it's busy and stressful. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:12 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart It's a good time of year to take stock in the routines,consistency in sticking to them to hold everyone together! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:12 PM EDT

Q2 coming up....#mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:13 PM EDT

Q2 What types of things should be celebrated in the spring and through the end of the year for students? #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:14 PM EDT

A2 Academic and personal/social growth ...anything & everything you value as an educator #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:14 PM EDT

These are the last months & opportunities we (classroom Ts) will get with this class of Ss - we have 2 make it count!! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:15 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart Good point to connect it back to the traits we value and want to see in students. #mdeschat

vanlynn75 Apr 14 @ 8:15 PM EDT

Q2- Evaluate and celebrate achievement of goals that were set during the beginning of the year #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:15 PM EDT

A2. Try to celebrate the uniqueness of our students, for us, praise effort and resilience, respectful behavior, too #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:16 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart Totally agree... helps to go back to the hopes/dreams from the beginning of year and keep stretching. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:16 PM EDT

Hello all! Greg- 2nd grade, #TeamFelegy. Joining in a bit late. Hope all are well. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:16 PM EDT

@jazzmeister2013 Welcome, thanks for joining! #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:17 PM EDT

#mdeschat A2 I like to celebrate silly days like May 3 which is Lumpy Rug Day, May 4 Star Wars Day and May 9 Lost Sock Memorial Day!

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:17 PM EDT

A1- Recognize successes, hard work. Ss have put in time and effort to learn and grow. Important to celebrate. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:17 PM EDT

@Billzluv1 Hilarious! I've never heard of these...how do you celebrate Lumpy Rug Day?? #mdeschat

MrCsajko Apr 14 @ 8:18 PM EDT

A2-Things learned,smiles, attendance,hand being raised from the shy person in class.Know your audience& things 2 acknowledge #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:18 PM EDT

@Billzluv1 yes!!! I started doing this after a teacher (@whimsicalteach) shared the idea on periscope!! SO much fun!! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:18 PM EDT

A2- Growth in any area, whether it be social/emotional or academic. Celebrate growth, esp in areas of prior difficulty. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:18 PM EDT

@MrCsajko Great points. Love the idea of celebrating smiles and also customizing celebrations. :) #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:19 PM EDT

Q3 Coming up.... thinking about how we celebrate all these wonderful things.. #mdeschat

MrCsajko Apr 14 @ 8:20 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz a smile for some is a big step! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:20 PM EDT

Q3 Do all celebrations require tangible rewards or incentives? Why or why not? Share examples. #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:20 PM EDT

A2: hard work, collaboration, kindness, good class citizenship #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Apr 14 @ 8:21 PM EDT

A3 not at all... a celebration can be as simple as the WBT "10 finger wooooo" - or a high five! it's about the delivery & culture #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:22 PM EDT

@learnwholeheart Love those examples! Amazing the power of a high-five, fist-pump, or hug. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:22 PM EDT

A3. No, most don't require tangible rewards, the gift of time, lunch bunch, no shoes, special seat, read to a younger student #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:23 PM EDT

#mdeschat A3 It depends on the class! I like to change up my rewards based on the time of the year. Outside learning is on the horizon!

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:23 PM EDT

A3: as parent & educator, I say absolutely not. Simple is best. Feeling good from "success" is the reward. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

No. Celebrations can simply be verbal, w/ cheers or dancing. Doesn't need any particular tangible reward to be celebratory. #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

#mdeschat A3 Tangibles not necessary - in my 6th grade class we had a celebration after all did homework by changing seats for the day.

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

#mdeschat Hi Everyone. I have been having technical difficulties.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

@CMESmsnaugle1 I love that being outside includes learning! Kids appreciate the change of scenery &so much can be done outdoors! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

A3- No. Celebrations can simply be verbal, w/ cheers or dancing. Doesn't need any particular tangible reward to be celebratory. #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:24 PM EDT

A3: whatever you do, please don't use food/ candy as a reward. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:25 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora Great point... feeling good about it cultivates a good attitude and the desire to keep doing well and feeling good. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:25 PM EDT

@lindamcToth Welcome! We're glad you made it. :-) #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:26 PM EDT

@principal64 my kids prefer lunch bunch the most. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:26 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz @AACPS_Zamora Build intrinsic motivation. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:26 PM EDT

Q4 Why is it important to also celebrate staff at this time of year? #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:26 PM EDT

A3 #mdeschat We have table cheers. Students are allowed to say them when their table does something awesome.

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:27 PM EDT

A3 my students also enjoy time as rewards. lunch bunch and extra recess are the top choices #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:27 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz success begets success #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:27 PM EDT

Sorry to be late. Janice #teamFelegy #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:27 PM EDT

#mdeschat A4 The staff has been working so hard all year and are now entering a very hectic time with testing.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:28 PM EDT

@Speak4Power Welcome, Janice! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

@Speak4Power #TeamFelegy in the house! @MrCsajko #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A4 to celebrate small successes,motivate and encourage best efforts, what we GET to do with our students each day is a priveledge #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A4: especially important with PARCC & other stress. Ts need to be appreciated. #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A4 Staff members enjoy rewards more than the students at times! It can be as simple as a smile and saying good morning 😊 #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

sorry, Jenn here, 3rd grade #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A4. You can never thank a teacher enough, they need to be reminded about how important & valued they are (mine are the best!) #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:30 PM EDT

A4: like to invite staff to celebrate each other. Awards like ABCD- above &beyond the call of duty. #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:30 PM EDT

#mdeschat At my school we have high turn over. This is the time many decide to leave. Now is the time to boost morale.

jazzmeister2013 Apr 14 @ 8:31 PM EDT

A4- For similar reason as Ss. Ts have worked hard to promote, support, & engage in learning. Celebrating the work & the growth. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:31 PM EDT

You're beating me to the punch with Q5... so it's coming up! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:31 PM EDT

Q5 What ways does your school celebrate faculty and staff this time of year? #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:31 PM EDT

A4 it's important to positively reinforce teammates all year long. Now, the big hill of the marathon where everything hits ⬆️ need #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:32 PM EDT

#mdeschat A5 My PTA does a potluck for the teachers.

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:32 PM EDT

#mdeschat A4 29 year teaching vet and still need those occasional kudos.

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:32 PM EDT

@principal64 Crofton Meadows has some pretty great one 😉 @CrftMeadowsAACP #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:33 PM EDT

#mdeschat A5 I try to write thank yous and three cheer letters to each of them.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:33 PM EDT

@lindamcToth What are three cheer letters? #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:33 PM EDT

A4 Also, we all started the year with big goals. Now, we know how that worked out. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:34 PM EDT

A5. Staff Appreciation Day coming up May 4th, we do a couple of luncheons that week #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:34 PM EDT

#mdeschat A5 My favorite - department sponsored breakfast. Coffee, donuts, casseroles!

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

#mdeschat @rachelamstutz They are simple letters that I put into their mailboxes that celebrates something I saw, or great scores...

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

A5 a kind word goes a long way. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

Q7 coming up..... it requires us to think beyond teachers. #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

#mdeschat A5 We have a social committee that plans an end of the year party. At this, we celebrate the end of the year and all hard work!

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

Hmm... I mean Q6 :-) #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:35 PM EDT

A5 we have 'shout outs' in our staff weekly newsletter so Ts can give kudos, Our next PD will celebrate our best practices #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:36 PM EDT

Q6 As you think of all employees, who might be overlooked in celebrations at this time of year and how could we celebrate them? #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:36 PM EDT

@principal64 OO, Star Wars Day! May the fourth be with you! #mdeschat

slaterssongs Apr 14 @ 8:37 PM EDT

A3 offer student choice of activity. Or something out of the norm - talent shows can really pump up creativity and morale #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:37 PM EDT

A5: secret staff pal week culminating in a celebratory breakfast and guessing the pals. #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:37 PM EDT

@lindamcToth ours too, and some years we get CMES gear, shirts,umbrellas. teh best wash a car wash & detail while we worked #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:38 PM EDT

#mdeschat I always thank our TA's, Secretaries and Custodial staff at the end of the year! We can not forget them, they're our foundation !

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:38 PM EDT

#mdeschat A6 Though TAs and TSAs get to enjoy the meals but some other way to celebrate them.

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:38 PM EDT

Q6 #mdeschat Play 2 Truths and a Lie at faculty meeting. Unsung teachers will shine as you learn more about them.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:38 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora The "You've Been Mugged" trend is coming to my school soon #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:39 PM EDT

A6 support staff, custodians, cafeteria, TAs, secretaries. S notes, poems, pots with seeds for thanking them for helping us 'grow' #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:39 PM EDT

Q6 S can write letters to Café staff thanking them for fueling their learning. Also, the school doesn't clean itself. Appreciate #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:39 PM EDT

@cmespds How did that work out?? Who organized it? #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:40 PM EDT

#mdeschat A6 Custodians, kitchen personnel are some others we need to celebrate.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:40 PM EDT

@Billzluv1 So important--- getting to know each other more deeply and telling our stories. #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:40 PM EDT

#mdeschat nice green idea! https://t.co/YAI2PzUj4h

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:39 PM EDT

A6 support staff, custodians, cafeteria, TAs, secretaries. S notes, poems, pots with seeds for thanking them for helping us 'grow' #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:41 PM EDT

@rachelamstutz our PTO decides, sometimes they let the Ts vote on our thank you gifts #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:43 PM EDT

Q7 coming up.... #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:43 PM EDT

A6: ask Ts, Ss, PTA to provide lunch or breakfast for secretaries, custodians, cafe workers or a short assembly. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:43 PM EDT

Q7 What ideas have you seen or do you have to celebrate the end of the school year to honor the work, dedication, growth of all? #mdeschat

slaterssongs Apr 14 @ 8:43 PM EDT

Q6 a song makes everyone's day brighter :) can you tell I'm a music teacher. cust comes for jammed locker gets a song instead #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:45 PM EDT

A7. Surprised the staff with a bus ride to the movies to see Inside Out, free popcorn & soda, their children invited, too #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:46 PM EDT

A6 don't tell my boss that I walked around school this week telling Ts things I appreciate about them or learned from them. #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:47 PM EDT

A7 #mdeschat Dress Up as Your Favorite Character Day. School wide talent show with teachers and admin participating.

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:47 PM EDT

A7: surprise start of summer party - cake, cookies instead of an expected meeting. #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:48 PM EDT

A7 our staff does an end of year picnic on the half day to laugh and breathe together. love them idea of honoring growth #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:49 PM EDT

Great ideas coming up now.... looking forward to borrow many of these! Q8, our last question, is coming up! #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:49 PM EDT

@principal64 can you swing by our school?!?! Love that! #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:49 PM EDT

A7: one year I surprised my team will an ice cream Sundae party with real Sundae glasses the could keep. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:50 PM EDT

Q8 It's time for personal action! How will you celebrate others in new ways this spring? #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:51 PM EDT

A8: can't tell you - it's a surprise. #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:51 PM EDT

A7 some people are on diets that make the cake & cookie reward not so exciting. Still grateful, just can't partake. Healthy #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:51 PM EDT

#mdeschat A8 There are so many ideas I got from tonight's chat.

vanlynn75 Apr 14 @ 8:52 PM EDT

Q7- staff members can bring in items, quotes, etc...that celebrates and recognizes appreciated traits of their colleagues #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:53 PM EDT

@Speak4Power I did provide low-fat, sugar free, and dairy free options. #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:53 PM EDT

A8 I plan to write each staff member a short secret note telling them what I think they do best 😊 #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:53 PM EDT

A8--#mdeschat I have always wanted to set up a green screen in my classroom allow students to take silly photos with props and backgrounds.

rachelamstutz - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:54 PM EDT

Lots of great ideas shared tonight!! Thanks for being a part of our chat. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:55 PM EDT

#mdeschat @rachelamstutz Rachel, thanks for leading this chat!

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:56 PM EDT

A8: a ready for summer book swap. Lots of different ways to do it. #mdeschat

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:56 PM EDT

Don't forget to follow each other! Especially us that are new to Twitter 😊 #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:57 PM EDT

A8 i think more personal anecdotes of how coworkers inspire me. Sometimes a smile passing in the hall can make the difference #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:57 PM EDT

Thank you, Rachel. Great topic for this time of year. I'm energized. #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:58 PM EDT

@lindamcToth @rachelamstutz Thanks Rachel, got some good ideas tonight! #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:58 PM EDT

#mdeschat that was thoughtful. I am trying to take food out of the reward and just let food be fuel. https://t.co/kTkuCRQjEA

AACPS_Zamora Apr 14 @ 8:53 PM EDT

@Speak4Power I did provide low-fat, sugar free, and dairy free options. #mdeschat

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:58 PM EDT

@CMESmsnaugle1 Always good to build your PLN and share ideas! #mdeschat

Billzluv1 Apr 14 @ 8:58 PM EDT

#mdeschat thank you everyone I got some great ideas!

cmespds Apr 14 @ 8:59 PM EDT

@lindamcToth I agree! #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Apr 14 @ 8:59 PM EDT

#mdeschat love it! https://t.co/csEqA6f96P

CMESmsnaugle1 Apr 14 @ 8:53 PM EDT

A8 I plan to write each staff member a short secret note telling them what I think they do best 😊 #mdeschat