Hello friends,
We’re just coming to the end of the first week back with students. And, man, I’m tuckered out.
I tell my wife each year that the first week back with a building full of students is equal parts fun and exhaustion. It’s like each day is a huge adrenaline rush followed by bigger and bigger crashes. When you make it to Saturday, you’re burnt toast.
This week has definitely met those expectations, but it’s been so much fun nonetheless. Nothing over-the-top to report, just another week that confirms that I still love this job, hard as it may be.
I hope you enjoy this week’s resources. A hearty video reminding us to thank our mentors. And some PD that challenges us to contact parents on a positive note while the year is young. I fail at this one often, but I’m going to try to actually do it this year.
Have a great week!
P.S. If you didn’t catch the email on Thursday, check out the results from our first monthly admin survey. Very fun! Another one coming soon.
Weekly Video
Use in staff newsletters, encouraging emails, etc.
Former Student Surprises High School Teacher
Possible Caption: We all have someone to thank for where we’ve landed.
Vote below, and we’ll track your favorite videos in our archive.
Looking for a past video. Check our archive.
Weekly Quote
"Purpose is an essential element of you … the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
Chadwick Boseman
Weekly Staff/Student Discussion Question
Use in a staff meeting, student discussion, ask your own kids … see what happens!
Question: When was the last time you laughed so hard that you nearly cried?
If you have one, hit “comment” at the bottom of this post and share yours! Mine: It was about three weeks ago.
Note: The answer to this question is why I love working with kids. Ask a group of kids this question, and 95% of them will give an answer within the last 24-48 hours. Ask most adults, and many of them can’t even remember. Maybe years. We need to laugh more, and kids do it naturally.
Weekly Emailable PD
Use in staff newsletters, emailable PD messages, etc.
Suggested Email Body:
This week’s resource focuses on a simple way to strengthen trust: communicating before something becomes urgent. When students, families, and colleagues hear from us during ordinary moments, not only when a problem arises, future conversations begin with a stronger foundation.
The challenge is not communicating more, but communicating with greater intention. A warm introduction, specific good news, the right channel, and a little context can make messages clearer, more human, and easier to receive.
This week’s resource offers practical ways to make proactive communication part of everyday teaching. By reaching out early, sharing positive details, and asking for support before situations escalate, teachers can build trust that makes difficult conversations more productive.
