July 25, 2018

Welcome Back...almost!

Today was a good day on the river! 

What? Back to work already?

I hope you had a relaxing, restful summer because you deserve it! The more time I spend in education, the more I realize how hard the job has become. The opportunity to refuel is key in being ready to do great things this year!

* We know not every day will be awesome. We work with kids. They are much like us only at the beginning of their learning journey.

* It's our care that they need.

* If you don't leave school the majority of the days with a smile on your face because you know you did good work, be sure to tell someone. Talk to me. If you're not happy, it's not likely your students will be either.

* It's my dream this year that you and your students think of school as a place where communities of learners gather to do interesting work that matters, and that we increase the sense of care we give ourselves, others, and the world.

* To be curious about what others are feeling and experiencing. To listen with curiosity and compassion.

* I'm excited to hear your stories so please share them. In turn, I'll share mine with you.

* Go help kids to learn, smile and belong.

* Ask hard and interesting questions.

* Try new things.

* Share what you're learning.

* Ask for help.

* You defend and empower your students and I'll do the same for you.

It's time for some new stories of great learning and a community rich with caring and curiosity. 

It begins now.

Go be awesome.

In the spirit of inspiring you and welcoming you back - 

what could be better than this?

And in the spirit of fun...

Yes, we need to have more fun!

Back to School Must Have's:

My Favorite Teacher

And alas, a few things to make sure you have done....

* Responded to Jill's email about transportation for Thursday, August 2nd, to Eagle Lake.

* Mandatory District Moodles if you are a certified teacher

Here's the info and link to the Mandatory Trainings:

Course: 2018-2019 Online Mandatory Training: Includes the following modules: 1. Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting 2. Keeping Students Safe 3. Standard Response Protocol 4. Respect at Work 5. Run, Hide, Fight 6. Privacy Act Compliance Session: 1938-82

Session: 1938-82, Renaissance Expeditionary Magnet Staff ONLY

Start Date: 07/01/2018

Course Link: https://pd.dcsdk12.org/course/view.php?id=10639

Certified staff, please make sure you do these before school starts.

Classified staff, please do NOT take these trainings until August 7th and 8th, when you are at work, on-the-clock. 

* Here's the information about Thursday and Friday, August 2nd and 3rd:

Thursday, August 2nd:

Agenda:

7:30 am Travel Time from Castle Rock - arriving around 9:30 am

9:30 Care and Curiosity with Self

Noon Community camp lunch

1:00 Camp Tour

1:30 Care and Curiosity with Each Other

Choice adventure/camp activities

3:30 Reflection and Sharing

5:00 Community Camp Dinner

6:00 pm Departure back to Castle Rock - arriving around 8:00 pm

We hope you leave with:

• A shared vision of “Care and Curiosity”
• Tools to use with self, others, and with your crew
• A sense of community and belonging

Gear List

* Comfortable, outdoor clothing and shoes (optional water shoes)

* Water bottle

* Sun supplies (sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.)

* Small blanket, towel or yoga mat ( or a portable stool/camp chair if sitting on the ground is a challenge.)

* A mindframe ready to enjoy time in the outdoors with yourself and colleagues!

Professional Development Day at Renaissance

Friday, August 3

Agenda:

7:30 Coffee

8:00 Soft Start

8:30 Goals of the Day/Overview/Framing

9-10 Connecting/Revisit Immersion

10-11

Brainstorm Opportunities to develop/integrate/plan

11-12 Work Time on plan

12:00 Lunch-Brought In

1-4 Wrapping Up the Loose Ends

• Application & Plan “Caring & Curiosity” Work Time
• Resources & Schedules
• Reflection & Revisit
• Nut & Bolts-To dos
• Closing Circle

**As with all good instruction, all plans are flexible and subject to last minute changes and adjustments.

Every single staff member in our building is invited to attend our time together on both days. We want to have a common language/purpose/vision for our year so it is important to us that we all have a part in preparing for it.

We will meet at Renaissance and depart by 7:30 am to carpool up to Eagle Lake Camp because parking is very limited.

See you next week!

Deborah