The need to meet, to share, to care about one another.

Okay, it is time to reach out to your colleagues!
Wednesday, I sat down with Minal to brainstorm using more projects on the algebra/geometry classroom. It was so fun to share ideas! She had great ideas and we mapped out a skeleton structure for next semester.
This afternoon, Friday,  Jeanie and I met to 'check in and reach out (CIRO). We talked about how important talking, sharing, and collaborating are. We talked about how professional development meetings are great, but we need time to talk! There is so much power in talking! And so we want to encourage all CIROs to share what is working, share ideas, share your inspiration!
This afternoon we celebrated! We wish you had been here!
We talked about classroom management, kids, teaching, technology, work place relationships, assessments, and sisters. We talked about how fun trivia is...and the importance of playing and working out. (Jeanie is working out and doing yoga. I have been swimming.) But we think whatever we do, or whatever you do, is important.
There is a secret santa activity going on at Jeanie's school. (This inspirational game can boost morale and bring joy to teachers.) Teachers, staff, and administrators draw names and between Thanksgiving and winter break give little gifts every day or every other day to a secret 'pal.' Her secret santa is awesome! And it has been fun for social interaction. It is optional for teachers. The 'happy committee' at her school runs it. They also do diper parties and retirement parties at her school.
We talked about the importance of staying connected to a place. Many alumni had good experiences at our alma mater. We think it is important to keep in touch with those whose lives were touched as they developed as teachers. So we are going to invite other alumni and former faculty to join us next month!
We talked about yearbooks. Teachers at her school picked students to take pictures for a day. Students get the yearbook camera, yes, the real camera, for a day. Students with the 'best pictures' get a gift card. She had a student who normally was not very high performing who took Great pictures! It was fun to share the successes of students.
So this week we checked in, caught up, shared ideas, shared great stories about students' successes, and inspired hope in one another. Our question for you is: Who inspires you? Who is your mentor, your advocate? We think it is time to get in touch with them and tell them Thank You! If someone made a difference in your life, tell them! We need more good CIR-O! 😊