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New School Retreat


This school year brings changes for me as I'm transferring to a new school. It's a brand new school. It's still being built! Yesterday and today we are spending the days together for a staff retreat.


Change can be scary and hard. This change is exciting and new! We spent yesterday getting to know each other. The day began with our principal and the director of middle schools welcoming us. Next, we played "Bear Bingo", our school mascot is the bear, as we each introduced ourselves to the group.

Lunch together was relaxing. I don't know many people so it was an opportunity to get to know each other. We sat outside and enjoyed our sandwiches as we learned about each other.

After lunch, we came together to create our value statements. I love how we did this. It's a process that was completed with parents and then repeated with students. This time, it was our turn. I love the opportunity to hear what parents and students want our school to be.


Our brilliant admin team lead us in these discussions. We had conversations in our groups about what was important to us. We disagreed. We listened. We compromised. It was powerful!
The day ended watching, "Every kid needs a champion"...a TED Talk by Rita Pierson.




Our exit ticket consisted of answering this question: What inspired you today? I wrote and wrote and wrote as I was inspired by so much!

YES. This is all true. A day working with these people makes me hopeful for an amazing new school. I felt valued and important. I felt worthy and like my voice mattered. I felt like an integral part of a team. 

Leaders show what they value with actions. Leaders show their priorities with how they spend their time. I was reminded of these words by Eleanor Roosevelt, "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." Yesterday was planned with so much heart! I can't wait to see what today brings...


Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.

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  1. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJuly 11, 2017 at 7:02 AM

    I am so incredibly happy and excited for you! And that Eleanor Roosevelt quote is one I need to frame!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chris MargocsJuly 11, 2017 at 7:08 AM

    This sounds like a great beginning; how exciting to open up a new school! I'm looking forward to more Slices about your experience navigating new hallways and relationships.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 11, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    I am so happy for you, Michelle! I know you'll have a tremendous year!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JulieanneJuly 11, 2017 at 9:02 AM

    Wow! What a wonderful experience. It sounds like this new school is a perfect setting for your head and heart!

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1981shamrockJuly 11, 2017 at 9:59 AM

    So happy for you, Friend. Your voice deserves to be valued.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa KeelerJuly 11, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    This sounds so great for you Michelle. I hope you will love your new school home!

    ReplyDelete
  7. TaraJuly 11, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    Now that is the way to begin a new school year, Michelle - sounds like a wonderful new place!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jennifer LaffinJuly 11, 2017 at 4:48 PM

    The fact that a school with a staff and leadership like this is so inspiring (and a bit refreshing, I'll admit.) You are a lucky girl, Michelle. Can't wait to hear more!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Carrie GelsonJuly 12, 2017 at 1:10 AM

    So lovely for you! All of you beginning together in this new space? Or have you worked together before?

    ReplyDelete
  10. RamonaJuly 13, 2017 at 11:05 PM

    So glad for this wonderful beginning filled with heart! Here's to a wonderful year in your new school.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ms. WatkinsJuly 14, 2017 at 4:54 PM

    I looooved our new school retreat! So glad you guys got to do it too, and that you're so excited about your new team. I'm excited for you!

    ReplyDelete

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