Rising Above in a Year Like No Other

 As we continue our focus on PLTS Collaborative Teams Effective PLCs utilize collaborative teams. This requires groups of teachers and administrators working together in an environment where all feel comfortable talking openly. In order for this to work, all must feel respected and have no fear of chastisement or negative consequences. Additionally, PLCs must utilize shared and collective leadership, where both teachers and administrators share leadership roles during the meetings. Teachers may be more willing to openly discuss concerns and doubts if they have the opportunity to play the role of leader. I know that online learning has its limits and we are all at the end of our ropes- Mostly the students! Positive pep talks are the order of the day. We have done incredible things this year! We carried on with education during a global pandemic. You did it. Parents did it. Kids did it! Let's be proud of that and give it our best to make it through the rest of the year. Do something ...

  Focus on PLTs: As we are wrapping up this year, we are also focusing on next steps for next year. As I always say it is worth far more to hone the skills we already have than to add more and different. We have been working now for some time on the work of an effective PLT. Our plan is to continue to build on that. One component of a successful PLT (per Richard Dufour) is a Focus on Students: The focus of the PLC (T) must be on the students, particularly in regards to improving their learning and experiences. This means that discussions should revolve around lesson plans, assessments, activities, and other topics that directly affect the students. One example of implementing this focus is sharing best practices. Teachers are encouraged to share activities or lessons that they have found to be successful. The goal is for other teachers to also apply those techniques to their own classrooms in order to improve student learning. Hug a Special Ed Teacher (at least virtually)! This is ...

 It has been easy this year to get bogged down in the constant changes and the stress of it all, but we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With most of us vaccinated, and more students returning to school we have reason to celebrate and we have reason to be proud! Please remember that although you no longer have to fill in the screening on Wake Connect, you should be prescreening yourselves before you come in to school. Don't be a hero! Even if you are vaccinated, there are other illnesses and nobody wants to be sick and covered in pollen! Just as a reminder (I also put this in the parent email). You are not allowed onto WCPSS property if you are: Diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days Exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days and not fully vaccinated Instructed to quarantine Experiencing any of the following symptoms: Sick or experiencing symptoms of illness 100.4° fever or higher Sore throat New cough New shortness of breath or difficulty breathing New loss...