A Fresh Start

As we reflect on 2018, there is a temptation for all of us to strive to do more in 2019 through our resolutions.  Head Space Co-Founder, Andy Puddicombe has a different idea.  Andy is a mindfulness and meditation expert who created an app that helps companies and individuals clear their heads and understand the powerful science behind this work.  He reminds us that to bring less stress in our lives and to find regulation, we need to focus on doing less.  Below are his recommendations for a successful 2019!

Tips for Less Stress in 2019:

·        Learn to Meditate (Sounds familiar! J) – Science research says that learning to do nothing can help us live healthier lives.  It is important to find ways to be present and mindful of our surroundings. 

·         Judge Less –  Be kind to yourself.  When you start to get critical of yourself or others, note those feelings and then let them go.   Conscious Discipline also reminds us of the importance of noticing and not judging! 

·         Binge Less -  A lot of times we find ourselves being emotional eaters (Guilty as charged!!!)  When you go to the cabinet (or desk drawer) looking for food, ask yourself if you are hungry or a little stressed!  J  (You may have to help me with this one!) 

·         Scroll Less – Put your phone away!  When we are with our children or loved ones we are there physically, but many times not emotionally because we are checking our email or getting notifications.  Andy suggests that you reset your phones for the New Year – clear all notifications and clean out all in-boxes to start the year fresh and with less distractions.  Remember that our own children and students in our classes need their Joy Juice of face-to-face interactions! 

·         Fight Less – Get rid of grudges and other baggage that you may be holding.  When in doubt BREATHE! 

What great tips to have for the New Year!  Here is to a new year with less stress and more enjoyable interactions.  

Important Information: 

PLC Team Meetings - I would like to schedule a PLC meeting date for all groups.  I started a rough agenda on our documents in the PLC Organization Folder.  I will be sending more information to each team individually.  If you have agenda items you would like to discuss with me, please let me know!

After School PLC Meeting - We will have our after school PLC meeting on Wednesday, January 9th from 3:10 - 4:00 p.m.  I will post an agenda soon!  We will have time for reflection and working with your teams.  Snacks will be provided!

Wedding Bells - Congratulations to Bo Gibson for marrying his best friend on New Year's Eve!  We are happy for both of them and wish them many years of happiness!

Conscious Discipline Trainings - Lauren Blake and Kelly Cash have been working hard to create a refresher/training around Conscious Discipline principles in January.  We are going to split up into junior high and high school teams.  Junior high teachers (listed below) will meet after school on January 16th and high school will be January 23rd from 3:10 - 4:00 in the high school library.  It will be a great training.  Looking forward to learning with you!
   Junior High Teachers (January 16):  Jason, Brennan, Michelle, Abbie, Hailei, Seth, Ty, Stephanie, Hilarie, Pam, Keith, Heidi, Melissa, Carol
   High School Teachers (January 23): Debbie, Bo, Adam, Mackenzie, Jennifer, Dana, Vanessa, Nancy, Andrea, Carrie, Josh, Kris, Diane, Mary Jo, Jill,

Grades:  Grades are due in Skyward by Tuesday, December 8th at midnight.  Report cards will come out on January 11th.

Poly-Tech Institute - January 7th and 8th Perry Central will be sending a team to New York to visit two well known poly-tech institutes.  Perry Central was invited by CELL to attend the event.  Tara, Jody, Ray and Glenn Etienne will be attending.  We look forward to sharing what we learn.  Poly-Tech programs work to embed work based learning opportunities into the classroom.

Career Day - Maria Sweat is working on Career Day for January 18th.  We are hosting this event earlier this year in hopes of helping students with class scheduling for next year.  More details will be forthcoming.  Career Day will be for students in grades 8, 9 and 10 and will be hosted during 3rd and 4th periods on the 18th.

News 44 Visits Again - On Friday, January 25th, News 44 will host another morning pep session for our students.  We were chosen again by their producers because they had so much fun last time!!!  The Pep session starts around 7:00 a.m.  More details will be forthcoming.  Mark your calendars for a fun start to the day!  We love having so many teachers be a part of this fun activity!

Assistant Meeting - On Friday, January 4th during both lunches we will have an assistant meeting.  Please meet in the teacher meeting room (room behind the ISS room) during your lunch time.  It will be a great time for us to catch up, talk about successes and struggles, share changes to WIN schedule and learn more about student brains!  :-)  Looking forward to seeing you!

Important Dates:

Wednesday, January 2 -  Back to School

Thursday, January 3 - SEL Team Meeting 3:00 - 4:15 High School Library/ Girls Varsity @ Home vs. Paoli 5:30 p.m.

Friday, January 4 - Boys Varsity @ West Washington 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 5 - Girls Varsity @ Home vs. North Posey 12:00 p.m./ Boys Varsity @ Home vs. Forest Park 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 8 - Grades Due by midnight

Wednesday, January 9 - After School PLC Meeting 3:10 - 4:00