To encourage dialogue and reflection about both making and time for ourselves, our question for the week is: What do you like to do to relax, ‘take a break’, and recharge? What strategies, habits, and routines help you to make time to do these things? Making and Taking Breaks (Week of 3/31/24) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake's Guiding Lights
Our Students
Blake's Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Reflection
Our Essential Question: How can we cultivate and curate the progression of student learning and growth?
Our Mission: Blake Middle School believes in a living mission statement, based on the concept that our community seeks and respects knowledge, integrity, character, wisdom, and the willingness to adapt to a continually evolving world.
The most important attitude that can be formed is that of desire to go on learning. - John Dewey
You cannot teach today the same way you did yesterday to prepare students for tomorrow. - John Dewey
With the rain and wintry weather taking place this week, it was nice to see the sun a bit and get outside for some walks this past weekend! It was really nice having Maggie home for the second half of her spring break, and Katie and I had a fun time attending the March Madness games last Thursday for the East Regional semifinals - the late games and 2 a.m. arrival at home made for a very lazy Friday! On Sunday we hosted some of our family at our house - for those who celebrated Easter, I hope that it was enjoyed.
So, this week I am keeping it simple so that I can take the proverbial ‘day away’ and work on being present and away from the work - after all, it will be sure to be here tomorrow.
Sampling of Responses from Last Week’s ‘Question of the Week’: What can we do as a community to help others recognize and feel as though they belong? Share some specific ideas.
- Smiling and saying hello in the hallways, looking at people and listening when they are talking, not discounting other people's opinions
- Wish no one would give their kids phones until high school or college. Not realistic but I am convinced it is the downfall of everything. Kids can be so mean and technology makes it easier.
- We can make sure everyone feels included.
- We can share related experiences with other people or attempt to sympathize with them.
- People should learn to accept others who are different from themselves.
- Have collective activities for all grades during school.
- You should add more events where kids can show their talents or hobbies like the "Night of Belonging" but during the school day or something.
- Make a point to laugh with them, have a conversation.
- People be less mean.
- Understanding that for many of us, just showing up is the biggest hurdle in the day.
- Put effort into caring about what makes individuals different. Showing you care about a person's culture, upbringing, trauma, what makes them smile, etc. That's what makes a successful community of belonging. The effort of just caring about what makes other people who they are and why.
- I think it's great when people have a place or space to share their thoughts! A Night of Belonging was really fun on Thursday, and it might be great to do again next year!
April is National Poetry Month and each week I will share a poem or two to foster some connections and dialogue within our community. This poem by Billy Collins speaks to the transition from winter into spring…