Happy Spring Break!
We've made it! I hope you are all going to find some relaxation, rejuvenation, and time with those you love! Turn everything off and enjoy your time away - you've earned it!
Before You Leave:
Please make sure your room is cleaned up, fridges are unplugged and clean, and that all things are put away. There will be some cleaning over break - so please have your room/office ready for this.
International Day of Fun at Work 2021:
Thanks for a great day on Thursday! The creativity, positive energy, and teamwork is always a highlight from this day. We will announce winners when you come back from break!
Transition Day - March 29:
Don't forget about our transition day when we return on March 29. A huge thank you to the team who planned this exciting day. Don't forget, this is a day to regulate students, rebuild relationships, and re-establish routines. It's a great day to revisit things and get student voice in the expectations and learning!
Learning Loss:
For the past year, we've been experiencing COVID-19 and the changes to schooling - distance learning, social distancing, contact tracing, etc. But, what about the positives from this experience - can you think of any? Resilience, innovation, and true care for our scholars come to mind. This last year has really changed the way I think about education.
One thing I've been hearing lately is the term "learning loss". Whether it's a curriculum resource, legislators, or social media, this term has become a widely used phrase. I want to caution us on the use of this term. When we use "learning loss", there are a few things that this is indicating. First, it's indicating that no learning has occurred for the last year. We know this is absolutely not true. Learning may look differently, but it was happening. In fact, I think students were learning new skills that we would have never taught if this had not happened. Second, this term puts ownership and blame on the learner. We are saying that the learner did something to "lose" what we taught him/her. Again, absolutely not true.
I caution you in using the term "learning loss" when it comes to this pandemic and experience. We may not be in the same spot with curriculum - and learners may still have pre-requisites to learn. However, we know that learning - possibly learning of NEW skills - has occurred!
I hope you find some time away to "recharge your batteries"! We will come back, stronger than ever, and ready for 4th quarter!
-Justin
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