With Rosh Hashanah upon us early into the start of the school year, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past year and embrace a new one.  It is truly heart-warming to have witnessed first-hand the ability for educators to re-invent themselves through the changes required to not just survive but thrive, while teaching during a pandemic.  The need for flexibility and professional growth will likely continue as we move forward. As we reflect and think about how to make the upcoming school year effective for all, we remember the hardships from last year and how difficult it was for teachers, students, families, and community members. Even with the best of effort, mistakes were made and let us take into perspective those mistakes and forgive ourselves. The high and lows, the frustrations, the never-ending changes for everyone—all brought about insecurities and self-doubt, even among the most seasoned of educators. As we begin the new school year, we can come together and celebrate each other.

Educators recognize that students’ adjustment to the new school year may pose some unfamiliar and unpredictable challenges. Families are left wondering how to best prepare their children for a new school year. In an article from Scholastic News, they discuss 10 ways parents can help their children get ready for the new school year. See below for a few suggestions that truly exemplify the meaning of celebration and moving forward. 

1. Plan a bus-stop breakfast social. Invite neighborhood kids to get an early start the day before school begins. Fill a decorated wagon with juice boxes, fruits, and muffins. Haul it to the local bus stop at the usual pickup time as a dress rehearsal for the big day.

2. Savor special treats. Sneak a love note into her lunchbox to show you're thinking of her. The first day can be nerve-racking, so go for comfort food when dinner rolls around. Order a family favorite at the local pizzeria or savor a cool dessert as summer comes to a close.

3. Throw a back-to-school bash. Team up with neighbors to get the kids together before school starts. Send out report card invitations, serve lunch-box favorites, and decorate with school colors. Make brown-bag book covers, decorate calendars, and design bookmarks — ring a bell when it's time to switch activities!

4. Dress to impress. Celebrate a fresh year with a special outfit, spotless sneakers, or a whole new haircut. Let him choose his wardrobe the night before. Whether it's his favorite souvenir t-shirt or his lucky jersey, it will give him an extra boost of confidence on the big day.

5. Learn something new. Get those classroom habits back with a fun family activity like pottery or rock-climbing. It will encourage creativity, improve concentration, and leave you with a new morning mug or a little extra muscle.

See 10 Ways to Celebrate the New School Year for the full article and extra resources.

As educators, we often concern ourselves with how a new year will impact our students and their families. This can sometimes lead to forgetting about ourselves and what we need to be able to be our best at our jobs while still engaging in self-care.  In a wonderful article from resilienteducator.com, there are some great ideas to consider on this topic.

The power of intention

“Teaching is a job filled with joy, excitement, curiosity, love…and stress,” says Jo Sigmund, edTPA Coordinator and Partner Faculty. She says that, “New teachers, in particular, need to remember to put their own oxygen masks on first. Remember that, if you’re not well (mentally, physically, or emotionally), you’re not able to be there for your students in the way you want to be.”

Process your emotions

Back-to-school nerves are common. “For most of us, nervousness comes with new opportunities and challenges. If we didn’t have that awful feeling occasionally, that would suggest we’re not pushing our boundaries,” says Rebecca Newton, who teaches Management at the London School of Economics and is the founder of the professional development consultancy Moncort. “People who live inside their comfort zone and continue to do the same work feel comfortable. They don’t feel nervous. If you’re feeling nervous, remind yourself it’s most likely because you’re pushing your career forward.”

 For the full article and additional resources, go to 

https://resilienteducator.com/lifestyle/self-care-new-year/