Dan Rather writes: “For many, this season is "the most wonderful time of the year." But for those struggling with loneliness, illness, economic hardship, the loss of a loved one, and other challenges, this time can be very difficult. So please reach out in kindness to those in need of help and comfort.” 

This winter holiday circle acknowledges the challenges the holidays can be and ends with sharing ideas for what might make break more fun or relaxing.

When I heard this song by Merle Haggard, I thought of all of the challenges we have been facing in education - viruses circulating, staff shortages, more students who are struggling, and many of us feeling like we are reacting to whatever each day brings. Haggard sings: "If we make it through December, everything's going to be alright, I know." 

This article in the Greater Good Magazine shares "strategies to combat the winter blues." A teacher and I took a walk this week to talk through a challenge, and after the 20 minutes outside, I felt energized for the next few hours. 

This New Yorker article made me laugh out loud: "Sorry for the delay! I put off answering your e-mail until I had an even more tedious task that I wanted to avoid!" Check out my video about how to refresh your email habits. 

Elena Aguilar shared three ideas for "orchestrating positive emotions in a group and therefore strengthening collective resilience." Aguilar explains the ideas in the context of meetings or PDs with adults, but the 2nd and 3rd ideas can work well with students too.

Leslie Gant, Mark Lonergan, and Jess Madden-Fuoco will be teaching the Observation and Feedback course again this winter. Learn to be a stronger evaluator, coach, and colleague by learning ways to support teachers' growth through observing and giving feedback. 1 ALC or 15 PDPs. The winter dates: January 19, February 2, and February 16. Sign up here. Please share the flyer with colleagues who might be interested.