Changes, changes and more changes...stress, stress and more stress.  Our building has changed leaders 3 times in 5 years.  Our district has changed leaders - and now is being re-structured!  Even if we are long-timers and have "been through this before", it takes a toll on our minds and bodies.

The word RESILIENCY is being used of late to describe a healthy reaction to stress.  In a study of people who have made it to their 100th birthday, the National Centenarian Awareness Project identified key characteristics that stand out.  They have a positive yet realistic attitude, an adventurous love of life, a strong will, spiritual beliefs an ability to renegotiate life when necessary, and a sense of humor.  They are resilient.

If there has ever in MRSDs history been a time where we, as teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, students, and community members need to develop resiliency in our lives and attitudes, it is now.

There are steps we can take to move toward personal resiliency - and I plan to take them!  If anyone reads this blog and is interested, I have a good resource on ten ways to build resiliency that is very simple and helpful and I'd love to show it to you.

Try to find a positive today, and focus on that.  You're all invited to my 100th birthday party!

posted 3/17/2011 8:27 AM | comment | view comments (0)

So - am I allowed to say "Merry Christmas?" on my school blog?  I sure hope so - because that is my wish for anyone reading this.

The school has endured some significant turmoil so far during this school year, and it appears to be coming to a head right now.  Many are concerned about students being stuffed into classes of over 30 students, and classes having to be cancelled.  Our worry extends out to a time when high-achieving students who can no longer get the elective classes they desire go elsewhere, and our test scores show that loss.

Many feel insecure about whether they will have jobs next year, and if they do - how they will be able to pay for insurance out of pocket.

I believe that those making hard decisions are wishing they didn't have to - but unable to see where the money will come from to pay for everything to keep going.

What can we, as staff members, do about any of it?  Not much, it appears.  But with Christmastime at hand, there is a spirit of giving and joy in the air anyway.  It reminds me of the Whos down in Whoville gathering around an empty tree on Christmas and singing.  We are a close staff, and no matter how bad things get, we still care about each other and do our very best to educate the students of MRHS.  I, for one, appreciate each and every person in this district who works for our kids, and I wish every friend and coworker a little hiatis from worry this Christmas.  Put anxiety on hold, and sing a little.  It'll do your heart good!

posted 12/14/2010 10:00 AM | comment | view comments (0)

So - what is normal?  I say that life is back to NORMAL, because the stressors at the beginning of the year are slowly leaving me.  My husband is back from Iraq - safe, but still affected in ways neither of us understands. 

My son has been here, gotten married and become a daddy, and gone. 

Now the days are pretty much the same again.  But are they Normal?  Is one day ever exactly the same as another?  Certainly not working at school!  Students provide endless entertainment and education for staff members.  We are not the only ones doing the teaching, remember.  We learn from our students every day.  My lesson for today is that no day is NORMAL.  Maybe the periods will be the same length and in the same order as another day, but no two days are exactly the same.  There is no "normal" - there is peaceful, there is busy, there is difficult, but at least in my world of Monadnock, there is no NORMAL.

posted 10/29/2010 8:35 AM | comment | view comments (0)

posted 9/23/2010 2:13 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Only 7:45 and every computer is in use!  Do you know what a wonderful thing that is?  It means we have 21 students right now making use of the lab technology.  About half are taking a MAP test, and the other half are doing project research.  Half are Middle School, Half are High School.  There is very little noise of any kind other than the clicking of keys. 

How many people can say they have such a great-fitting job as I?  The Seniors are in the library this morning learning about Naviance.  It is a wonderful program that can help them to know what a perfect job would look like to them.  I tried out the personality survey the other day, and found my job to be a perfect match for me!  The survey results said that for me to be happy in a job:
*It should involve work I believe in
*Give plenty of time to develop my ideas and maintain control over my projects
*Allow me plenty of autonomy and private, quiet space to work
*Be done with other creative and caring people whose values I respect
*Allow me to work in a fairly unstructured environment with not too many rules
*Appreciate my unique contributions
*Allow me to help others grow and develop their potential
*Use my gift for understanding of what makes others tick.

What better spot than the MRHS Computer Lab???  Every one of these points is addressed right here. 

My hope for each of you is that you find a job that suits you and can go to work happy in the morning.  It will make all the difference for you.  Take the personality profile, and start looking for the perfect career - not just the one where the money is, but the one that is right for you!

posted 9/10/2010 2:16 PM | comment | view comments (0)

posted 9/7/2010 12:25 PM | comment | view comments (0)