I know there is just too much right now. Remote teaching is a lot. We are mourning the loss of children before us and some of us are even teaching to blank screens on zoom. There's grading and lesson planning and report cards and paperwork and it's all online and it is a lot. As an instructional coach, you have my commitment that I'm reconsidering what it means to coach a time like this. I'm here to listen, I'm here with snacks, I'm here to cheer you on or offer a joke if you need it, and I'm here to troubleshoot zoom or plan a lesson or problem solve. Or, we can scream into pillows. Just let me know what support for you looks like at this time and I'll deliver.
Love, your friend
Dear ELA Teams,
Thank you for your thoughtful reflections this week around our norms and the Clear is Kind article. I know it's hard to be super transparent and direct, and I appreciate your openness to the ideas. Like yoga and meditation, I believe vulnerability is a practice, and the more we engage with it, the easier it becomes, so cheers to your open hearts and minds as we co-create teams that keep student learning at the heart of all we do.
Love, Brezek
Dear LO,
Thank you for sharing the closing remarks from Lucy Calkins and the call to action to show up for one another and spread kindness. It's because of you I did so, and it filled my heart with such warmth to pass along something to someone else.
Love, Michelle
Dear Holls, Nicki, and Sierra,
Thanks for a super fun weekend hiking and adventures at Carol's place. And for letting me bring Sunny and loving her just the same as me, and for the birthday celebrations. Let's not wait three years to do that again!
Love, Shel
Dear Sunny,
Thank you for being a good dog and not running away from the horseback riding session when you were following along off leash and I was separated from you. If you had chased a squirrel or bunny away, heartbroken would be not near enough way to describe the loss I would have felt. I'm so happy you're such a good listener!
ily SBS!
Love, Mama
Dear Brené Brown,
Thank you for the way you coach us on leadership through your work studying it, including your most recent podcast. It was such a blessing to hear more about Joe Biden and his personal story, and the ways in which he wants to lead our country with courage and empathy.
Sincerely, your #1 fan, Michelle
Dear Social Justice Book Club,
I will not be ready for How to be an Anti-Racist on Sunday. Where is everyone else at? Can we postpone? It was so much easier in the summer.
Sincerest apologies, Michelle
Dear fellow Americans,
As if you haven't been reminded enough, let's get out to vote.
Sincerely, a hopeful neighbor
Dear AB & MH,
Thank you for listening and leading with such a loving calmness about you. I appreciate all your attention to detail and the work you do behind the scenes for all of us. Also, thanks for teaching me how to be a better leader in the structures and routines you execute with us at school. Appreciate you so so much.
Love, Brezek
Dear Coffee,
There's a new method on the way. I have learned all about the French Press and can't wait till the one I ordered gets here.
Excited! Michelle
Dear RB,
You were meant to teach Stamped to eighth graders. Your energy, love, and exuberance is contagious and I'm so thankful I've been able to drop in some of your discussions. Fave moments were when Julian put his eye to the camera, like, "Wut?!" or "Yep, I agree." Looking forward to see what the kids create, and happy to be on that journey with you.
Hugs, Brezek
Dear Cousin,
Such a good chat this week catching up with you. I'm so proud of you for prioritizing your happiness and think you are wise beyond your 23 years. Keep it up girl, you're inspiring all those around you!
Love, Michelle
Dear 30's,
We have about one week left together, and to you, I'm thankful for all the ways I've grown. I have learned so much about health, including emotional and mental health as I've negotiated relationships with others. I can say that I did not expect to be on the verge of 40 still single, but unlike a decade ago, I will say that I find value in all the areas of my life that are flourishing. Thank you for molding me into a confident woman after all the insecurities of my late 20's and early 30's.
Love, Michelle
Dear HW,
I can't wait to see you!
xo, your bff
