Hello, fellow school leaders. We recently wrapped up a great two-day meeting at the Crowne Plaza in SeaTac, WA, where the Elementary Grade-Level Leadership Committee came together for some meaningful discussions and shared experiences. What truly struck a chord with us was our conversation about hope. We discussed our roles in nurturing hope within our schools, and it was heartening to hear that for many of us, the support of this group had been instrumental in their journey as principals. It truly underscored the significance of our shared mission and the power of collective support.
Hello, fellow school leaders. We recently wrapped up a great two-day meeting at the Crowne Plaza in SeaTac, WA, where the Elementary Grade-Level Leadership Committee came together for some meaningful discussions and shared experiences.
On our first day, we got reacquainted with returning members and got to meet some new leaders excited to join us. We delved into the central theme of fostering joy within the learning environment, drawing inspiration from Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle." Engaging in various discussion techniques, we encouraged collaborative learning and open dialogue.
What truly struck a chord with us was our conversation about hope. We discussed our roles in nurturing hope within our schools, and it was heartening to hear that for many of us, the support of this group had been instrumental in their journey as principals. It truly underscored the significance of our shared mission and the power of collective support.
Moving to day two, we delved into the pressing issue of attendance with the middle-level and high-school GLLCs with a presentation with OSPI for the whole group. Afterward, each GLLC had a representative from OSPI to discuss the implications across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Our discussions highlighted the nuanced challenges and emphasized the need for tailored strategies and comprehensive support systems.
During the weekend, we also emphasized the importance of cultivating a positive and inclusive school culture, one that fosters a sense of belonging among students and staff alike. Reflecting on our current school culture and envisioning an ideal one, we found ourselves inspired to fortify the bonds within our educational communities further.
In essence, our time together was a testament to the crucial role of human connection and mutual support within our professional journey. We left the meeting feeling inspired and determined to continue fostering an environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
A heartfelt thank you to all the participants for their invaluable contributions and to AWSP for providing us with an opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect with our peers from across the state.