Week 1: That Quarantine Life!

Two weeks ago I was worried about the coming week. It was a full moon, Friday the 13th, and a time change. I also had a super busy week ahead. I was presenting my School Improvement Plan spring updates to the School Board and Superintendent and had 3 other evening events (4 total) planned. I was busy and stressed. However, none of that compared with what was to come (as you all know!).

As the week continued on, each day brought new changes to our society. Districts closing down due to COVID-19. Hoarding of toilet paper (still don’t get this…but I did wait in line for an hour the other day to get some as we needed it!). At first I was saying that each passing day brought many changes. But, that quickly became each hour. And then even by the minute. Example: I went to do an observation on Thursday, March 12th and came back 40 minutes later to learn that the governor of our state had just shut down the schools in 3 major counties. Wow!

Being the principal of a building means that everyone is looking to you for answers. The teachers, staff, and students (even though they didn’t get it quite as much…they were still looking to me to keep things consistent for them). The trouble is, I had no answers. This was new and unprecedented for all of us. My job was to keep the calm, keep life as consistent as possible at school, and to listen to concerns.

On early Friday afternoon (and of course, it just had to be a Friday the 13th!), it was announced that it would be the last day of school for at least 6 weeks. Wow. There was never a class I received in my principal training called “How to lead your staff during a pandemic”. So, I resort to what I know…my first job is always to ensure my staff and students feel safe; emotionally and physically. Therefore, I did what I always do…I led my staff in efforts to pack up in a few short hours, but also how to tell their students in a manner that didn’t feel scary. I wanted to be sure my students left school on a good note!

This past week (week 1 with no school) has proven to be one I will never forget. Saying “hi” to so many students coming to get free lunch/breakfast daily in their cars. Trying to keep my staff connected and up to date with what I was learning (but with this being so new, everything takes time to figure out). Connecting with my families in an entirely different way. Trying hard to help them stay connected to our school and to know that they aren’t alone…we will get through this and are stronger together (our district’s motto – which has proven to be so true this year!).

By the end of the week I’d set up a “work from home” office (at my dining room table) and engaged in my first Zoom video meeting (that was a whole new experience – weird!).

Lessons I’ve learned this week:

1.  Working from home is hard! You have to find a schedule (I’m still working on what this looks like). The other day I kept working and working…setting a time to stop is necessary.
2.  Getting out of the house is super important! But, ensuring you are social distancing (a phrase I can already tell we are going to be sick of hearing real soon!). The other day I took 2 shorter walks (instead of my normal 1 long walk each day). This got me out of the house and away from the computer. It also helped to clear my brain.
3. I eat WAY more working from home then when I’m at school. Ugh! Starting this Monday, I am planning my meal times into my daily schedule so I don’t just graze all day long (or else I won’t have any work clothes that fit when I return to school!).
4.  Staying connected with staff and students is vital! We all have a need to be connected to other humans. And, for so many, schools are the place where so many feel a connection! I’m working on daily Principal Challenges to keep our students engaged, active, and learning. I’m going to do a Virtual Spirit Week this coming week. And my brain is spinning with other ways to keep us all connected and a part of a community. Thank goodness for technology!!!
5. Working on a laptop while sitting outside doesn’t work well (I can’t see the screen!). Bummer! (the picture for this blog is me trying to work in the sunshine with my dogs…lasted about 5 minutes!)
6. Last – and most importantly – this virus is serious. I ask all of you that can…please STAY HOME!

Stay positive peeps! We got this!!

Stephanie, The Positive Principal

*If anyone would like to see what I’m doing to connect with families (and again, I’m still working on ideas)…you can always “like” or “follow” my school page (or just check it out). https://www.facebook.com/EvergreenForestES/