First day back for staff

I thought I'd share a picture of myself on my first day back at work for the 2020-2021 school year!  I had a wonderful day.  It was so great to see all of our staff in person (although the full staff meetings are still virtual - our director will not have us all gathered in one room).  We got to check out the progress on the Barn, imagine how we'll utilize our outdoor classrooms (each covered by tents or shade sails), establish some new routines, and begin planning the first days back with students.  

I've been back on campus a few times...and each time my heart is happy!  The Compass School has always been a place of joy; and even while wearing masks, I can see each teacher smiling and feel the warmth of their kindness.  I feel so safe on campus. Everyone is following all safety precautions and it'll be safer than any beach, shopping excursion, or play date! I trust our school and staff (not to mention viral counts for sending districts are SO low).

While the teachers meet and plan, I just keep thinking about the students.  I am looking forward to their return!  We are planning a slow re-entry: half of the students will arrive on Monday and half on Tuesday...giving us time to teach all the new routines with ease.  In addition to the pandemic curbing our style a bit, we expanded the middle school and moved into a new building.  Oh, and we have some new staff on our team as well.  Lots of things look different, but today I can't help thinking:

Things will look different, but different can be ok!

My daughter had track today (town rec program). They too did it differently, and it was a success! The kids walked to the lawn wearing masks, stood on place markers 6 feet apart, and kept space while running and stretching. The biggest risk is being within 6 feet for 15 min or longer (droplet exposure) which can't happen while you're exercising.  To see the kiddos happily exercising together was a true joy.

There is no denying that we are in a pandemic. Activities don't look the same as they did before. We are taking so many precautions to stay covid-free (as a family, as a school, as a community) and you know what, I think it's working!  I'm so grateful for scientists and out-of-the-box thinkers who create new solutions (ie. teaching outside! plexiglass! stable pods! tag with pool noodles!) and I'm so grateful to reclaim social time with peers. My kids desperately need time with other kids. I long to be out of my house which has been both my safe haven and prison at the same time. There's no way to know what the future holds, but so far the outlook is bright!

Welcome Back!

Today, August 31st, 2020, was a much anticipated day for families and teachers in RI.  Governor Raimondo announced that all but 2 districts in RI (Providence and Central Falls) were ready to re-open for students as of September 14th.  For me, this means as of Thursday, September 3, I am working full time for The Compass School. 

What will things be like? 

I will be using this platform to share my experiences as a teacher and a mom of three during this crazy time.  I will share what this all looks like through my own eyes, but also through the lens of my children and community. Recording and reflecting might allow for common concerns and/or solutions to arise. May we share in opportunities to learn and grow!

What new safety measures are put in place to keep our community safe?

I'm feeling really ready to go back to our school this week! 

TCS (how I will now refer to The Compass School) is truly set up for success. Honestly, i  f anyone can pull it off safely, it's Compass!  Let me tell you why...

First of all, TCS met all of the criteria set out by Governor Raimondo:

Second, TCS has a solid re-opening plan. Our staff has continuously worked to make our school as safe as possible; and our director is out-of-this-world amazing.  She predicts and prepares and we all move forward together. 

A couple of things worthy of note:

• Students will be in stable pods of 20 
• Teachers will rotate to students
• Every class will have it's own outdoor classroom space - also used for lunch - we have 27 acres!
• Students will be spaced 6 feet apart, facing one direction
• Students have assigned bathrooms
• Students will not share materials (including desks, pencils, etc)
• Masks will be worn except during lunch and mask breaks (both preferably outside)
• New cleaning protocol is in place
• Students will monitor health daily
• There will be a clinic area staffed by a nurse every day

Third, we are a tiny community (already capped at 20 students per class). When I look at the list of viral cases in RI, it is pretty clear the risk is really low for Washington County - where our school resides.  This is great news: the majority of our students come from towns lowest on the list of confirmed cases!

Forth, we already teach outside! We have a farm! We have animals and plants and gardens and a green house and a silo even!  We have outdoor basketball and volleyball, trees to climb, a vernal pond, a soccer field area, trails, and more!  We are set up for some real learning and play...outside!

Fifth, we got STUFF!  Our director was quick in ordering because she had a hunch we'd be ready for in-person learning this Fall. She has sun shades and tents, voice amplifiers for teachers, extra cleaning supplies and cleaning staff, ... Basically, we have what we need to be successful.

My thought is: kids are resilient.  

And, not for nothing, so are teachers!

It's going to mean so much to see friends, to learn from teachers, to eat lunch together and play outside. Yes, it will look different. They'll be spread apart more and wearing masks. Will they know if others are laughing? YES! Will they be learning? YES! We are all going to move forward...whether in person or distance learning or a hybrid of both.  I'm grateful to reclaim a bit of normalcy. I can't wait to get the classrooms ready (oh, by the way, we have a brand NEW, well-ventilated new building for grades 3-8) and welcome back all the students! #wevegotthis!

Note, I am also grateful that families in RI are guaranteed a free distance learning option. While it’s not ideal, some schools may not be able to offer a safe, regulation-compliant learning environment. I understand my situation is special and I hope it is an example of what can work!  

Friday Friends

Hello Friday Friends,

Here's my best corona-virus advice to parents: 

Do the things you want to do with your children. 

Do the things you want them to do. 

Model it. 

Do it. 

Live it. 

Here's what I mean:

I love being in nature - so as a family these kids have been hiking since birth.  Yet - for whatever reason(s),  my kids don't always want to go. They don't want to leave the house sometimes. Or they're grumpy, tired, lazy, busy,...  whatever. I drag their butts anyway. Sometimes I'll take just one of them. That's so delightful.  I love one on one time with any of the kids.  In any case, if you like nature, bring them!  Bonus: lots of advantages for all of us when we get some time outdoors!

Take advantage of your own outdoor space. When we have friends over and we hang by the fire, I'm always digging the vibe it offers.  Have a fire with your kids!  Maybe you roast marshmallows or cook a hotdogs to spice things up. Perhaps you can show your kiddos how to whittle a stick, or build a fire, or roast a hot dog. It's pleasant sitting by the fire...especially as the sun sets.

Need to escape? Take a ride!  You can blast some tunes, pick up dinner to go, and cruise around for a change of scenery. Bring just one - or all of your kids. If you have a sleepy toddler, even better!  Maybe they'll fall asleep...bring a book to read and park near the water!

Not for nothing, but I LOVE playing games. I have a bit of a competitive edge.Whether I'm crushing Drew at boggle, playing yahtzee or Blokus, doing puzzles, singing karaoke, or playing Mario Bros on Wii, I LOVE GAMES! So, it makes sense that when my kids need some time and attention from me, I offer up some game time.  It's truly a win-win for all of us (unless all the kids play - then someone is bound to cry at some point LOL).

 

I enjoy baking...and even more-so eating! So I have also been baking with the kids since birth. And at this point, I can trust any of the three kids alone in the kitchen.  Melia, however, is the most impressive. She is ten years old and made that delicious cinnamon role featured here from scratch!!  She has made us banana bread, muffins, pancakes, banana cream pie, carrot cake cookies, sweetish meatballs, pizza, pasta,... I could do a bit of work around getting her to make more dinner meal (LOL), but I will say she's always happy to help! She's for sure my kitchen side kick. Today she made egg salad sandwiches for her and Dean.
I think ALL kids should be in the kitchen. Once they are ready to be independent, give them space. It's ok if they get things wrong or make a mess; it's all part of learning. Maybe some morning you'll be waking to a delivery of coffee and home made pancakes. Happens here and it's dreamy....



Take walks in your neighborhood. Find beautiful flowers. Write a letter to a friend or family member who you can't see. Clean spaces. Call friends. Zoom with your family. Fill the bird feeders. Watch the squirrels. Name the regular visitors to your backyard. Start an exercise program. Clean out the garage.

Do all the things YOU want to do. 

Do the things you want your kids to do. 

Do them together!

If you do them together, they're more likely to do them on their own 

AND you can have fun together.

Your little ones crave your attention. If you do the things you enjoy doing with your kids, you all benefit. What activity can you enjoy during this pandemic while spending time with your little ones?

Friday Friends

Dear Friday Friends, 

To be totally honest, there are times where this whole experience is really hard.  Like my brain hurts from trying to figure out 7th grade math at 9am. Or maybe my confusion comes from her crying about how her brother "didn't get in trouble." That frustrates her.  I don't even know what getting in trouble means. This conversation can last fifteen minutes! Or, maybe it's having your grocery delivery cancelled after waiting 10 days for food that throws a day for a loop.  All I know is that there are lots of loops. Lots of frustrations. Lots of head aches. Lots of overwhelm.

But there are terribly delightful moments as well. I love hearing my children singing (Melia is still in RICC and Drew is in an acappella group), playing piano, playing flute...and even the random dancing! Music brings me joy. I also love the independence and self-initiated habits they've developed. This is a good age range of kids (10-14) for a quarantine. They can make food for themselves and the family; Melia is baking like crazy! I get to enjoy homemade cookies, cakes, breads, pretzels...delicious goodies all the time. We are having real dinners together most nights. Sitting together at the table. No rush. We're playing more games, watching shows together, and going on hikes. I like the pace. There are some sweet moments each week for the family.

Times are different. I am doing my best to stay grounded. Meditating is helpful...and I should be doing way more of it.  I love getting outside, but I am struggling to do it by myself. I'm feeling disconnected from my body, my *self*. Jen and I have gone walking and we hardly come across anyone and it's so nice to see her...even from 6 feet apart. I always feel better when I see her and when I get outside: double win! I'm listening to really calming music too - like Ryan Montbleau and James Taylor. Music again for the win! I'm trying to reduce the anxious response I feel, and create a new norm. I know it won't be this way forever. I know we're safe right now. I know we're ok.  So, can I just roll with things? I'm trying.

How are you doing? Are you ok?

Sending love,
Kristen

Bringing it down...to peace

Dear Friday Friends,
I have been thinking a lot about mindfulness. Meditation. Gratitude. Nature. Peace. These days are often heavy...working from home, supporting kids through virtual learning, not seeing friends & family, trouble getting groceries, the flu, car troubles, exhaustion & fatigue, health worries, lots of unknowns, financial concerns, global pandemic, ...you name it!  One of the greatest gifts helping me through this, allowing me to reconnect with myself and a sense of calm, is mindfulness. Being present in just this one moment without entertaining a slew of "what ifs".  Actually, I recently posted:

I have been trying to practice meditations daily too. Some days I've even meditated more than once. It is very calming and again, has you focusing on this very moment - the breath - the place where peace can be found. 

Meditating, walking in nature, singing, dancing, practicing gratitude, taking a bath or shower, baking or cooking, planting...these activities all keep us in the present moment.  HAVE THESE KINDS OF MOMENTS!

Do you practice gratitude? Do you write it down? Share aloud?

Do you exercise? From inside your home or in the neighborhood? 

Are you getting fresh air every day?

Are you feeding your body healthy foods?

Are you listening to your body?

Are you sleeping enough? 

Drinking water?

Hugging?

I have found all of these things to be helpful; and encourage you to explore these moments. I am here if you need any support or encouragement for adopting healthy habits.  Feel free to send me an email!

Meanwhile, I love social-emotional growth and insight. I love listening, supporting, growing, sharing, learning. I found these upcoming Free events that may interested you. I've signed up!  Love to have you join me!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Challenged by nonstop parenting?
Another FREE resource!

The Parenting with Love and Logic course, which comes highly recommended, has been made free for the month of April.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This sounds like a lovely social-emotional wellness opportunity for parents while perhaps learning some things to share with our kids. And, it's FREE!

Commune’s 7-day Spiritual Survival Guide offers techniques and teachings from 14 of the brightest minds in wellness and spirituality to address this harrowingly anxious time for humanity.

Spiritual Survival Guide

By joining us in this 7-day journey, you will learn how to:

• Cope with sadness, fear, and anxiety 
• Stay centered, grounded, and calm
• Support your immunity with chemistry-altering breathwork
• Relax deeply and tap into your body’s innate ability to heal
• Build strength and flexibility with at-home movement
• Eat mindfully and joyfully
• Tap into daily gratitude
• Identify and address unhealthy patterns
• Anchor each day with powerful affirmations

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peace & Love,

Kristen

Front Steps Project

If you haven't heard of the front steps project, it's a way to document a bit about who we're stuck at home with quarantined with while these stay at home orders are in place.  My family hasn't really seen anyone since March 13th, 2020, but my husband and I drove around to take some photos of families on Saturday - from 6 feet apart of course!  Then we took a selfie family pic on Easter Sunday in front of our house. It's neat to document our homes and families during this pandemic.
Below are my photos. If you live nearby and want to be photographed, send me a message.

First stop: The McClanaghan-McCall family (my cousins)

 Second stop: The Trainer-Russell Family

Third stop: The McClanaghans (my parents!)

Fourth stop:  The McClanaghans (my brother's family) in South Kingstown

Fifth stop: The Walsh Family

And below is my family (The Kardos family) on Easter Sunday, 2020

I'm happy to be at home with my family during this hard time. I hope everyone is safe. I am worried about everyone. If you need anything, reach out!  I would be happy to support from afar or run an errand if needed. Sending wishes of peace to everyone near and far.

Impacts of #Coronacation