Dear Friends,
As many of you know, this week is “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the United States, and the folks at ISEEN have recorded a special greeting to reinforce how much we appreciate and value all of you educators! You are doing great things in challenging times - we see you and acknowledge your hard work!
https://vimeo.com/415255487/ec36df8646
In this week's edition we are excerpting a few passages from a Facebook post from one of our esteemed Summer Institute facilitators Siva Sankrithi - his words are meant to serve as a reminder and encouragement:
The struggle is real:
“First and foremost, I think many are struggling with a perceived continuum of struggle and the guilt associated with your struggle being seemingly much less than many around you. While that perspective is important and keeps us pushing forward, it should not serve to diminish the personal struggles you’re facing and that needs to be acknowledged. Struggles and challenges are real and valid, regardless of their perceived magnitude, and we all have them and work through them.”
You are enough:
“I want to reiterate that there isn’t just one way. Your presence and your time are far more important than anything else to your children. “
Balance is important:
“Kids also thrive in their learning when they can struggle and learn together, including with you, authentically facing the same challenges they are facing. Kids also need a cheerleader, motivator, and someone they know is in their corner. Sometimes content expertise and mastery can get in the way of the latter two pieces here. Some balance is needed, and I know for a fact that every one of you can provide some of the above for your kids, and it may vary what that looks like depending on the arena. “
Reach out if you need to:
“Anyway, please keep being you. Keep doing what’s best for you and your family. If you’re struggling please try to filter all the noise out there. Regardless of what your struggles may be, there will be those who empathize and support, those who vilify, and everything in-between. Your struggles may feel like they’re just your own and it doesn’t help that you’re facing them in isolation. I get it. That said, please reach out to anyone you feel comfortable with and share. Vent. Do what you need to do.”
Experientially yours,
PS - Make sure to read all the way to the bottom - two very exciting PD opportunities from ISEEN partners, and the latest guidelines from NAIS.
ISEEN Binge Watching: A Retrospective
In case you are running out of things to binge watch while “staying at home” we have added several videos to the ISEEN Vimeo account:
- Nainoa Thompson's address at Winter Institute 2016 in Hawaii
- Mark Cutler and Kylee Mar’s presentation on Place-Based programming from WI 2016 in Hawaii.
- Dan Garvey’s (with help of his son) closing session from Winter Institute 2015 at Phillips Academy.
We will be uploading new videos periodically for your viewing pleasure.
Student Leadership Showcase the week on May 26th
We would like to host a forum highlighting Student Leadership in light of Covid-19. If you and your students would be willing to share one of the many (we’re sure) amazing things your students are leading on, please fill out this short Google form (less than 1 minute).
Zoom sessions week of May 11th (registration required)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.- Tuesday, May 12th, 1pm PT/4pm ET
- Model Programs and Practices in the time of Covid - Session 1
Programs: “Sustainability Fair”, Punahou School; “Senior Service Projects”, North Shore Country Day; “Chemistry + Art”, Nichols School; “Retreat Week”, Carolina Friends School - Click here to register.
- Thursday, May 14, 1:00pm PT/4:00pm ET
- Model Programs and Practices in the time of Covid - Session 2
Programs: “Virtual Community Service”, Crescent School; “Senior Externships” Episcopal High School; “May Term:Work That Matters”, Watershed School; “Student Community”, Hotchkiss School - Click here to register.
We need you!
- Reach out to ISEEN colleagues/friends and see how they are doing.
- Use Amazon Smile when shopping at Amazon and designate ISEEN as your charity.
- Donate to ISEEN directly (donations are tax deductible)
- Through our website or PayPal ([email protected])
- Send a check to: ISEEN, 2150 N 107th St, Ste 205, Seattle, WA, 98133, USA
Partner Events/Resources(new additions in BOLD)
Envoys has launched a think tank in collaboration with Dr. Fernando Reimers on “Creating The Next Normal”, a 1 day summit on May 30th of educators and administrators to collaboratively design and contribute to the future of global education in a pandemic-conscious world. A parallel student summit will provide students voice and choice in contributing to the future of global education. www.envoys.com/thinktank
Special ISEEN member Discount Code ($35 off registration): “ISEEN Board”
Risk Management Roadmap to Reopening Your Campuses
When:
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
1:30 – 3:00 pm, EST
We understand that many of you participated in the NBOA webinar recently and that you most likely came away with a whole host of unanswered questions regarding the reopening of your schools and programs.
We are also aware the country is still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the situation continues to evolve rapidly. To help you navigate the issues that arise daily, Fred C. Church has invited a few industry experts to act as your guide.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into the following areas:
· Social distancing in a school/program environment and how your structure, operations, and practices may need to be reshaped to accommodate those restrictions
· Legal updates on screening employees, participants, and students for illness or vulnerability
· Supporting the vulnerable and preventing employment practice liability
· Return to school and program waiver forms
· Communicating your expectations and new practices to the school community and your participants
We will end the session by asking the presenters the questions you have submitted to us in advance.
Questions:
Fred C. Church knows what a challenging time this is for your institutions. To provide the most value and efficient use of your time, please submit any questions you would like us to ask by Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
Please email questions to Marcy Bauers, [email protected]
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NAIS Guidance for Schools
Outdoor Industry Association - Resources for Outdoor Industry
Free Risk-Management Webinars and Resources
Virtual International Exchange Program
Service-Learning Resource, Kerri Redding, Washington International School
Envoys Basecamp training for educators
Envoys Campfire for students
World Leadership School Programming
NAIS webinars
AEE- Covid 19 Community Resource Library
NAIS Sharing Solutions
NAIS community Service Networking
Bibliohive - article sharing platform for ISEEN Members
There are certainly many more things happening - we are trying to filter a bit for you, however if you hear of anything valuable happening please let us know so we can share with our members.