tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87299098588902734222024-03-13T13:54:06.693-07:00The Grounded Librarian"Check in" with the Grounded Librarian for a message of encouragement and inspiration with a dash of humor!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-5869308164714460852023-02-10T04:09:00.000-08:002023-02-10T04:09:10.336-08:00Queen Elsa was right: Let It Go!<p>Having been retired for 28 months now, it's probably time for me to stop talking about it! But you can probably tell, from all my talking about it, that it's been a challenge. I absolutely loved what I did as a teacher and elementary media specialist. It was fun and different every day. Where else can you dress in silly hats on your morning tv broadcast, make slime with first graders, have engaging lunch bunch discussions with older students, improve tech skills beyond what you thought possible, and more! Plus work with dedicated adults with the same mission to improve the lives of the youth of our country. Makes me tired just thinking about it!</p><p>So it wasn't the busyness that I missed, or even the fun. I think it's just the purpose and meaning that it gave my life. Maybe even my identity. Teaching can be a hard profession to leave. Yet leave I did. And I've prayed every day since then for the Lord to show me what's next. However, I think I was still holding onto my identity of the past. Once a teacher, always a teacher! How was the Lord going to show me new roads if I was still steering my car in the old direction? I needed to surrender the past and the fear of letting go. What might the future hold if I wasn't a teacher or the Library Lady any more? Jesus take the wheel! </p><p>The following is a quote that has had great impact on me in this transition time: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zac_LXsnX7az2U5WqrZPqkoMXh8TOHDaJODI46WcP1DgwlX9BIMydgFsF-_Ao-Od4u43xQ1rRvel8lIMJSMCY-NhzgKlX9scuszHHddHZJllwmRsiXD7HY3v_G_5nyjiGDkVKqjZ6jfmbYSSjk320PSYcJxbrBhEYPiZSmTCPsc0uTfa1iRc8vvlA/s1200/cohen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zac_LXsnX7az2U5WqrZPqkoMXh8TOHDaJODI46WcP1DgwlX9BIMydgFsF-_Ao-Od4u43xQ1rRvel8lIMJSMCY-NhzgKlX9scuszHHddHZJllwmRsiXD7HY3v_G_5nyjiGDkVKqjZ6jfmbYSSjk320PSYcJxbrBhEYPiZSmTCPsc0uTfa1iRc8vvlA/s320/cohen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Especially the second line: there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. My teaching and library work, while loaded with fond memories, really was no longer meaningful. Note I didn't say important, or impactful. It was and is! But it's in the past. It is not where my security should be. It is not the movement and change that I knew the Lord had in mind for me. Look up and forward! There's the life and security I was longing for. How could I know what the Lord would show me if I was always looking behind? Yes, we teachers don't lose the "eyes in the back of our heads" when we retire, but the Lord said to keep those eyes closed! Look ahead. Let go of the wheel to see where He wants to steer me! Freedom!<div><br /></div><div>As I've been able to do that, new groups of friends have come into my life, new activities, and areas to grow spiritually and share that growth. That's where the focus is now! Life has truly become a new exciting adventure. There is new life in the movement. New strength in the change. In the days to come I plan to expand on the changes to encourage you to break out/move on/steer into the new course for your life. Have you sensed the same thing? Ready for a new season and adventure? Let's do this together! (I can almost hear Tom Brady yelling his famous "Let's Go!" at this point!).</div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to sharing more along this exciting adventure of faith. I read a quote about the Lord being our great Travel Agent and we're the tourists he is looking out for. He's identified our routes, bookings and destinations. Let's trust Him and enjoy the journey...and stay grounded, friends!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-40583998979125194422023-01-29T07:05:00.003-08:002023-01-29T07:08:49.524-08:00<p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year!</span></span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's almost 2 weeks in, but we can still say it, right? It's still a time of reflection and making resolutions. Or changing the ones you made January 1 to be more realistic! Kind of like the new Weight Watchers ads where the people are in in line returning their overly-hopeful goals that were set. Swapping them for something more realistic. (oh, like maybe losing 1-2 pounds a week instead of 10 by the weekend?) BTW, I'm a Lifetime WW member, but am not </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">preaching it on this post!</span></span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So as we reflect on what we'd like to achieve in the new year, we usually look at the past. Sometimes the past week/month/year/life seems like such a mess, we're rather overwhelmed by what we can change or want to accomplish. I wrote the same general goals every year and usually quit by February, so for a couple years I've saved the time and paper and just put 1. Live as well as I can, with as much joy as I can, with Jesus. That covers it! And it's enough. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do you ever just feel like you're in line for soup at the Soup Nazi's (Seinfeld fans know this, you can also check it online) take-out and not sure what you want in life, or what you want to change/do/feel? Your anxiety level increases as the line moves and you near the Soup Nazi, hoping you order correctly or you'll blow your order and miss out on the soup. How about instead, you become the Soup Nazi, and everyone in line is one of the problems you're facing. You address each one confidently, either serving (accepting) it or shouting "Next!" to the ones you want to go away. Those messes are simply shooed out the door, never to be served again. You're ready for something better to come along. Become the happy person who looks at your failures and disappointments face to face and declare "Next" to them, as you dismiss them to not hound you anymore.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">As we look at the New Year, we can't move forward if we can't let go of the past. We won't recognize the new if we're living and dwelling on the old. Quit processing ancient history so that you can press on to living now. This isn't to say that you'll forget the past entirely. Just what is so painful that it is holding you back. Quite often I've found that it's something or someone I need to forgive. To move beyond that wrong so I can face the future with a new hope. When you forgive, you let go of the hope of a better past. It's over...quit letting it spoil today and the days ahead. As is written in the book of Joel 2:25, the Lord will give much joy to more than make up for "the years the locusts have eaten".</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Have you had a few locusts in your life? Maybe a whole swarm or plague? Then it's time to turn it over to the Lord. You can be whole and new right now. Reclaim what the past has "eaten". Say "Next" to the sin oppressing you as you send it packing out the door. Surrendering to Jesus is the best "resolution" you can ever make. He's here to give you a new locust-free life! Choose to follow Him as you enter 2023. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Your New Year can start today, friends! Start today to be grounded in Him! And Happy New Year!</span></div></div>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-23739477615329251392022-01-10T07:50:00.000-08:002022-01-10T07:50:22.014-08:00The Legend of the Empty Coffee Cup or Who Made This Mess?<p>Being a retired librarian, I fondly remember numerous stories, tales, legends and fables. At this time of year, going into a new year, a favorite comes to mind. So pour yourself a cup of something warm and yummy and enjoy this tale, "The Legend of the Empty Coffee Cup or Who Made this Mess?".</p><p>Once upon a time, a spry retired librarian, who we'll call Sandy, rose for her early quiet time and coffee to start the day. As she had done for hundreds of previous mornings, she turned on the Keurig, removed the used pod, popped in a new one (Hmmm, she thought, Santa's White Christmas sounds good today) and pressed the start button. She then turned to put a few dishes away, check her phone which was charging on the counter, and waited for the sound of the end of the brew. Just before hearing the beep, her adoring and ever-observant husband, who we'll call John, entered the kitchen and said, "Who made this mess?" Since there were only 2 people in the house, the question was moot. She turned and was surprised to see the coffee, not steaming from a cup but spreading all over the counter and down the front of the kitchen cabinet! "What the heck, she uttered mildly, I just wasted an expensive SWC pod on this! And what a hot mess (literally!) to clean up!" Being the efficient homemaker that she was, plus possessing an innate ability to find the good in things, she wiped up the coffee, brewed a new cup, and thought "there's a story in this"!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1pmJwBX4E1S4D89SDitkGfEX6NNAGuQwuejjXZ4UUKe2DYDarBKsvd_3F4os9hKMYEVFghe07r5bbLHxI1zLByhWltJFqzu3RApNNGOCBz0QC2v6SwYxirZIeg8shyphenhyphenvhITmf2lCBBpY6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1pmJwBX4E1S4D89SDitkGfEX6NNAGuQwuejjXZ4UUKe2DYDarBKsvd_3F4os9hKMYEVFghe07r5bbLHxI1zLByhWltJFqzu3RApNNGOCBz0QC2v6SwYxirZIeg8shyphenhyphenvhITmf2lCBBpY6/" width="202" /></a></div><br />And so there is! Going into a new year, we often want to know what's in store for us. More than that, we want to know what God has in mind for us, especially since the previous year featured some real "interesting challenges". More than ever, considering the past year, I'm looking for more joy. I'm re-reading an incredible 90 day devotional by Mike Mason titled "Champagne for the Soul". A good friend recommended it when I was going through breast cancer in 2005 and it has never failed to bring me out of whatever funk I might be wallowing or just tip-toeing through. But God can't pour His joy and blessings into a cup that's already full, or one that has day-old coffee, or grounds settling on the bottom. He wants to fill us with his unfathomable blessings on a daily basis. This can't happen if we don't offer Him our empty cup. A season of limitless possibility lies ahead of us. A clean freshness. Do you want stale coffee or a fresh, hotly brewed cup...all the way to the brim? You know, "the best part of waking up" and living your life "good to the last drop". (You didn't know those coffee slogans could be so spiritual, did you?).<p></p><p>This New Year, let's follow Paul's admonition to the Phillipians to "forget what lies behind and strain towards what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize." The Lord wants to do a new thing <b>for</b> and<b> in</b> you, so you need to let go of the past for a better future. Empty your cup so He can fill it. Toss off the past pain, regrets, failures, unforgiveness, troubles and the energy spent on trying to re-live it and as the Soup Nazi said in Seinfeld "Next!" </p><p>I'm looking forward to having more of the joy of the Lord this year, friends. As Mike Mason writes in one of his "sips of champagne", "Joy...lies right under our noses, often in the most ordinary experiences. If we spent the next year simply enjoying who we are and what we have, we'd be much further ahead than by striving for more. What we need most ...is a quiet realization of what already is." Join me in the adventure. Stay grounded in the Lord, offer Him your empty cup and see what happens! I know it will be an exciting ride!</p>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-19524533962697593972021-08-25T11:46:00.001-07:002021-08-25T11:47:11.171-07:00Moving Mom<p> Well, friends, I've been retired for approximately 9 months, so it's time to "birth" something new! At least in my writing. I've enjoyed the rest from leaving 43 years of teaching behind, but now I'm enjoying opening new doors to see what's in store for my next chapter (sorry, as a retired librarian, I'm required by law to include that expression!). I feel like I'm playing "Let's Make a Deal" and see the doors and curtains, but am not sure they're all for me. Happily, though, God doesn't play the same game and I don't think He'd let me get the year's supply of olives! </p><p>However, this is not about my life changes, but about a transition of another kind. This week we moved my 94 year old mother into an assisted living facility. I know my sisters are saying "We? Really Sandy? You were in Florida and we're in Ohio doing the hard labor and tending to all the details that such a move involves". Ok, my wonderful, hard-working and dedicated sisters did the work! I maintained contact by text, phone calls, and prayers...with our brother also in the loop, but I wasn't able to get in on the adventure due to being needed at home with my husband. I'm sure there were several eye-rolls at my suggestions on what they needed or what chair should go where in a 400 square foot room, until I just let it go, knowing they had it handled. And thankfully, she was all settled into the cozy country facility in one day, happy as a clam. The move wasn't an overnight decision, but after almost monthly incidents in the past year, she agreed with my siblings that it was all for the best. </p><p>I know the smooth transition isn't always the way, as I learn from discussing it with my friends who have almost all had to deal with the same role-reversal as they age. But I'm thankful for the Lord's direction and confirmation about each step that we took. We'd thought about and discussed it for so long that it was a natural step we all were prepared for. Physically at least!</p><p>What I wasn't prepared for was the emotional toll it would take. As I reassured my mom in the days leading to the move, I encouraged her of how good it would be for her, peace of mind for us, security, etc. But there were many moments that I, over 1000 miles away, was the one that needed reassurance! Her move meant that I didn't have a "home" to come back to when I came for my semi-yearly visits. I wouldn't be waking up to share coffee in the kitchen with her and whoever else was staying there at the same time. My dad and a younger brother had passed away 7 years ago, but there were still enough reminders in the house that it was a visit with them, too. But that's gone now. She may have moved only 32 miles (several villages and one county) from her current home, but it seems like a million to me. Also, while she's still quite healthy and spunky, it's a step from independence that tells me she's really getting older! (yeah, Sandy, she's 94...when did you figure that out?) I guess that means I'm getting older, too, but that's another column! The Lord has blessed her with a wonderful life, and it's just continuing at another address. </p><p>I'll be going to Ohio to visit her in October for her birthday celebration. There will be my sisters and brother, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, which of course are her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and some great-greats! We'll have a family potluck in my niece's converted garage and enjoy honoring my mom. Then return her to her new cozy country home, while we all return to ours. It'll be strange to not get in our jammies and watch TCM late into the night with her, but I'll manage it, knowing that she's in a safe and secure setting. That capable and caring medical staff are just a button away. And that has to be enough.</p><p>So I pray that whatever transition you or your loved ones find themselves in at this time, that they find the way paved with secure steps, holding onto the Lord's hand to steady the way. It's the only way truly be grounded, my friends!</p>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-20096731817286268342020-12-01T06:13:00.009-08:002020-12-05T11:27:13.396-08:00I'm Retired...Now What?<p> One month ago I retired from 43 years of teaching. That 43 years encompassed 2 states, 4 cities, 9 schools, 15 principals and all school grades. The first 22 years were as a teacher of students with Specific Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders and the last 21 were as an elementary Media Specialist. The variety of settings, students and co-workers made for a wonderful life! When my friends would ask what I was going to do when I retired, I'd say sleep, rest, garden, etc. I know they wanted to hear something exciting and worthy of their envy, but hey...43 years...can I do nothing for awhile? And sadly, with the present Covid State of Affairs, that is among the top choices...nothing!</p><p>I did venture out of my cocoon to spend 10 days in Ohio to see my 93 year old mom, who had some health issues, but other than that have stayed close to home with my husband. I've kind of been in a holding pattern: holding the remote, my coffee mug, the rake, kitchen spatula, etc. You get the picture. And I love being home and being a homemaker. But after 43 years of the daily stimulation of students, teachers, administrators, books, computers, troubleshooting, etc. I have to admit that I have a hard time with occasionally doing nothing! Please, don't throw anything at me! It's getting better, but it's not for lack of things I could do. It might just be an aimlessness of not knowing where to start. </p><p>So when I started my quiet time this morning, I opened to Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." I laughed. Where else would I get the peace/direction/answers I was seeking, but the Word? Who else to give me the assurance that doing nothing is okay but the Lord? I think He calls it Rest! I can list several things I'd love to pursue and enjoy, but what's His best for me now? Where will I be productive and of service? I think that's the thing I miss as a teacher: feeling useful and of service to others. If you ask my husband, he'd have an answer: how about him and the home! Can I start to make cookies for him...not a school function? (He gets plenty, I assure you!) I'm sure my teacher friends can relate. But back to the Lord, I need to learn to wait and patiently hear what He has for me in this time and for the future. This is one of those Queen Esther/such a time as this things. Is it time to my writing? Practice the piano? Get back to gardening? Exercising? Cleaning (ouch)? Purging closets and school stuff ala Maria Kondo (double ouch)? Well, probably yes to all of the above. Volunteering anyplace, which I'm hoping to do, will have to wait until Covid restrictions are over. But obviously there's plenty to keep my busy...or not.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsUhS1UphsploLgDxRqW4FQAM33sXQPB-DVYAWYvWEsxY2Ey7lsHYfF01fX85-6jUe-LzI61wVEd_2CQA61mY0LpvprL9pTgdiI4JO_s71-HZBHftJDbBQ5DtaJzzPucnUBpoqrm4KG9i/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="788" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsUhS1UphsploLgDxRqW4FQAM33sXQPB-DVYAWYvWEsxY2Ey7lsHYfF01fX85-6jUe-LzI61wVEd_2CQA61mY0LpvprL9pTgdiI4JO_s71-HZBHftJDbBQ5DtaJzzPucnUBpoqrm4KG9i/w282-h282/image.png" width="282" /></a></div><p></p><p>So in returning to writing, which I do feel led to do, do I change the name of my blog to The Grounded Retired Librarian? The Retired Grounded Librarian? Because as we know, once a librarian, always a librarian! Alphabetizing my spice shelves will continue, no matter what! I still refer to emptying the dishwasher as "shelving the plates". Leaving any kind of job can be like having a rubber band snap back into place. I felt large, useful, and stretched to the limit most of the time at work, and now that I'm home I've shrunk back to "normal", waiting to be used again. But I think it's okay if I stay in the shrunken state for the time being, especially now at the holidays. There's plenty of stretching in the days ahead...we all need to enjoy the times of rest and peace given to us. Remember that in times of waiting there is great reward.</p><p>Well, I've hit my 4 paragraph limit, so I'll be signing off for now, friends. I think I'll take a nap! Remember to Stay Restfully and Peacefully Grounded!</p>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-77430852889230759942020-09-27T12:21:00.001-07:002020-09-27T14:46:41.363-07:00Someday is Here!<p> Five years ago I wrote a post entitled "I'm Retiring...Someday". It related my feelings surrounding entering our deferred retirement program (DROP) and the range of emotions surrounding that event. What it all boiled down to was that the retirement attitude I had of not letting work issues get me down, making more time for family, taking better care of myself, etc. didn't have to wait for five years when I retired. I could carry that relaxed attitude into every situation, retired or not.</p><p>Well, fast forward 5 years and retirement is so close I can smell it. It smells like Pumpkin Spice. Who knew! In 5 weeks I'll be leaving a career of 43 years in Education. It's been like "A Tale of Two Cities"...you know, "best of times and worst of times"! But the Two Cities for me have been like 2 different careers: one of 23 years teaching students in grades 1-12 who had Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disorders and one of being a school Media Specialist for grades pre-k-5 for 20 years. And both have been exciting, challenging, rewarding and totally fulfilling.</p><p>So I'm cleaning and sorting the 18 years of stuff that I've accumulated at my current school. I'm living proof of the scientific fact that stuff expands to the space it is allowed to have. I'm blessed with lots of storage and shelves, which means stuff galore. So the great giveaway has begun: swag from numerous conferences, old Book Fair goodies, superhero themed items (remember that craze?), ditto for pirate, circus, and other themes that won't be revisited by my successor. My teachers and students are loving it! One of our teachers asked what I was going to do with the Lone Ranger lunchbox that has held a spot on one of the bookshelves (not vintage or valuable). I said I think I'm giving it to him! He loved it. And I'll be doing major book giveaways for the students each week. When we had to leave early in the Spring due to Covid, I was left with boxes of new and gently used donated books and bags that were supposed to go home with the students for summer. So out they go now! It's always the right time for getting books into kids' hands.</p><p>But what's not so easy to give away are my emotions related to the "stuff" I never got around to. Folders of book ideas. Tubs of incentives for programs I never could get to. Book sets for book clubs that never happened. You get the idea. As Media Specialists, not only do we wear the "Too Many Books, Not Enough Time" t-shirts, but also the "Too Many Great Ideas, Not Enough Time". And with 5 weeks to go, they obviously won't get done. My successor has her own new, fresh ideas, yet wants my guidance for continuing what's worked for our students. Yet in these Covid-influenced times, certain programs (Pumpkin Patch, Gingerbread House Village) just won't be happening. </p><p>So do I wallow through these remaining weeks dwelling on what never was or will be? NO WAY! It's time to reflect on what DID happen, not what DIDN'T. Remember the successes with students, not the things I didn't get to do with them. Enjoy memories with teachers who loved the Media Center as much as I did and consistently supported our programs, and not think about the high-maintenance personnel who almost sucked the joy out of each day. And this doesn't have to be a retirement-related thing, friends! Every day we can make the decision to focus on what we ARE doing and not what we AREN'T. Look at the people whose lives we are touching/changing/blessing and not consider what things on our ever-growing To-Do lists didn't get marked off in a day. </p><p>In our profession, and especially in our district, they are so many rock star Media Specialists that it's hard to not compare where we are in the school year to their accomplishments. They regularly post their classes taught, books circulated, tech accomplishments, etc. while many of us are knee-deep in equipment and updating and counting laptops from the spring and summer E-Learning, just trying to catch up. Forget any student interaction yet! But guess what, friends, you are fine! You'll be fine! As Kenny Chesney sings, "Everything's gonna be all right". Take a breath, do what you can, serve the needs of your particular school/population and make sure it's what your Administration wants. Have a conversation with them about the challenges you are facing. What are their expectations? Chances are, they aren't nearly as concerned as you are about all of the other stuff. We put such high demands on ourselves, and those expectations often aren't what our administrators want or expect. If they're ok with you getting that hard stuff done and not seeing students yet, then you have to be okay with it. If they aren't expecting Twitter-iffic posts, then why are you? If you're getting your program and the school in compliance with tech and equipment reporting, then you're on track. It's just the way it is for now! The fun stuff will come...doesn't it always? Yes! Hang in there!</p><p>So is this my final post as an active Media Specialist? NO WAY! I've been a bit lax in my writing, but intend to return as fierce as ever. It's not due to lack of things to say...I always have something I want to put on paper and share. But just catching up here on my blog has restored my writing mojo! Hey, that's another thing I don't need to be retired for! I'm starting my "Farewell Tour" here...but will continue to be the Grounded Librarian. So as I like to encourage you, be expectant and hopeful and Stay Grounded, Friends!</p>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-59974527116356020292019-09-02T13:07:00.001-07:002019-09-02T13:07:53.302-07:00Not More or Less, Just Different!At this point in the year, 3 weeks into instruction here in Tampa, FL, we Media Specialists can be divided into 2 camps: those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't. No, wait, that's something else. How about: those who have had their Media Orientations and are checking out books and those who haven't had their Orientations and aren't checking out books. Whatever camp you're in, congratulations! That's called doing your job! But how can they both be our job it they're so different? Because we Media Specialists are like fingerprints, no 2 are alike! ( I was going to say snowflakes, but that's not such a complimentary designation these days). So if you're in one of those situations ( I can't think of any others for us MS now), read on!<br />
<br />
At the end of the first week, a friend posted that she'd had almost her entire school (which is very large, by the way) in for their initial lessons and were checking out books! Curse you Twitter! What was I doing? Helping with lunch duty, making signage for our custodian, laminating for the office, trying to decide if I'd do a different Orientation this year, sorting out laptops, troubleshooting tech, filling the copy machine, starting my yearly property control report, etc. I'm sure my friend was also doing some of those things, too. But I was trying to do them with the attitude that she wasn't "ahead" of me, nor was I "behind". It's just different!<br />
<br />
The next week, I resolved to make a big dent in the Property Control report because we had several laptops "move" over the summer, we acquired lots of new equipment, added to our one-to-one status, and our online accounting system had to be updated. I sat for 4 hours one day just doing that. Now, this isn't due until mid-October, but I wanted to tackle most of it now, so I don't have to close once I actually do open for the students. And more than that, I needed the peace of mind. So, 2 weeks down and not "open" for students yet, but I was still doing my job...in addition to everything from the second paragraph. Yet that evil Twitter reminded me even more about my fellow MS who were open, and even checking out to Kindergarten! What? I don't get to that until maybe November !!!! Double Curse you, Twitter!<br />
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I thought this was supposed to be my "Game Changer" year! I even got to hear author Donalyn Miller speak about that this summer! What happened? Am I not a Game Changer? Can I still get in the Game? Are their different rules for different MS? Of course not, relax Sandy. You're fine, meeting student and staff needs, respecting what your Administration wants you to do to contribute to the school. Brightening the culture. Just coming in the first day with a fresh attitude and welcome to your students (even if it was just car line and lunch duty) can make you a Game Changer! Wherever you are with students and teachers you can preach the Game Changer message of book access for all kids. Your attention to their needs and interests shows your engagement with them, which will translate to their engagement once the library visits start. Wherever students are is an opportunity for me to talk books! Don't disparage not having the formal opening yet...look for those opportunities throughout the day!<br />
<br />
So this past week, Week 3, I started Orientations and saw most of our 3-5 grades until Hurricane Dorian prep took precedence on Friday. I had a fun Scavenger Hunt and checked out books! Happy Sandy! Game Changer! Life is beautiful! Yet, I could easily have stayed closed another week to REALLY catch up! I'm blessed to have teachers who know that the classroom procedures and routines are important to teach, so they aren't in a big hurry to have them come for books. And they have good classroom libraries. But there's nothing like the book access I could give them! Happily opening for the year erased the Twitter shame I'd felt. But the experience did remind me that: a. This happens every year, b. Everyone is happy after the first month, c. No one remembers when I opened, d. I could probably not even do Orientations and there wouldn't be much difference in library behavior....just start my usual open access! (but that's another posting: Two types of Media Specialists: those who do Orientations and those who don't...and it probably doesn't matter!)<br />
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So I just want to encourage you in whatever state you're in today, relax and enjoy your job, no matter where you are in your "beginning of the year" procedures. What we do is hard work. Some schools are harder than others. But you're in a profession that's vital to your school and your children. You chose this! Embrace the "stuff" that goes with it. Remember the quality time with the children is near. It's all good. If your Administration is happy, that's a good start. They might need their own copy of "Game Changer", but let them get past the initial challenges of a new year before you share it! Don't compare yourself to another MS, unless it's to call you up higher, maybe out of a funk or rut you're in. But remember that we're all different! Not more or less, just different. And that's why I love our profession as Media Specialists!<br />
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Hope your year is off to a great start! Now more than ever, stay grounded!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-49257261764145399292019-08-03T12:23:00.000-07:002019-08-03T12:23:02.091-07:00It's That Easy: Just Be Kind!
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago I posted a blog post about retiring…but not
yet. The basic premise was that I was in the deferred retirement program and
knew the “end was in sight”, but that the celebratory, freeing feeling and
attitude that it gave me didn’t have to wait until that fateful day at the end
of October, 2020. I could have that attitude everyday, not putting important
things off until I had more time, like being with family, working out, etc. So now, the end really<b> is</b> nearing and it’s got
me thinking about some other things I don’t want to put off. It may become a
series, but for now, given my blogging regularity, I’ll settle for one column!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer, I had a beach getaway with a girlfriend who retired a couple
years ago. She too had been a Media Specialist and made the comment, concerning
my last year, that I really can’t “sweat the small stuff” anymore; to have a totally
pleasant, fun, memorable final year and not let the usual people and circumstances
irritate me the way that I’ve let them in the past. To just let whatever it is
that gets under my skin, and there are a few things in that category (but don’t
worry, I won’t name names) just bounce off, be Teflon, etc. Wow! What a freeing
statement. Simple, yes, but powerful! Yet, why haven’t I been like that all
along? Why wait until my final 1 ¼ year to adopt that way of working?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if you don’t know me, you might think, “boy, she must
be a real pain to work with, going around being ticked off easily, etc.” Well,
no, actually I think I’m quite pleasant! Here’s my Sally Field moment, but I
think people like me! But I’m just
pretty good and not letting people know how much they interrupted my
very important to do list or agenda; or not reacting to those staff members who
don’t share my work ethic; or the teachers who didn’t read my last email about
not doing _______________________ (fill in the blank…because they ALWAYS DO IT
AND NEVER RESPECT WHAT I DO IN THE MEDIA CENTER!). See…perfectly pleasant and
easy going!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But when a situation calls for me to speak up, give gentle
reminders, redirect a situation, defend my policies, you can bet I’ll do it…but
there are still plenty of times I’ll do a subversive eye-roll and vent when I
get home. As I say quite often, and I still think it’s t-shirt worthy, “I’m a
Welcome Mat, Not a Door Mat”. I’ve been able to develop pleasant relationships
at my school and hope I’ve been able to create an atmosphere of warmth and
welcome to all students and teachers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’d much rather move on to the next chapter of my life
leaving a trail of kindness and joy, and a bunch of laughs if possible!
Sometimes I feel like the Heath Ledger Joker with a “why so serious”
expression. When what I’d rather have is the love and forgiveness and kindness every day,
ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE AND YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! (just kidding, they probably don’t even read
this!). My joy for my work and my life rests in my identity of what my gifts
are, and letting everything else fall by the wayside. How freeing! I can resist
that temptation to respond negatively to any situation, knowing that it’s not
going to be edifying to me or the other person. To be careful to not let any
bitterness take root concerning another person, place or experience. I want to pursue what I’m called to do at my
school (and life in general) and do it with my whole heart. To run the race
with endurance, as Paul says. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how are you starting the new year? Excited? Anxious?
Looking forward to new relationships, but renewing old ones? Yes to all,
I’m sure. But how about picturing those co-workers who you have allowed (
because it’s rarely, if never, deliberate) to rob the joy at your job, and
making up your mind to love them, accept them, be kind to them, and let
everything else fall by the wayside. Determine to handle situations the same
way, and you’ll have a wonderful year. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you get off to a great 2019-2020 year, Friends!
Remember nothing’s more important than showing kindness to someone else and
blessing their day. Stay Grounded!</span><br />
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<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-22532585166734365812018-11-04T06:55:00.002-08:002018-11-04T06:55:19.524-08:00...and the Wisdom to Know the Difference!I got new glasses a month ago and to me they were dramatically different from my previous pair.<br />
<br />
I love the month of October: hints of Fall, pumpkins, pumpkin spice everything, my birthday, family celebrations...I could go on and on.<br />
<br />
A funny thing happened to me this week when I called to order a pizza. I remembered I was a breast cancer survivor.<br />
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Does any of this make sense? Is there a theme I'm going for? Is Penvose going to finish anything she starts? If you're thinking any of this, good for you! If you've gotten this far, you know that there is a method to my madness. Those 3 lines at the top are 3 of my latest blog posts that remain in the draft state on my blog. They're similar to ideas I've had in teaching. The number of projects that I've started or wanted to start in my 40+ years of education would fill my outdated set of encyclopedias. (note to self, add "weeding" to the To Do List) It's probably the nature of teaching and librarianship, to collect the next great idea, maybe even start it, but then drop it in the interest of time/interruptions/the next great idea/ or just plain forgetfulness!<br />
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I woke up this morning, not able to take advantage of that "extra hour" with the clock change, and finished the latest Andrew Clements book, <u>The Loser's Club</u>. Highly recommend it! But at the back he features a list of good reads that the students in the book read. And I start to think, wow, I'd like to start a club like that. Or do a 40 Book Challenge. Or keep on reading the Andrew Clements' books that I haven't read. Or..... You get the picture! So then to quiet my thoughts I start looking at a few of my favorite library blogs, starting with Gwyneth Jones' "The Daring Librarian". Love her! Well, I'd missed a few of her posts, so almost an hour later, after saving most of her ideas and sending them to my school account, I heard my husband stirring in the living room where he was reading, also not getting the extra hour sleep! But once again, ideas/projects/cool stuff started swirling in my head and I got up just to quiet those thoughts. Get up and make pancakes, Sandy, and quit thinking!<br />
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And adding to this potential mental meltdown, I started to think how much longer I have in my current position before I retire. Approx 1 3/4 school years. Is that enough time to do all that I want to do? Will I ever be able to reach all the students I need to? Can I make a difference in the reading culture in that amount of time? Will I ever read all of the books in our Media Center? (what the students think I do!)<br />
Exhausting, isn't it? I'll have another pancake, thank you!<br />
<br />
But before I fixed our breakfast, I sat down for my morning quiet time, looking to rest my mind and spirit. And the words of the famous "Serenity Prayer" came to me loud and clear. If you don't know it, it goes like this "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." Written by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, it has been adapted by many groups, but the message to me was unmistakable. There are lots of things I can't change at my school, so any projects I want to undertake have to start with that. While I'm the Queen of my little Media Domain, I have to consider our population, administration, and current initiatives to move ahead in student achievement. So some of the things I'd like to try might just be "fluff" that doesn't add to that conversation. Maybe they work in another school, but I have to realistically evaluate whether they'd work in my current situation.<br />
<br />
However, there are many things I CAN change. Just this year I rearranged furniture, created warm inviting reading areas, started self check-in, jazzed up the signage, and some other things. I know that I have the freedom to try anything new, as long as it's student-centered and builds that love of reading. But our students also don't have oodles of time to come to the Media Center to do the popular maker stuff, or participate in reading clubs, etc. Also, I don't have extra help to prevent me from having to close for many activities. So the things I want to focus on are ones that create an inviting space that encourages reading and participation and exploring what we already have. Also, developing relationships with the teachers so that when I do have to close for special classes or activities, they are totally supportive and assist in whatever we're doing.<br />
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So how do I get that end part of the prayer "and wisdom to know the difference"? Some serious reflection is needed. Reevaluate my mission statement. Recall why I wanted to be a Media Specialist in the first place. I taught elementary and secondary ESE students for over 20 years and even became certified in Administration before switching horses and getting my Media Certification in 2000. I saw it as an avenue to really make a difference in students' lives, tap back into my fun/creative/silly side, and contribute to the overall climate of a school. Kind of like what I wanted to do in Administration, but more fun! And with books!<br />
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When I go back to school after this weekend, I'll start to look through my piles of "future ideas" and ruthlessly purge those that don't fit in the above criteria to "change what I can but accept what I can't". Even that process of clearing physical clutter will clear some of my mental clutter for some peace of mind. If it's not promoting reading and books and fun for the students, while moving them ahead in achievement, I don't have time for it. I need to look at what I am doing successfully and keep on doing it before starting the next great thing. Maybe I'll see that what I'm currently doing is perfectly fine...I just need to keep on doing it in the best way I can. As Dr. Bev Smallwood, a favorite blogger of mine said, when addressing the idea of finding success in your work, "It may not be that you're not doing the right things long enough and consistently enough. Don't try that new novel idea, just keep doing the right things."<br />
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Are you on that "next big thing" treadmill? Does the scenery never change because you're always thinking of what's next and how you're going to do it and end up running on empty? Are you comparing yourself and your program to your friends on Twitter who are posting daily wow's? Well, take a break, step off the machine and have some quiet reflection time. Sincerely consider what you should keep doing, what you don't need to do, what you could do new or differently and how it fits into your personal and professional mission statement. Discuss it with a close friend or mentor. Have some good conversations with those who can honestly advise you. Maybe even have a meeting with your Administration, to see if and how you're fitting into their agenda. I know your decisions will bring you a new peace and contentment and joy in your work.<br />
<br />
I hope you are able to achieve that "Wisdom to know the difference" in your work this year and achieve a sense of stability in what you do. Make each moment count for your students and yourself. And as always, Stay Grounded, my friends!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-73023796300912851292018-08-05T10:08:00.000-07:002018-08-05T10:08:07.992-07:00Your Students: Some Assembly RequiredI've never met a Clearance Shelf I didn't love. When the bright yellow tags indicate something that is not what it used to be, it just sucks me in, like Gollum to the ring, begging to be examined and put in my cart. Recently I bought not 1, but 2 (let's double our savings!) copper garden spinning things. My backyard flower gardens are a beauty to behold, but I'm always looking for some additional yard art and the $5.00 spinners were just the thing. Once I got them home and unpacked on the lanai, I realized why they were such a great price (like that's never happened before)...the "simple assembly required" turned out to be the understatement of the century!<br />
The "directions", a term I'll use loosely, had a mix of numbers and letters that didn't quite apply to the items in the box. Oh, and just removing the items required tools worthy of someone trying to break out of a maximum security prison! But once the items were released from the confines of the box, there seemed to be more ways than one to assemble them. Do we keep these silver ring thingy's? And what about these huge nuts and bolts? They weren't on the "directions". Well, once one was assembled, after many pleasant verbal exchanges between my husband and I, I proudly stuck it in the ground in the flower bed. Then, I attacked the second one, reminding myself of how much money we saved! Well, on this one we concluded that the silver disc thingy's were part of the packaging to secure the spinner in the box, and the huge nuts and bolts shared the same responsibility. Not necessary. So I finished the second spinner, put it outside, then got the first one to re-assemble it according to what appeared to be the correct procedure. And of course we threw the packaging away, with the "directions", but saved the silver disc thingy's and nuts and bolts, adding them to one of the numerous coffee cans of hardware in the garage, because you never know, right?<br />
Once I sat back and admired our accomplishments, and waited for them to actually spin, I started to<br />
think: how many of our students come to us this way? Packaged nicely and tightly, but once we "open" them up, find that they aren't as easy to work with as we hoped or expected. In fact some are secured so tightly, it takes greater effort on our part to get them to open up, feel comfortable with us, want to be out with the rest of the class. Do we give up just because of the challenge presented? Of course not. Like the challenge of the spinner, most of us feel the bigger the challenge, the more our determination rises to reach that difficult student. We persist in "assembling" them to become the best they can be because we know the outcome will benefit them in so many ways. It might take a team, more interpretation of the "directions" that they come with, but we press on regardless. And how about those extra parts that came with my spinners? Do your students have some extra baggage? Sadly, at their young ages, they come with more baggage than I accumulated in all my years as a student. We patiently see what is needed and what can be eliminated. We see if the students can stand alone, learn in our classroom, relate to others, without the nuts and bolts that seem extraneous to us. But if they need them, they need them. Don't save them in the coffee cans, as I did. Let them hold on to what they need as long as you professionally and personally deem necessary.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqToH9UebRshJZy3PgYqT02IuvjSlzTgMtivBNGJ56JBsdTFIuytxDFY93LetOkuXNlaHMZKyDg1iH80d_d60iXghUp6mg2wFW3Or_imx9VoVlu-Cz9PfY7hkUe2fbpfqN0i9_Vae-Rwbz/s1600/IMG_1904+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqToH9UebRshJZy3PgYqT02IuvjSlzTgMtivBNGJ56JBsdTFIuytxDFY93LetOkuXNlaHMZKyDg1iH80d_d60iXghUp6mg2wFW3Or_imx9VoVlu-Cz9PfY7hkUe2fbpfqN0i9_Vae-Rwbz/s200/IMG_1904+new.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKdUsidi0L94hTr5jujJEDvsRHEPC-QvnGfYp_DDZVsiHGPKNkTGPKUkmzrHBvrB5DVCI7bykQvrrXHrpHwPj-JxEt9fe2gOOWSXKNiv4VNvCzTEaaOsd6PLLUvqEzisDZRez4VpelHD_/s1600/IMG_1903+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKdUsidi0L94hTr5jujJEDvsRHEPC-QvnGfYp_DDZVsiHGPKNkTGPKUkmzrHBvrB5DVCI7bykQvrrXHrpHwPj-JxEt9fe2gOOWSXKNiv4VNvCzTEaaOsd6PLLUvqEzisDZRez4VpelHD_/s200/IMG_1903+new.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>AFTER I assembled and displayed my spinners I had a couple questions: how much did I really save on these beauties, and were there comments as to how other customers assembled them. My search proved that their original price was $20, which I wouldn't have bought them for, but as I said, the yellow clearance tags can fool me easier than P. T. Barnum ("there's a sucker born every minute" which may or may not have been said by him) and saving $30 on the 2 really got me jazzed. But the reviews from customers were the kill card. One star at the best on most reviews...some one half, some none. All with the same comments I had: bad directions, extra parts, didn't work, fell apart (still waiting for that to happen), etc. Should I have read them before purchasing them? For $5 each? And let someone else get them? No and No! I got them determined to make them work...use my green thumb/midas touch/I'm a librarian! No other super powers required!<br />
So when we've gotten those students with "assembly required" did we check their accompanying folders/ test data/ anecdotal accounts before accepting them into our class? Of course not! Well, we probably didn't have a chance to be honest, but even if we did, it shouldn't sway how we teach them. The same love and perseverance we have for the neatly packaged and put-together kids also goes for the challenges, and more so. Our staff enjoyed a dynamic presentation by Brian Mendler on his book, <u>Discipline With Dignity</u>, in which he very colorfully guided us to some unique strategies on dealing with the students who present such challenges. It was the perfect kick-off for our new school year.<br />
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So friends, whatever your role in education, I hope you are starting the 2018-2019 year with fresh hope and anticipation of the awesome "packages" that will be delivered to your doors. Welcome them all with open arms, equipped with the tools to enjoy, equip, and assemble a group of students and<br />
classroom that will be one of your best ever. They're lucky to have you! Remember to inspire each and every one of them to the greatness that someone once did for you, and Stay Grounded!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-5799971882286054872018-07-21T16:19:00.001-07:002018-07-21T16:19:31.700-07:00Pack Your Bags for an Amazing Journey!This summer I was in a fortunate position to take 2 little trips for fun. One was a flight to my home state of Ohio for a niece's wedding. The other was a girlfriend beach getaway in Florida. As I prepared for each one, I was struck by the radically different approaches I was able to take in packing stuff, both practical and mental. I'm sure you can relate.<br />
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For the flight, I packed 2 carryon bags for my husband and I. I agonized over everything to make sure we had enough for a week in unpredictable weather, our wedding duds, extra shoes, etc. And then there's the minimal amount of liquids: my daily routine had to change somewhat but in small town northwest Ohio, it wasn't an issue. Still, I hoped my supersize can of hairspray and mousse were still hidden under the sink at my mom's house...not exactly what she needs for her fluffy white helmet hair. So we were each packed to the gills, with no room for any extra purchases. And that doesn't even begin to address the anxiety I feel about flying. I have a hard time enjoying it and can't relax until I reach the destination...and even then I start to dread the flight back the last few days of my trip! Yes, I'm a head case...but don't fly that much, so I forget how easy it all really is.<br />
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Now packing for a beach trip that was a few hours' drive away...well, the sky's the limit! Let's see, 2 nights, 3 days: yeah, 3 shorts, 10 tops, 1 jeans, workout duds, etc. More than I'd wear in a week, but you never know! And then the beach bag, food, cooler, full size liquids, shoes, sandals; because you never know! Just knowing we had the freedom to pack generously, have room for who knows what, and comfort to enjoy the ride greatly enhanced everything about the trip. There were no time constraints, so eating and potty stops were unlimited! Not to mention interesting sights along the way. Not that the trip to Ohio wasn't fun, because it was, but there were just a lot of restraints in the prep and journey to reach the destination.<br />
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As happens with much of my daily activities, I saw this as "blog material". I started to compare these activities to preparation and anticipation for the approaching school year. Am I going to prepare with minimal resources (clothes) and small-sized ideas (liquids)? Am I going to going to dread the school year (flight) until we end in June...landing the plane? Or am I going to go whole-hog generous into the year with more resources and ideas than I know I'll use. Am I going to enjoy every mile along the way, or only look at the destination? Am I going with an attitude of being up for anything, ready for whatever comes along, and having room for even more good stuff along the way?<br />
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How are you packing for the new year? With the bare minimum or ready for anything? Are you more concerned about getting it over with, or pumped for an exciting road trip? At my school, we're starting with a new Principal and Assistant Principal who are planning some very different things, yet returning to some old routines that look great. Some people are cautious about the changes or upset about not being a part of the planning, but I encouraged them to look forward to the trip, boldly going where no school has gone before! The initial "pre-trip agenda" that was sent out is something I've hoped for for a few years now, so I'm content to get on board, fasten my seat belt and enjoy the ride! I'll bring along my over-packed bags filled with ideas gleaned from summer trainings, readings, etc. and generously share them with my fellow travelers. I don't have to have planned the trip, but I do have to come along ready to support my companions. It helps to do some research on some of the best places we'll be "visiting", as I would for any trip, but I hold those expectations loosely if our "driver" goes in another direction.<br />
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Not only do we want to have a great trip, but I know any journey is more fun when our companions<br />
are anticipating a good time and share our vision for the experience. You don't have to agree on the same places to eat, visit, etc. but you still have the same goal of a good time for all. So it is with a successful school year. The differences and diversity of a staff is what makes for an exciting school culture, yet having the same vision and what mission binds you together to create a memorable experience for all. When I look around our large staff meetings, I'm always delighted at the variety of educators our school has attracted, yet we all share the same mindset that we're there for our students and each other.<br />
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So what do you say we pack up the family station wagon a la Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo and head out for a year of fun and adventure. We'll have more fun than the Griswold's if we commit to each ourselves, our fellow teachers, our students, and our administrators to bring our generous best and to be ready for anything. Have an amazing year and stay grounded, friends!<br />
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<br />Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-92080569725767135612018-04-14T13:06:00.002-07:002018-04-14T13:06:40.866-07:00The Way We Were...and Can Be Again!I'm a funny person. People think I'm funny and they laugh at things I say, so I can say that without being boastful. If I'm bragging, I'll return my "Humility Pin" to my Sunday School teacher. But I think I can use that description with confidence. The trouble is, I haven't been very funny lately. I haven't felt like being funny. Is it the condition of the world? Politics? Financial concerns? School Board histrionics? Family issues? Sore tooth? None of the above. It's just that things have gotten busier at work and I have more responsibilities that I can SAY take the joy from my job, but in truth, I've just let the joy slip away. And I don't feel like being funny!<br />
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However, a recent comment in a meeting I was involved in struck me to my, well, funny bone (humerus?). I honestly don't remember the gist of the discussion (bad mood) but then I heard the following about a fellow Media Specialist, "Oh, Ryan is hilarious! He sends me the funniest comments. His tweets are a riot. We've got to get him for...." (missed this next part, I was cringing in my lack of funny-ness.) (the name is obviously changed to protect the probably-funnier-than-me person). What about me, I wondered. Doesn't my name come to mind when funny is mentioned? Did I fall off the list of funny? From that point on until I left, I was consumed. Well, nibbled on might be a better word. Gnawing? I could get over them not mentioning my name with my funny friend, but realized that maybe I'm not funny anymore. Or more worrisome, I'm not exuding any joy, cheer, zest or joie de vivre in any situation, much less having a comical comment to add.<br />
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Now I'm not talking about having to be the center of attention, life of the party type. Well...not always, anyway! I don't mind it, in fact. My dad was a life of the party guy by playing the piano and entertaining anyone and everyone. I'd sit at the top of the stairs when my parents had a party and watch him with adoration...and hoped I could be like him. He was my role model and motivation as I took piano lessons. But I basically grew up an insecure, shy-yet-sarcastic, smart kid, who didn't say a whole lot. I don't think I came into a level of confidence until my 40's (quintessential late bloomer/ugly duckling) and when I became a Media Specialist I blossomed personally and professionally. Part of it was due to having a Supervisor who gave me a platform. "Present something about this professional book we're going to be studying" was her request for a Professional Study Day...and I've never been the same since! I got up nervously, notes prepared, but it didn't take me long to veer off the topic and spew one-liners and other comments related to our daily work life. Where was this coming from? What am I saying? And yet people laughed. I loved it! I wrote weekly columns and received compliments on how touching yet funny it was. I was in heaven! This was all pre-Social Media, or I might have been on the speaking circuit earlier or a TED sensation (LOL), but I enjoyed every opportunity to write, speak, interrupt, etc. I had fun being funny.<br />
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But somewhere along the line I pulled back. With all the misery around me, how could I be funny? Shouldn't I be serious and commiserate? Rant and rave? Join the complainers/protesters/haters? Or just mind my own business and try to keep up with my job. And I was miserable! I knew I wasn't really being me, (while Ryan moved up the Funny Meter!) but I was either too tired or focused on other things to do anything about it. Blog? Sure I blog...oh, I guess it's been several months since my last post. I missed writing like crazy, but not enough to do anything about it. Would anyone even notice my presence or lack thereof? Wait a minute...why am I doing any of this? Who is it for? Is it really life of the party stuff, or do I truly enjoy being able to encourage people through my humor? Is it for the recognition, or is it just because it also makes me feel good? I decided if this was a gift or talent that I have been blessed with (because it's sure not coding or most of the tech stuff I read on our conference!), I won't be happy and fulfilled unless I'm expressing it, no matter what the reaction or response. <br />
And that's the way it is with any talent or gift you have. If you're waiting for the recognition or acknowledgement/appreciation from others, as most teachers are, you might have to wait a long time. But that shouldn't quench the gift or your desire to express it. I've been in Education or I should say an Educator for 40 years and I can maybe count on one hand, well maybe 2 and a couple toes, the praise/thanks/etc. I've gotten. The year I got Teacher of the Year at my school may have been a sympathy vote when I had breast cancer...but it was still an incredible experience (both the cancer and the TOY). Are you feeling tired/put-upon/over worked because of your job? Exasperated at the state of the State and education? Join the club...but fight to retain and maintain the joy that brought you here. And I mean fight! Don't let the zeal slip away. One of my favorite writers, Mike Mason, conducted a 90 day experiment in experiencing joy, the joy of the Lord, and wrote an incredible book in 2003, "Champagne for the Soul" that I still consult almost every day. One of my favorite chapters "Job Description: Joy" says this: "Wouldn't it be more fun just to show up at the Happy Factory (love that!) every morning and do the work, whether we want to or not? Isn't it worth some effort, knowing we'll be paid in the form of an increasingly rich and blissful life?"<br />
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So maybe I've digressed a bit, but I wanted to make the point that when you move away from your natural gifts and talents, which for most of us involve being Educators and Media Specialists, you're going to be miserable. It's time to get back to what brought you to the profession in the first place and exercise that gift and talent with all your heart. I'm getting my funny back. (sorry, JT). I'm writing again. I'm not coming down on kids in the Media Center for too much silliness (within reason!). I'm bringing all my characters back to the Morning Show (I have a lab coat that's carried me through many a situation!) I'm going to show up at the Happy Factory every day and put forth the effort to spread the joy, starting with myself. Because if I can be happy and fulfilled, those around me can hopefully experience some of the same. They might just have a better day, whether they're 10, 40 50 or 62. They might decide to come back next year with a hope that it just might be better. Or at least make it to the end of the year intact!<br />
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So how about you? What have you suppressed that you need to revive in your life? Joy in your job? Some form of creativity? A passion for sport? What is it about the real you that people miss? It could be anything from your smile to brownies...but you can change someone's life with it! They might not tell you, but just do it for yourself...and you'll be glad you did. You just might start to experience that increasingly rich and blissful life that Mike Mason referred to. What have you got to lose? Let's get back to "the Way We Were"!<br />
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Stay Grounded, friends. And by the way, did you hear the one about the.......Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-19137759648516794052017-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:002017-10-01T13:26:01.033-07:00Save the Best For...Now!
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Save the
Best for ….Now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I’m a collector,
a saver, a cataloger, a miser, an archivist, a curator and a steward of stuff.
Notice that I made no reference to being a hoarder. Not even close. However, I
save stuff for rainy days, a future size, hope that styles return, the next curbside collection, etc. I save for that number one student, favorite
teacher, potential goodie bags, Teacher Appreciation giveaways, etc. In other
words, I hold on to things with the intention of giving or rewarding them to me
or others and as result, often forget what I have, where it’s located, who it
was intended for or where I got it in the first place. This summer I was able
to devote many hours to major re-organization of the stuff and ended up
realizing I spend an awful lot of time on it! So with some radical purging,
several bags of clothes went to the Salvation Army and countless school items
landed on the free carts in the Media Center. Blessed were the teachers and
others who happened to be there that day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So as I
basked in the glow of being semi-clutter free, a scary thought came. What if it
creeps back in? After attending a district vendor fair, I toted bags of freebies with the
plan to redistribute the wealth to my teachers at my school. But there it sits,
in my office, rolls of posters, bookmarks, buttons, highlighters, etc. Maybe
even a stray mint or 2! And with plans to attend our state Media Conference this month, I’m
already swooning at the swag that will make it back to my car and beyond. And
then what? What am I saving it for? Why not just walk in my first day back,
freely strewing freebies to anyone within reach. “Pens for everyone!” <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Who needs a Love My Librarian Lanyard?” “How about
a highlighter, kid?” What am I saving it for when I could make someone’s day
right now?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">One of my
heroes in the writing world is Erma Bombeck. Her humor and insight into the
human condition is brilliant. In her heyday, mid-1960’s through the 1990’s, she
wrote numerous bestsellers and over 4,000 newspaper columns. Many were the days
I’d call my mom to see if she ready Erma that day and we’d nearly wet our pants
laughing together over them. But she also wrote a bittersweet column “If I Had
My Life to Live Over ” after discovering that she was dying of cancer. That
column provides just the antidote for my ridiculous collections for “someday”. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One of
her observations, “I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like
a rose before it melted while being stored”, really resonated. Why am I saving
the best for last? Who is it really for? What’s the harm in giving that stuff
away now…for anyone who wants it? In fact, it’s often the very people who we
don’t think deserve it, who actually need it or would appreciate it now. “No, these 3-D
bookmarks should be for student X”. “Mrs. Y <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>would love this cloth-y cat bag from a vendor”.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“These posters would be perfect in Mr. Z’s
class”. And all the while X, Y, and Z move on and you still have the stuff! And
more besides. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">So just for
today, I’m going to sort one more bin, or shelf or cabinet and boldly go where
this librarian has not gone before…straight to the teacher giveaway cart or
freebie student basket to hand out when they check out their books. Why? Just
because! I don’t have the room, tubs, or energy to keep saving the best for
last. I’m saving it for now….and then passing it on! Go ahead, make somone’s
day and give them the best of what you have now. If you’re not the archivist
that I am, you might not have the stuff I have. So how about your best smile,
listening ear, compliment, hug, lesson, effort? Your best 5 minutes to
encourage? Your best planning time to spend with a struggling colleague? Your
best lunch to share with a student? Most of our “bests” don’t cost a thing…yet
are priceless to the recipient. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It's time to save the best for now! One more step to help you stay Grounded!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-47969173170905152302017-04-23T13:45:00.003-07:002017-04-23T13:47:24.573-07:00Get One More This is the time of the school year when some teachers have started doing assorted countdowns (X more Mondays, Y more Faculty Meetings, Z more exams, etc.) as a way to get through to the end of the year. I usually don't start the process until May, but this has been an especially challenging year, not only personally, but for several of my Media friends. Somehow watching the numbers tick off, marking x's on a calendar, counting off the last of things helps us know that no matter how hard things have been for us personally or professionally, they will come to an end and we'll get a break before it starts up again in a fresh new way. But in the meantime, we have to get through each day...we have to "get one more".<br />
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I recently saw the acclaimed "Hacksaw Ridge" movie and as is usually the case in inspiring war movies like that, I am in awe of the courage, fortitude and strength that our soldiers have had in battle, from "The Patriot" to "Glory", from "Sergeant York" to "We Were Soldiers". I can't say I like all war movies, especially the more modern takes on them, but "Hacksaw Ridge" had something that put it in my "must see" movie list. No spoilers here, but the main character Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, struggled to save his fellow soldiers in a horrendous grueling battle....one at a time. And that became his mantra, "Please, Lord, help me get one more" as he rescued roughly 75 men. He says it was 50, witnesses claimed 100, so they settled on 75!</div>
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Now I know we're not in such dire straits as Doss was during the battle at Hacksaw Ridge, but I find his expression of "get one more" helpful, if not lifesaving in everyday situations at work and personally. My "get one more" at work has enabled me to prepare 100's computers for our computer based testing for our 1000+ students, have the patience for students who think vacation has already started, show another teacher how the copy machine works and/or unjam it after they leave, run copies for another unprepared sub, re-arrange furniture and equipment for another unplanned meeting, send the link for Reading Counts quizzes to teachers who finally realized the power of that for motivating their students, etc. In other words, my job! Just when I think I can't or don't want to do/guide/re-teach/connect/promote another thing, I'm reminded to do "get one more". This year there have even been days when "get one more" got me back the next day. Meetings where "get one more" helped me focus and contribute. Rowdy students who "get one more" got me to finally hook one of them up with a new favorite book. </div>
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Maybe your "get one more" is personal..."get one more" leg press at the gym, "get one more" step/block/mile in your fitness; "get one more" bedtime story for the kids, "get one more" season of "24" that I binge watch, "get one more" potato chip! Whatever your situation, those baby steps and small increments can get you a long way when they all add up. This year I've managed to lose 20 pounds with that "get one more" mentality. Lots of ups and downs and slow going, but faithfully attending my 7:30 AM Weight Watchers meetings on Saturday mornings and sticking to the plan and "get one more" day proved a winning strategy.</div>
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So are you counting the days until the end of the year? Are you facing what you think is an insurmountable Media/Teaching situation? Is it a struggle just getting out of bed and off to work? Try to get a "get one more" attitude and face it one hour/half-day/day at a time until it's over. Nothing is impossible. And if, like Doss, your plea invokes the help of the Lord, you may find a strength you didn't think you had. But if not, at least facing it in small doses helps turn what you think is impossible to the possible. </div>
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Right now I'm watching "A Hard Day's Night" on TCM. Sometimes I have to NOT do a "get one more" when I'm watching old movies! But I'm having some serious nostalgic thoughts now...I was in elementary school when the movie came out and still remember going to see it with girlfriends, then buying our Beatles' trading cards at the drug store after the movie, hoping for pix of Paul. And also, striving for the perfect flip hairdo those cool English girls had! So after this "get one more" I'll "get one more" meal for the weekend, and prepare mentally to "get one more" day of school. Fortunately, the good days far outweigh the bad, and I'm not in the countdown mode yet. There's still plenty of good stuff this year to enjoy and look forward to. That's what I'm focussing on, friends!</div>
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Have a happy "get one more" and Stay Grounded!</div>
Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-72452452750141298682016-11-06T10:37:00.001-08:002016-11-06T14:28:10.336-08:00Why I Plan to Stay At My (High Needs) SchoolOne of my favorite articles in recent months is Justin Minkel's "Why I Plan to Stay in Teaching" (Education Week 2/24/16). It is more than a pep talk/tough it out/what did you expect kind of treatise. It is really inspiring and is saved to my desktop to read from time to time as a concise reminder as to why I love teaching and have been in this field for 39 years. I could've written it, but he beat me to it! LOL. But recent events at my school have given me reason to come with another version of that article and it is Why I Plan to Stay at My School.<br />
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I have been the Media Specialist at my current elementary school for 14 years. Before that I was a Media Spec at another school for 3, and before that I had over 20 years as an SLD/EH teacher in Secondary, and before that I was in Elementary for a mixture of ESE students when it was kind of getting started. When I came to my current school, I was not necessarily planning to finish out my career as an educator at that location, although I did feel called in a divine sort of way that this was my new mission field. As the years went on, I felt it was my home, and I certainly moved enough stuff in to make it that way! Anything we were getting rid of at home ended up in my Media Center: Christmas trees, decorations, party supplies, kids books, furniture...you know what I mean! When the demographics of the school started to change, thanks to a completely illogical boundary the District established, mini-exoduses became a regular occurrence. "So are you coming back next year, Mrs. Penvose?" "Of course" I'd always respond. They would wait for a reason, since it was quite an unexpected response. At first my reason was (jokingly) I had too much stuff to move or some such thing. More recently, however, the reason became "I am one of the only elementary schools with a Media Clerk and a Tech Specialist, why would I leave?" We are a Title 1, Renaissance, 1000 student high needs school...those positions are crucial! But with our District looking to reduce resource positions, and not fill the vacancies, our Tech Specialist opted to take a classroom teaching position in a middle school. Ok, so there went half of the reason I repeatedly gave as to why I'm staying. I'm hoping my clerk, who is at retirement age, will hang in there with me for a few more years. I'm treating her with kid gloves to help make it happen!<br />
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But seriously, why AM I staying at my school? It is for students like Kristen, who is now in 8th grade and came back to visit with a little sister at a recent Conference Night. "I was hoping you'd be here. None of my other teachers are left". When asking about her family, who had been unstable, to put it mildly, she responded that her mom was back on drugs with a boyfriend and dad was in prison for armed robbery. Grandma and Aunt took Kristen and 2 siblings in...and Grandma has since died. "She just had to come a see 'her' Mrs. Penvose", said her Aunt.<br />
It is for students like Jack and Trevor who, when learning that I lived closer to some higher SES schools, asked why I don't want to teach at those schools. "Because you're here" I said, truthfully.<br />
It is for the middle school students who experienced the suicide of a classmate and clung to me when I went to the funeral, not seeing many of their previous elementary teachers in attendance.<br />
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These are just a few of the students who see their elementary experience as more than the fun and learning that took place. It was and is their foundation, their entry into the world of education that is populated not only with friends and classmates, but also adults that they want to turn to, and return to, for a sense of stability and security. In their worlds of more upheaval and uncertainty than I might ever experience in a lifetime, they live every day. When they come back to visit their old elementary school, I want them to know that there will be someone there for them, that remembers them, that is interested in them and has genuine love for them and gives them a sense of constancy that they are searching for.<br />
When I was talking to Kristen, I asked what she thought of all the changes in the Media Center. In the past few years, I've gotten the furniture recovered, tables re-laminated, carpet replaced (thanks to a water fountain flood) and generally tried to keep up with renovating the space to keep current with media trends. To me the change is dramatic, yet cosmetic. She looked around and said, "oh yeah, it looks nice". Her nonchalance struck me like a ton of bricks..she wasn't here for the decor. She could have cared less if the tables were Seafoam green or Arizona turquoise. Whether the baseboards matched the carpet or not. She didn't note the dust in the corners. She was there for the human contact, the interaction, the relationship. How much time have I spent searching for funding, ideas, etc. for the externals in the Media Center (which of course make a difference) when the students are there for the human element?<br />
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So as I labor on, adapting to taking on more of the Tech role at my school and being in the rotation for Specials classes, I remember why I'm there. For the kids. For the current students who come in every morning before going to their free breakfast (don't forget, you need a pass first...oh yeah, I forgot), for the students who have had more books deleted from their record due to moving/family trauma/foster situations/acts of nature/ etc. than I'll ever know, for the students who arrive on their bikes in the dark in the morning who just feel safer at school than at home, for all these and more. My heart breaks that I can't do more, but perhaps just staying at my school is enough. Being some sort of constant and consistent adult in their lives will give them a hope that they're not being given up on or forgotten.<br />
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I know that most educators, facing a multitude of challenges, will choose to change schools this year...if they wait that long. I don't fault anyone for making changes they deem necessary. In fact, I think it's healthy and wise to have several educational experiences and different schools, grade levels and subjects. But unfortunately, the most movement and transition seems to be at schools like mine, with needy children who don't have the option to go to other schools. For that, I am sad.<br />
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So take some time to reflect on why you're where you're at, or even why you're staying in education. Maybe why you even pursued it in the first place. If you truly are answering a call to change lives, it shouldn't matter where you do it...there are lives there who need you, want you, and are seeking to be changed.<br />
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We are in a mighty and powerful profession! Encourage each other, seek support as needed and Stay Grounded, friends!<br />
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<br />Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-51575537919334913142016-09-05T09:37:00.001-07:002016-09-05T12:07:59.558-07:00Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-85868875107449802762016-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:002016-09-05T12:07:55.191-07:00Doing, Not Deciding!Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump. How many frogs are left on the log? (cue the Final Jeopardy music...despite the error in my questioning...your answer can be in the form of an answer). Raise your hand if you said "One". Now look around to see if anyone wonders why you're talking to yourself. Actually, of course, the answer is Five. Deciding to jump is not the same as jumping. Deciding isn't doing. Doing is doing. <br />
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As we start the new school year, how many new things have you decided to do, either in your library, classroom, or school? Throughout the summer I thought about doing Orientations differently, looked on Pinterest, Twitter, etc. for inspiration for something new. But when it came right down to doing something different, I relied on the powerpoint I usually do, with a few additions for our theme, etc. and did it in the same face to face way I've done for the past few years. And it was perfect, with a couple additions. While I'd love to do the cool scavenger hunts, start the first day without any orientations, broadcast on CCTV to everyone at once (all of which I have tried) I decided to stick with what works and there's nothing wrong with that. I had to consider my population, large number of homerooms to orient, large numbers of new students, and other unique school factors that lead my decision making. <br />
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However, since I had made the decision to inject something new and exciting, mainly to stave off my own weariness in presenting basically the same info almost 60 times, I added a couple fun things. For my second graders, I met with 2 classes at once, for 45 minutes, so there'd be time for the lesson and book checkout. However having 2 classes book browsing and checking out at once is too chaotic, so one class stayed at the tables, which I'd covered with white butcher paper, gave them markers (really!) and said to write a reading message for the next class. They loved it! A great substitute for those cool whiteboard tables you actually CAN write on! After a few classes came through, they became graffiti banners that have been hanging in the media center and our windows. <br />
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The second new and exciting thing I did was create a Photo Booth. I've had a big book rack that has been "upcycled" to display poetry, twitter chat banners, reading projects and more. When I was trying to decide whether to stick it in the back or hang something on it, I pictured a frame (recycled cardboard from a western theme we did one year) with a jungle backdrop (cloth that I dug up that is, no lie, at least 15 years old) Our theme is "Learning is an Adventure" and it would be perfect. So after students had checked out their books, they had the option of taking pictures of each other in the photo booth with appropriate handheld signs. What a crazy, spur of the moment hit! And I can't even tell you the adults who want their picture taken! I'll change the backdrop to space, underwater, and other "adventures" the students want to take this year. The possibilities are endless!<br />
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So have you started with a "To Do" list or a "To Decide" list? It's not too late to implement that cool new idea, display, lesson, etc. In fact, it's never too late! But remember, deciding isn't doing. Weight Watchers can tell you that! I've decided to go, get back on track, count points, exercise, maybe even go back to being a leader, etc. more times than I can count, but if I don't DO the program, it won't work! <br />
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What keeps us from actually doing what we've decided to do? More things than I can write about <br />
here! But often, especially in the case of trying something new at school, it's a fear of failure, that it won't work out and then what....well, probably nothing! Even if you've done it wrong, it's better than not doing it all. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. <br />
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So, here I've followed up on a doing, not deciding, and resumed my blogging! I usually have too much to say that won't fit in a Tweet, so I'm doing what I love and hope it touches someone out there.<br />
Hope your new year keeps that "new car smell" way past the honeymoon period! <br />
Remember to Stay Grounded, Friends! (not just decide to...do it!)Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-76206930175043165402016-05-01T13:18:00.001-07:002016-05-01T13:18:13.623-07:00Old Movies, Reagan, and Library Love!I love old movies. TCM, Turner Classic Movies, is my go-to channel most evenings and weekends. And if they aren't showing something good, then it's TCM On Demand. Our kids pooled their resources and got us a "smart" tv last year when everything we watched looked like the lovely green fairways of Augusta National Golf Course, only we weren't watching golf! But they teased that all my shows were black and white anyway, so what does a crisp colorful screen matter? Well, my husband likes it! And the glorious old Technicolor is quite spectacular!<br />
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So a classic I watched recently had some powerful scenes that screamed "if that doesn't start you writing again, Sandy, I don't know what will!". It was "King's Row" with Ronald Reagan, Robert Cummings, Ann Sheridan, and some fantastic supporting players. In the movie, Ronald Reagan (yes, our former president) played a character (Drake McHugh) who had his legs amputated unnecessarily by a wicked surgeon. He portrays a gamut of emotions, as you might expect, but is unaware that the procedure wasn't necessary. His best friend wants to withhold the truth, fearing it will destroy his fragile recovery. But then he decides to tell him what really happened. Reagan's character responds with a strength and defiance and renewed will to live instead of remaining in the depths he had sunk into. "That's a hot one, isn't it? Where did Gordon (the doctor) think I lived... in my legs? Did he think those things were Drake McHugh?" Bravely liberated and renewed, he hugs his wife declaring his intentions for their new life.<br />
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This has been one of those years for me. Increased demands for testing, faculty turnovers, 2 principals, retirements of longtime friends, personal and home challenges...to name a few! At times I felt like old Ronnie, like I lost my legs. My confidence was misplaced in my circumstances, which resulted in my being shaken by the changes going on. But something about that scene in the movie jolted me back to reality. Is my joy and passion for my job based on the circumstances (my legs), or is it somewhere else? Am I doing what I do because things are pleasant and comfortable, or because I just love what I do, no matter what's shaking around me? In fact, I've come to Ronnie's realization that the challenges and difficulty that seem to define our school and the year only served to strengthen my faith and resolve to continue to advocate for kids and promote reading. Parts of what I used to do may be missing, but the heart of me and what I do is still there: kids, reading, and relentlessly pursuing making their lives better for having been in our library to hang out with the right books or just hang out!<br />
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I hope your year is wrapping up with some time for reflection on those challenges you've faced. I know you're stronger and better for it, despite some shaking that may have occurred and a longing to check the vacancies on an hourly basis! Shaking will always be happening....it's called life! But let your passion for what you do and why you became a librarian and teacher carry you through. Your faith and confidence can't be in something as uncertain as your day to day activities, or in people who can and will disappoint you, but in something more substantial and enduring.<br />
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It's how I stay grounded, and I hope you find your grounding, too! See you after the next movie!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-88453115227154418262016-01-21T04:43:00.001-08:002016-01-21T04:43:03.945-08:00Making Lemonade In the first two weeks that we've been back to school, I've been open 2 whole days. The other days, the Media Center was either closed completely or up until the last 30 minutes of the day. Frustrating! But more than that, how unfortunate for our children to not have access to the books, computers, etc. Well, you could say they had access to the computers, but it was to test for 90 minutes at a time. Not exactly World Book, BrainPop, Cool Math or PBS Kids. And this was for something called an "Interim Test" for what? Or who? And we're only half through these Interims! When these testing decisions are made, schools are large as ours, with the number and sizes of small groups that are pulled to test (ELL, ESE, etc.) can create a logistics nightmare. But this isn't a testing rant (oh really?) That's not my thing (yet!)<br />
But as they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! If I couldn't get the kids to the Media Center, I'd take the Media Center to them. I was asked to cover several classes whose teachers missed their planning times, so I wanted to come up with something fun for these over-tested kids when the Media Center was closed. So here's what I did, on my shoestring budget, minimal technology, yet abundance of enthusiasm for some fun activities:<br />
Grades 2 and 3: We feature penguins in the Media Center in January, so I took copies of a reader's theater for "Tacky, the Penguin", some hastily collected props, and led several classes in Drama 101. Most kids love to participate in these activities, and we had lots of fun. Then I led them through a cartooning exercise that started with the letter "P" on the whiteboard, and with the addition of a few strokes, created a penguin on their paper. More learning fun, with opportunities to encourage the creative side, both artistically and dramatically (wait, is that the same thing?), that often gets short-changed.<br />
On to Grade 4. Since this is the time of year that our 4th graders need a shot in the arm for our district Battle of the Books, I used a 25 minute video of book trailers of all the books, which I didn't have time for when we did our kick-off. The students were all given a "Movie Review" sheet in which they marked if they'd read the book, or gave it a "Thumbs Up" or "Thumbs Down" as to whether they wanted to read it. They then kept the papers for future reference. The result? More students at our weekly BOB Lunch Bunch than ever this year!<br />
And finally Grade 5! What book do most of them ask for? Wimpy Kid! So I showed a video of a brief interview with Jeff Kinney explaining his writing process, then went to "Art Hub for Kids" in which a cool dude artist and a cool dude kid create popular characters step by step and side by side. After handing out paper and skinny black markers to those who needed something to write with (everyone), we proceeded to create our own versions of our favorite stick figure. The results were quite varied, but it was another great opportunity for tapping into and encouraging their creative side. Sadly neglected in these days of "Interim Testing".<br />
So I know it wasn't exactly rocket science, but we were able to have a fun learning experience, lemonade, in the midst of the lemons of testing. Another upside was seeing all the students I haven't seen in the Media Center due to their being new, missing books, lack of teacher sending them, or of course, us being closed for testing! A few new relationships were forged as I could reach out to these unreached kids.<br />
So how about you? Do you have some great go-to activities, "emergency plans" or a trunk packed when you have to take your show on the road? I'd love to hear from you about how you make the best of these testing times. I'm not going to let any "Interim Anything" get in the way of maintaining a<br />
media program that is engaging for our students. That's how I'll Stay Grounded!<br />
<br />Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-44456808624296463832016-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:002016-01-04T14:01:35.368-08:00Expiration DatesHappy New Year! While it's nice to get back to the routine and out of the cookie tins, I do miss just being at home. I love being able to have a little more time to prepare meals and other special treats during the holidays. In addition to enjoying everything about being an elementary school librarian, I love everything about being a homemaker (well, that's a bit of a stretch where cleaning is concerned) and cooking and baking is just about at the top of the list. To look in my kitchen cabinets, you'd think I never met a spice I didn't like, which is almost true. Unfortunately, I'm about as current in "weeding" my spice bottles as I am my non-fiction collection at school! As with my books, there are multiples of things that aren't even the most up to date, but I don't toss thinking I might need it for something. Cardamom? Of course! No self-respecting Icelander would be caught dead without some cardamom in the cupboard. Unfortunately, this Icelander just might risk being dead according to the ancient date on this pricey spice. So when it's time to do a thorough kitchen cleaning, I start checking expiration dates. Yikes! Is anyone in my family still alive, after enduring some dated ingredients? So it's time to toss, toss, toss...weed, weed, weed!<br />
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I regularly have to check the "expiration dates" of some of my teaching and library management practices also. Each new year, when I bring out the boxes or files of seasonal or otherwise activities, I wish they had an actual expiration date, to let me know it's time to toss them. If I can't remember how long I've used something, that's a good sign. If it's purple and has that intoxicating mimeo smell, that's a good sign. If it's something I know I had at a previous school and brought to my current one, that's a good sign, since I've been at my current school 13 years. If it's something with "Sandy Tiffany" on it, who I haven't been for 23 years, that's a definite sign! Toss, weed, purge. </div>
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Maybe it's not an actual sign, lesson, or artifact that needs to be pitched. I've had to get rid of some attitudes or ideas that are dated or expired also. Not utilizing more technology, or I should say, not learning more technology to effectively enhance my instruction, is one of those attitudes. While I'd like to stay "status quo" for my final few years, my effectiveness will be as stale as the 4 bottles of parsley flakes in my kitchen! If I find I'd rather pursue my own agenda and have fun reading groups with the best and the brightest students and not really explore how to reach those more challenging students who are harder to reach, I need to throw that attitude out. Putting my fun penguin, informative MLK and FRA lessons for January on hold is part of those items that have to be set aside to be utilized for testing in the next few weeks. Unfortunately! Not that the fun has expired in my Media Center (come on people!), but clinging to "my stuff and agenda" and not embracing the total program at our school is an attitude that has to expire. "My stuff" has to be the school's stuff. "My money" is the school's money. I shouldn't be considering any expenses that don't have the students best interests and the school's vision in mind. "My program" needs to be what the administration has determined to be what's necessary to move our students ahead. But you'd better believe that I stand up for the Media services when I don't think they're being included in any conversation about that student achievement. We got a new principal just before the Christmas break. Our 4th in 4 or 5 years...I've lost count. So you can be sure I'll invite her to the Media Center as much as possible to show her our what we have and how the students are using it. "What can Penvose do for you" has become my new slogan...it just might catch on! </div>
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Before Christmas, I attended a program that my granddaughter was singing in. What a treat! She was one of several 3 and 4 year olds from her day care who thoroughly entertained with more cuteness than should be allowed in one church sanctuary! But before that, I sat in the audience with my grandson and other family members. Andrew, 5, was playing some video game on some device while we were waiting. Inwardly, I cringed, thinking it was inappropriate, he should be telling Grandma about his day at school, asking about the new rabbits we got at our house, etc. (yes, I don't get out much...esp with him!) Then I glanced at other members of the audience who waited for the program to start. How many adults were doing the same thing with their phones? For whatever reason, they were occupying themselves while also carrying on conversations. Andrew would stop and talk, but also play his game. He wasn't being rude or disrespectful, just a kid in 2015. So why did it initially bug me? Maybe my old, outdated attitude about how he <strong>should</strong> be. I needed to just relax, enjoy the Christmas cheer, and be thankful to be there! More expired notions to discard.</div>
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As we enter 2016, what do you need to toss, purge, discard or just get rid of? It's never a bad or wrong time to weed the stuff--either physical, emotional, or spiritual--that is expired and not helping your personally or professionally. And if it's not helping you, it's not helping others. Don't wait for Spring Cleaning, or the end of the school year, or retirement to get rid of things that are expired. Do it now and start 2016 fresh and current and at your best. You'll be glad you did. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2016. And to repeat an often said phrase from school, stay safe, kind, and responsible...and of course, grounded! Have a great year!</div>
Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-13784687382296299642015-11-08T14:17:00.003-08:002015-11-08T14:22:12.372-08:00Peanuts and Friends: My BFTP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a huge Peanuts Fan, I greatly anticipated the release of the new "Peanuts" movie. In fact I was so excited, I had myself "Peanut-ized" as seen above. One more item off the Bucket List! My post this week is what Doug Johnson refers to as a BFTP: Blast From The Past". I think I posted it over 5 years ago when I wrote semi-weekly messages on the Elementary Media Conference. But it is as timely today as it was then. So enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. This isn't a test. No data will be collected. But read it through and savor this food for thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Pageant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How did you do? The point is, few of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards Tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. List five teachers who aided your journey through school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Name five people you enjoy spending time with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Think of one person who listened to you today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Easier? The lesson of course is that the people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They don't have the most Twitter followers, magazine covers, or tags on Facebook. They are the ones that care.The ones who keep you grounded and the ones who you do the same for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have a great week and Stay Grounded, Friends!</span>Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-13197906405939217332015-10-26T12:43:00.001-07:002015-10-26T12:54:03.243-07:00Does Your Support Group Support You?October is one of my favorite months. Maybe it's my very favorite. The first half of my life was spent in the Midwest, so the Fall colors, activities and aromas permeated my memories of the month. I love pumpkins.I love orange. My birthday's in October. I could go on and on. To quote Anne Shirley from "Anne of Green Gables", "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers". On the other hand, October is the month I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. So the inundation of pink during the month is bit of a painful reminder of that awful time. I'm not sure how NFL players wearing pink shoes helps the cause (yes, I'm sure it brings in bucks on Ebay), but I'd rather see them give the money directly to a struggling family going through the rigors that the disease demands.<br />
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But when I think back to the initial days of diagnosis, surgery, months of chemo and radiation, I'm reminded of efforts to be involved in a support group. It was recommended by so many people, so I started to look into it. My husband asked if he wasn't enough support for me, and I replied that I'd still like to find one. So after attending a few meetings in different locations, I concluded that yes, my husband was my best support group! Him and a few friends I'd see from time to time over the many months. Plus co-workers and well-meaning students who wanted to see my bald hear under the numerous wigs I enjoyed wearing. But an official "Breast Cancer Support Group"? Not so much. (Now, what I'm about to describe may not apply to you or your loved ones, but please bear with me. I'm making a point!) Most of the time it was people grovelling in the illness.They couldn't be encouraged no matter what was offered. I left feeling worse than when I came. So, unless they were giving away something free (you learn there's lots of freebies out there!), I stuck with my own home-grown varieties of support. (Please don't e-mail me about the value of venting, etc. My illness was enough to bear, not the vents of someone else).<br />
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So how is it with "support groups" you may be involved with? I'm thinking personally and professionally now. As I learned from my experience with the cancer variety, I can put up with trying to help only so much until I have to do what the Disciples were instructed: Shake the dust off your feet and move on. And it might not even be a professional or work group. Do you have friends who do the same thing? Is every conversation about them? Are you constantly trying to build them up and find there's no growth? Or that they probably don't want to be encouraged? They enjoy grovelling in their negative illness and it's affecting you. I recently had to "break up" with some friends because I'd come home in such a bad mood after socializing with them! I thought I could be Little Miss Sunshine and divert the conversation or encourage growth in something else, but after a few years,(yes, I did give it time!) I realized it wasn't working. So I sadly moved on from them.<br />
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Why are we reluctant to move on from such negative, draining relationships? I won't go through the many possible reasons, because I'm already past my 3 paragraph rule for this post! But for me, I think it was thinking, so will I have friends to replace them? Or will their be a big "Girlfriend Hole" that they filled that is now empty? Is something better than nothing? Kind of like weeding books...at least there's something on the shelf, even though it's past it's prime. But no, I had to make the hard choice and can honestly tell you that it hasn't left a hole at all. In fact, it's opened my eyes to new relationships that maybe I hadn't pursued before because I thought my friend-bucket was full. I'm putting myself in positions where I can fulfill some of my dreams and what I feel are callings in my life. I'm excited about the possibilities that being with positive people produces.<br />
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So I realize I really put myself out there on this one. But age does that to you! It's why I write. To hopefully offer something of a challenge or encouragement, and not worry about the consequences or apologies! I hope that something I've written helps someone in some way. To even report that my cancer diagnosis was 10 years ago and I'm enjoying great health is a celebration. If you or someone you know ever goes through that, let me know! I'll have a support group for them!<br />
But no matter what, stay grounded, Friends!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-79903790425129991152015-09-20T14:18:00.002-07:002015-09-20T14:18:55.634-07:00Make Someone's Day or How Dress Shopping Inspired This Leadership MessageRecently I had to go dress shopping for a family wedding and was not quite in desperation mode, but had the pressure to appear as the "cool Auntie from Florida", not one of the "'Golden Girls". Not being at my preferred weight and size added to the dread of the whole experience. Of course my husband was forbidden to go with me. So armed with a huge dose of self esteem conversation, I went to the Mall on Saturday. I went to the big department store where in the past (aka 2 sizes ago) I had great success and much to choose from. Immediately I knew I needed help...where were the dresses for me? You know, conservative, sleeves, flattering and not costing an arm and a leg. And then Rebecca came along.<br />
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To make a long story short, and after camping out in the dressing room for longer than I ever have, I came out with a beautiful dress, $43 (down from $118), and confidence was restored. No Blanche or Rose here! But it was the salesgirl, Rebecca, who helped me, reassured me, found more "little black shrugs to cover my hefty arms, but really, ma'am, you don't need them" than I knew existed, convinced me that no, I didn't need to go to a higher size, that dress looks great, and then smiled that "That's the one" when I came out in dress #53, which had been my favorite all along...I just appreciated her sweet affirmation of my choice. ""You're much too hard on yourself" she would say. "Just go and have fun", and all the other choice salesgirl-speak phrases that she may have used to everyone else in there, but I felt were just for me. She was genuine and made me feel she would have brought every dress on the floor so I could find the right one!<br />
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So do you have a "Rebecca" in your professional life? Someone who encourages, reassures, helps you find just the right resource, lets you know that everything is going to turn out great and that you'll just have to relax and have fun? Someone who's patient with your occasional self-deprecating comments, yet doesn't let you stay there? I hope you do! I hope someone is there to help you be your best each and every day. We have that in our Media Specialist PLC's and other configurations/PLN's/Mentor-Newbie pairings/etc. that our District Media Supervisors have set up and encouraged. And how about the flipside? Are you a "Rebecca" to someone else? Don't just let your bucket be filled to overflowing without letting it spill out to benefit someone else. Someone else, not just another Media Specialist, perhaps a teacher at your school, needs to be encouraged, guided, praised, lifted up. They need to find just the right resource to help them shine. They need to know someone's on their side and available. It might just be a Snickers bar in their mailbox to say you're thinking of them...but it will make their day.<br />
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The wedding hasn't taken place yet, I'll let you know how it turned out. But I know for sure that I'll be rocking that dress thanks to the help of that salesgirl who did a little more than just her job. She went beyond Salesgirl 101 and made the day of this not-there-yet Golden Girl who is still a very cool Auntie from Florida. Go be a blessing to someone today and Stay Grounded!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-55657019237258392142015-09-12T16:14:00.002-07:002015-09-12T16:14:25.166-07:00I'm Retiring.....SomedayNot sure what planet I was on lately, but I was completely caught by surprise when I realized I could retire anytime or sign up for the state's deferred retirement program (DROP) now! It's not that I haven't been counting my years carefully enough, but I've just been having such a good time doing what I'm doing, so I just would answer "someday" when asked when I was planning to retire. Actually, I wanted to answer "so I look that old?", but I took the high road. Even though I complete the "Information Sheet" each new school year of how many years I taught, have been in Media, was at my current school, etc., it didn't hit me that I just completed 30 years until I sat down with a financial consultant to review some accounts we had.<br />
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So what a range of emotions I experienced at the thought of retiring! Euphoria was first, excitement, anticipation....then sadness, anxiety, regret at so little time left. Actually, those last 3 didn't last long, to be honest! I started thinking of the great things that go with retirement: more time with the grandkids, helping my husband with some new life challenges, daily workouts for an awesomely fit 60+ body, more time in my flower beds, etc. Then some of the more work-related things came to mind: not worrying about the annual equipment inventory, not having to deal with school board shenanigans, not trying to preserve my personal days for when I really need them, not stressing over observations, not venting about the way reading is taught, not bemoaning a ridiculous system that penalizes me for the school I've chosen to teach at, etc.<br />
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Then I had a major revelation: I can experience both the work and non-work related things now! I can have the same peace and joy and contentment today, rather than wait for retirement. With better management of work activities, I can devote time to my family and self and hobbies now and experience those blessings while I can, well , still really enjoy them! And the work stuff? It's all in my attitude. Not that I want a care-less attitude, but maybe a care-free one would be more appropriate. You know the familiar Reinhold Niebuhr prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". If I'm valuing each day as if it were my last at work, I could focus on the people and relationships that are the most important and enduring, not the petty differences and squabbles that want to rob my serenity.<br />
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Something that contributed to my times of reflection was the untimely death of a former principal. I worked for her for over 10 years, shared a birthday (10 years apart), enjoyed strong support of the media program, and generally had a great relationship with her. I emceed her retirement party (I could always make her laugh) and tried to stay in touch. Unfortunately, cancer didn't respect her retirement plans and within 3 short years she passed away. We were all quite stunned and deeply saddened.<br />
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So I'm not putting anything off until retirement. My retirement "attitude" starts today. I'm loving what I do everyday, whether it's family, workouts, or checking off equipment. And if you ask me when I'm retiring, I'll have to say "Someday!" Stay grounded, friends!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729909858890273422.post-59655913604125123632015-08-23T06:32:00.000-07:002015-08-23T06:32:27.494-07:00How's Your Alignment?A recent trip to the chiropractor helped relieve an ongoing pain in my neck (no hidden meaning here...it was purely physical!) and provided some food for thought. It seems as if that is a regular occurrence for me: seeing a lesson in the most unusual circumstances that can be blog material. Now having the discipline to write it down is my ongoing challenge, but I press on.<br />
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I thought, how many of us received an "adjustment" in our pre-planning preparations? I knew if I didn't visit the chiropractor before starting school, I wouldn't take the time once I got really busy with the new year's activities. And I'd go on in pain, uncomfortable, self-medicating, and maybe even voice a complaint to whoever is within earshot. In other words, not my usual fun self to be around. But having taken care of the problem, gotten my neck (and of course they find many other T-something or others needing to be aligned) snap, crackle and popped back into place, I could face the year relatively comfortable and raring to go.<br />
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So did you get some things put back into place upon greeting your media centers/classrooms/new staff/old staff? Reminders of your goals and mission and vision? Or did you<strong> start</strong> in alignment and had things throw you out of whack: what? I have lunch duty? I'm teaching what? There's no room in the schedule or calendar for my favorite little whatever? Passwords for my 200 Kindergarten students?<br />
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There's nothing like starting a new school year for getting our priorities back in alignment. We've had a few weeks (AKA Summer Vacation) to consider changes we want to make, reading blogs, gleaning ideas from Pinterest, etc. and can start fresh and new...one of my favorite things about being a teacher. Putting our behind in our past, or our past in our behind (thanks Pumbaa and Timon), we can take on a new set of students and other customers in our nice clean classrooms/ media centers/learning commons/spaces, etc. And remaining flexible to whatever else might come our way can keep us from getting "out of joint." Remember why you're there. It's not about you. We're preparing our students for life, not killing time until retirement. These aren't just bumper sticker phrases. We have to embrace it and do it. <br />
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I hope your year gets started on the right foot, or left foot if that's what the chiropractor prescribed! Just remember to take care of yourself to stay in alignment and stay grounded, Friends!Sandy Penvosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649863505213570531noreply@blogger.com0