In the spirit of Dave Letterman I have created a list of the top ten things I will remember about my stint as Lower School Director.
10. Taking a pie to the face. I only include this as a highlight because no students who actually attend SPA/LEPS put in tickets for the pleasure of pie-ing me. This means they like me or are scared of me...either way I’ll take it.
9. Rigamortis Rat. Admittedly gross, but I also don’t think I’ve laughed so hard. Also a mystery person left a rat decal under Gretchen’s chair and I know she HATES rats...the laughs just continue.
8. Dealing with discipline issues. Albeit not my favorite way to connect with students, but they are so sincere and willing to make amends with their friends it’s actually endearing.
7. Parent pick up patrol. I am happy to say that to date there have been no fender benders or fist fights. Nice work keeping things safe and sane out there folks...oh and not running me over.
6. Gretchen leaving things so organized that I have had time for the top 5!
5. Recess Duty. When I arrive each day classes are out at recess. I enjoy heading outside and watching all of the energy expelled when they play. I wish I had ¼ of that energy.
4. Being the Funistrator! I get to visit classrooms everyday and see all of the learning taking place. I have enjoyed being able to participate in the learning process (4th grade scavenger hunt, mystery writing, read-alouds, etc). However, what I enjoy the most is disrupting the learning to say hi.
3. Getting to know LS parents. I have been met with nothing but support during my time here. Support not only for me, but for students and the school as a whole.
2. The students. They have been a joy! I will miss seeing their smiling faces everyday. I’ll have to stop by to get a fix every now and again.
1. And the number one thing I will remember about my 8 weeks at the LS will be the staff. They have been amazing. These are some of the most dedicated professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are the heart and soul of the St. Paul’s community and I have enjoyed every minute I have had being here with them.
Anna Johnson
Friday, November 18, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
It’s the Little Things...Sometimes
Have you ever wondered if your children miss you when they are at school? The answer is a resounding, Yes. The emotions surrounding this absence plays out in a variety of ways and the Lower School teachers and staff have to adjust their approach accordingly. Sometimes a hug is all that’s needed, but there are other times when we need to be a bit more creative.
Sue Ann sees many students who have come to the office because they are “sick”. After she questions them and takes their temperature she uncovers that this phantom ailment is usually the result of missing mom or dad. I had to stop by one morning during a time I am usually at the Preschool when I came across two such students. One boy was resting on the “sick bed” while he had a little cry. I sat next to him and we talked all about how both of us would rather be at home than at school sometimes, but it was our job to be here. We shared what we like to do at home. He likes to hang out with his mom. I like to go for a run with my dogs. I let him know he was more than welcome to hang out in the office until he felt ready to go back to class. I also promised to check back in with him when I got there in the afternoon. This was all it took and he was fine for the rest of the day.
The same morning Sue Ann was comforting another student who was missing her mom because she was out of town. She was a mess. Lots of tears. Maybe some snot running. You get the idea. Sue Ann and I got her calmed down enough to go back to class and she and I made a date to color at 2pm. We wrote a letter to her mom and she drew a beautiful picture for her. Her main complaint seemed to be that dad made frozen pizza for dinner and nothing else...gasp. I shared that at our house when I’m gone there are times when my kids’ dad makes breakfast for dinner. This concept blew her mind and I think it made her realize her dad’s cooking wasn’t so bad. We made a deal that if she kept it together during class I would check in with her when I got to the Lower School and we could have another date if necessary.
It was pretty simple to change the day for these two students. They just needed a hug and someone to tell how much they love their parents. I know I said I’m not much of a hugger, but even a porcupine has a soft underbelly.
Anna Johnson
Sue Ann sees many students who have come to the office because they are “sick”. After she questions them and takes their temperature she uncovers that this phantom ailment is usually the result of missing mom or dad. I had to stop by one morning during a time I am usually at the Preschool when I came across two such students. One boy was resting on the “sick bed” while he had a little cry. I sat next to him and we talked all about how both of us would rather be at home than at school sometimes, but it was our job to be here. We shared what we like to do at home. He likes to hang out with his mom. I like to go for a run with my dogs. I let him know he was more than welcome to hang out in the office until he felt ready to go back to class. I also promised to check back in with him when I got there in the afternoon. This was all it took and he was fine for the rest of the day.
The same morning Sue Ann was comforting another student who was missing her mom because she was out of town. She was a mess. Lots of tears. Maybe some snot running. You get the idea. Sue Ann and I got her calmed down enough to go back to class and she and I made a date to color at 2pm. We wrote a letter to her mom and she drew a beautiful picture for her. Her main complaint seemed to be that dad made frozen pizza for dinner and nothing else...gasp. I shared that at our house when I’m gone there are times when my kids’ dad makes breakfast for dinner. This concept blew her mind and I think it made her realize her dad’s cooking wasn’t so bad. We made a deal that if she kept it together during class I would check in with her when I got to the Lower School and we could have another date if necessary.
It was pretty simple to change the day for these two students. They just needed a hug and someone to tell how much they love their parents. I know I said I’m not much of a hugger, but even a porcupine has a soft underbelly.
Anna Johnson
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