The Longest Month

Contrary to what the calendar says, February can be one of the longest months for educators. It’s a time of the year when staff and students are restless, patience runs short, temperatures are low and behaviors are high. Both as a teacher and as a principal, I used to ask myself “What am I doing wrong?” during this month. Now, I simply recognize this is what February is like each year. Even though I accept that February is a tough month, I still try to find some ways to stay positive. Here are some ideas to beat those winter blues!

Have a celebration: Find something to celebrate in your classroom or the school. Maybe it’s good behavior (it does still exist in February:), maybe it’s academic achievement, maybe it’s just growth that you’ve seen since the beginning of the year. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but take time to celebrate those small successes!

Gratitude walk: Take some time to stroll through the building and share your gratitude to people. Maybe it’s a colleague that has supported you, a parent that has volunteered, or a student that always has a smile on their face. Research shows that when we practice gratitude, it actually improves our own state of well being. Talk about a win-win!!

Random Acts of Kindness: This is a fun one and also doesn’t have to be a big thing. Offer to watch a classroom so a colleague can go to the bathroom. Share a lesson or present an idea at a staff meeting. Clean snow off a car in the parking lot. Bring a coffee to a partner. It’s amazing how people try to “pay it forward” when someone does something nice for them.

I’m sure there are many more ways to avoid the doldrums of February. The key is consciously making an effort to keep things fun. So whether it’s eating a heart-shaped doughnut, reading an engaging book, or watching a favorite show, make sure you treat yourself to some positive experiences during “the longest month“!

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland

“The pine stays green in winter….wisdom in hardship.” – Norman Douglas

Bobby Dodd Tamara Letter

Monday, February 18: No School for President’s Day!
Tuesday, February 19: Achievement Team (Kaufman) 8:15 AM
Wednesday, February 20: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 PM
Thursday, February 21: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM, Lock Down Drill 3:30 PM

Monday, February 25: Students of the Month Assembly (Reflection) 9:05 AM
Tuesday, February 26: Achievement Team 8:15 AM
Wednesday, February 27: Students Dismissed 12:10 PM / Building PD 1:00-4:00 PM
Thursday, February 28: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM
Friday, March 1: Jon in Lansing for MEMSPA board meeting