WELCOME BACK!
Every year when August rolls around, school districts around the country begin preparing for the upcoming school year. This year was no exception. However, things do feel a little different.
With the disruptions from pandemic fading (mostly), this year provides us with an opportunity to create a new normal. It was so clear during the Konocti Unified back-to-school staff meeting that folks are ready to return to the fun and inspiring activities that make schools such wonderful places to work.
Staff members from each school came into the meeting wearing school colors, shouting school slogans, and in the case of Lower Lake High School, with the band director beating a drum to celebrate! The energy was amazing.
During that meeting, we talked about how important it is to keep our emotional batteries charged. Children aren’t the only ones who have good days and bad days, and paying attention to when our energy is low or our frustration is running high helps us take care of ourselves so we can take care of our students.
Keeping that in mind, while our focus is always on students’ academic achievement and personal growth, this year I am encouraging staff to be mindful of how their own energy levels and attitudes can affect students, and also to pay special attention to cues about students’ physical and emotional well-being.
At Konocti Unified, we believe in giving students the tools they need to manage their emotions, take care of their bodies, and expand their minds so they can develop into their potential. Truly, the sky’s the limit.