Summary: <br> During the fall semester, I invited listeners to some virtual meetings to share protocols for re-opening their schools. <br> <br> <br> <br> <a href="https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PMP246.jpg"></a><br> <br> <br> <br> We formed a free Re-opening Mastermind and met once a week for six weeks to brainstorm and collaborate.<br> <br> <br> <br> Just a few days ago, I hosted a meeting to re-connect with some of these same leaders in a virtual reunion. This time principals were invited to share updates on how each principal was wrapping up this historic school year of managing during a pandemic.<br> <br> <br> <br> Common Challenges<br> <br> <br> <br> Four school principals joined me on April 28, 2021, for this reunion conversation. They included:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Sam Fuller, South Aiken High School, Aiken, South Carolina* Eric Hoops, Chanute Elementary School, Chanute, Kansas* Kimberly Miles, East Gresham Elementary, Gresham, Oregon* Cynthia Winchester, Mary Helen Berlanga Elementary, Corpus Christie, Texas<br> <br> <br> <br> This school year has included so many challenges. As Principal Sam Fuller shared, “If you don’t feel like you’re drowning, you probably don’t care.” <br> <br> <br> <br> Sam’s point was that all leaders have felt overwhelmed: Teachers exhaustion, decision-fatigue, credibility crises, and challenges in teaching and learning — all of these obstacles have been even larger with safety protocols and political pressures.<br> <br> <br> <br> In addition, principals have often been the last ones to consider self-care or emotional support for their own experiences during this school year.<br> <br> <br> <br> Solutions to Consider<br> <br> <br> <br> We also shared ideas on ways school leaders are finding solutions for the challenges ahead. These included:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Networking with other administrators* Building master schedules to bridge the gaps* Identifying priorities for actions steps* Re-discovering positive morale boosters<br> <br> <br> <br> Wherever you are in your semester, you deserve a big congratulations for the innovation, courage, and dedication to providing opportunities to your students. <br> <br> <br> <br> When you connect with other leaders, you find you share a lot in common and often discover solutions you would not find alone.<br> <br> <br> <br> Listen to the entire podcast conversation for more feedback and takeaways. <br> <br> <br> <br> Now It’s Your Turn<br> <br> <br> <br> What are some lessons you’ve learned from serving your school community during the pandemic? What are some of the challenges you’re facing where collaboration with others may help?<br> <br> <br> <br> Mastermind OpeningsThroughout the summer, I will have openings for the Principal Matters Mastermind. If you’re interested, check out the application page <a href="https://williamdparker.com/mastermind/">here</a>, or reach out to me by email at <a>will@williamdparker.com</a> for more information.<br>
