TRodaro

Life-long learner. Principal. Mom. Choosing kindness. “Always forward, never back."

[Simcoe County District School Board @SCDSB_Schools]

Last week schools across the SCDSB recognized National Truth and Reconciliation Week and #OrangeShirtDay, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Watch as we highlight the learning our students and staff experienced at @TwinLakes_SS and the SCDSB Ed Centre.

[TeacherGoals @teachergoals]

Powerful! 🙌

[The Mindfulness Meditation Institute @TrainingMindful]

“The real test is being kind to unkind people.”

[The Mindfulness Meditation Institute @TrainingMindful]

The 3 Cs of life:

[Jon Gordon @JonGordon11]

10 ways to succeed with zero talent:

1. Be On Time
2. Show Up & Do The Work
3. Give Your Best
4. Be Positively Contagious
5. Have An Attitude Of Gratitude
6. Seek Solutions
7. Have Passion
8. Be Coachable
9. Do More Than What’s Required
10. Believe in Yourself

[TeacherGoals @teachergoals]

Important reminder! 🙌
🌐 https://t.co/leSsDUnQAd

[Don Latondress @DonL1701]

Body image is such a powerful thing for many of us. In a world that values a particular physical type, remember that everyone is beautiful, everyone has gifts, and that we are deserving of love, not matter how we look.

You're perfect just the way you are!!!

[Dr. Bryan Pearlman #MaslowBeforeBloom @DrP_Principal]

"MASLOW BEFORE BLOOM" simply means that basic human needs need to be addressed before learning can occur. If a student is hungry, tired, or scared—give them food, a nap, or a hug. It seems so simple. It is simple. It is also very effective.
#MaslowBeforeBloom

[Jeremy Oxley @jeremy_oxley]

The importance of acceptance is greatly underestimated. Inclusiveness begins with learning, acceptance, and celebrating everyone. Every day, our community becomes stronger. I love Bear Creek!

[Tim Smyth @historycomics]

My son was termed a “reluctant reader” in KINDERGARTEN and I watched him give up on school as his teacher said comics were getting in the way of literacy. Was given awful boring nonsensical Bob books instead. He WANTED to read comics, with built-in scaffolding, engagement, and confidence building literature. I went back to school to be a reading specialist and wrote my masters paper on using comics and pop culture to create deep and analytical readers and writers. I now give this professional development around the country so that no one else has to face an “educator” like my son did. Reading is reading. Comics = literature.

[Simcoe County District School Board @SCDSB_Schools]

June 18 is Father's Day! In the Simcoe County District School Board, our families come in all different shapes and forms. 💙

On #FathersDay, we recognize all the father figures in our lives and thank them for their love, support and guidance. Happy Father’s Day!

[Bear Creek Library @BCSSLibrary]

Library books are due back FRIDAY! Thanks for your help in getting our fabulous resources back. We hope you enjoyed them!

[Dr. Bryan Pearlman #MaslowBeforeBloom @DrP_Principal]

Why does his mom call him “Austin 350”?

Austin was in the gym sitting in the fetal position with his hood pulled completely over his head. He was non-responsive and would not budge.

After a few minutes, I convinced him to come with me to the office with the promise that I would not bother him. I just wanted him to be safe. He sat in the office in that same state for about ten minutes.

Finally, Austin stood up and sat in a chair across from me. He asked me if he could just stay at school and not go home. I was puzzled and asked Austin some questions. He said that his home life sucked and that nobody loved or even liked him. He also said he was tired of his mom yelling at him for no reason. Austin said the worst thing is that his mom calls him "350." I tried to get him to explain what this meant, and he clammed up. I figured I would not push my luck. I was very happy to get him talking at all. I planned to inquire again about this once I had the chance to build some more trust and rapport with him.

I wanted to keep him talking so we talked about things that he liked. After some prodding, he said that he really liked superheroes and turtles. I shared with him that I had collected turtles since I was a young child. I showed him the dozen or so turtles in my office. He thought they were really cool. Austin told me that he liked turtles because he used to have a turtle as a pet when he was younger until the turtle died and his mom would not replace it. He asked me why I liked turtles. I told him that someone told me as a kid that they were good luck and I began collecting them and never really stopped acquiring them. I gave him one to take with him. He asked if I thought it might bring him good luck and I told him that I bet it would.

Before he left for the day, I asked if he would like to check-in with me each day to just see how we were doing and to see if the turtle brought him any good luck. Austin smiled and said that he would really like that. I sent an email out letting his teachers know that we would be meeting for a few minutes each day for a check-in.

Over time, Austin began to open up. He shared bits and pieces of things from his days. During our check-ins, the conversations expanded to other interests, some of his dreams for the future, and other random things. Austin wanted to be a comic book artist or a video game creator. I told him that those sounded like some pretty amazing jobs! I tried to get him to talk about home life and his family. These questions were usually met with a quick change of subject or redirection. Austin was a master of these moves.

I am not sure when things changed or how Austin's guard dropped, but one morning we were having our regular check-in and he seemed a bit down. He initially said that he really did not want to talk about why he was down. Finally, he blurted out that he hates it when his mom calls him 350. I guess he read my face and realized that I didn't understand this reference. Austin then said, my mom calls me 350 because she has told me that she only keeps me around because she gets paid $350 a month in government support for him. Additionally, he said that each time mom gets mad at him, she continues by saying if the money goes away, so do you, 350.

My heart sank and I felt so bad inside. I really didn't know the right thing to say. All I could think to do was to tell him that I thought he was pretty amazing and that it is really important to continue to hope for the future, work hard, and follow your dreams so he can be a comic book artist or video game developer.

The year ended and Austin moved up to the middle school. I periodically checked in on Austin through the middle school principal and the reports were positive. He was still laser-focused on his career dreams.

Do you know an “Austin”?

#maslowbeforebloom

Join the “Maslow Before Bloom” Facebook group:
https://t.co/015cLKjJ1m.

[Sesame Street @sesamestreet]

This #PrideMonth, let's celebrate diversity and unity and spread love and acceptance. Together, we can make the world a kinder place for all. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[Lori Desautels @desautels_phd]

A school, organization or community can only implement when adults become aware of their nervous systems, biases, & beliefs that have rarely been questioned or explored and how children and adolescents are so often reacting from body memories leftover with a legacy of symptoms!