Part of the reason we’re posting so late: we’ve been putting finishing touches on our annual staff gift and well, there were a lot of staff this year. But that doesn’t mean we’ve not thought about this post. It is literally the last post of 2017 for us. In the past it has meant that we have to embrace the schedule, deal with all the pull in and pull out due to different schedules, stand fast for last minute rallies, and most of all enjoy whatever celebrations we share as a staff.
We like this time of year. Not just for the wind down for the things people on staff like to do, but to remind everyone of the traditions we share together and individually. These all look different for every person. And some traditions are long and some traditions have only just begun. Realize that your contribution by being there has changed those traditions, and it’s just expanding the world a little bit more.
Remember that all folks on staff contribute to the season and take some time to stop in and thank the school nurse or maybe the speech therapist. It will give you a break from some of the demands of the day and it will give you a moment to connect with a staff member who sees the students you work with as well. It is also a great time to touch base and learn some facts that you probably didn’t know. Renay learned she ties her shoes the ‘left hand way’– there is a ‘left hand’ and a ‘right hand’ way to tie shoes, from the OT. The PT helped explain something about nuances for some students who use wheelchairs. There are a lot of fascinating things you can learn from those support services.
We have seen some of the best of inclusion; we’ve seen some of the best of communities coming together. Whether people survived natural disasters or they just wanted to make things better for a student with a disability, we know that this world can just use a little more kindness.
Speaking of traditions, ParaEducate would like to wish you, your families, and your staffs a happy, relaxing winter break.
Above all else, no matter if you celebrate during the winter month or not, take the time to enjoy the time off you get during these weeks. When we return for 2018, ParaEducate will take some time to prepare the midyear check-ins and a look at things we would like examine in the coming months before the end of the academic year.
We appreciate your support through reading our weekly blog, the purchase of our modified activities, alternative texts, and the book, ParaEducate. Our blog returns January 11, 2018. See you then!
An Annoucement
It is no small feat, we just made 700 likes on Facebook! We really appreciate the support we have gotten from our followers and hope to continue!
One last thing: We have exciting news to share with you and will do so from social media very soon. Stay tuned!
ParaEducate will be on Winter Holiday from December 28, 2017 to January 11, 2017. Do you have any comments about this week’s blog? Do you have a question for us? Would you like to be a guest blogger? Would you like to have an opportunity to pilot some materials at your campus? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here, here, and on our website. Paraeducate is a company interested in providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published weekly during the academic school year on Thursdays, unless a holiday. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
