April 30, 2020 1 month into Covid Emergency Online Education 7 AM – in my basement – ready to start my morning workout before heading to the computer Hating life and missing what we are no longer doing at school – Rockathon – Alberta Student Leadership Conference – Leadership Grad – being with my classes I push … Continue reading Relentless – Stronger Than Resilient
Pillow Balancing on Google Meet – School Culture Matters
My Leadership 10 class is finishing off our weekly Google Meet class. At this point we have been out of school for two months. At the end I give them what I call the five minute free for all. Everyone can unmute their microphones and say whatever they want. It can get a little chaotic but a … Continue reading Pillow Balancing on Google Meet – School Culture Matters
Calgary Leadership Teachers / Rockstars Social Distance Brainstorming
Had the chance to connect with some of my favorite people, the Calgary Leadership Rockstar Crew. Michelle, Jackie, Kate, Laura, Cody, Rebecca, and I shared what we are doing at our Calgary High Schools to build school culture in our communities. It was great to see their faces and share how we were doing before … Continue reading Calgary Leadership Teachers / Rockstars Social Distance Brainstorming
#socialdistancetogetherness
connecting and showing care while apart I had the opportunity to participate in a Zoom conversation with Phil Boyte and four Leadership Advisors from California. I believe that social distancing might be a little easier looking out your window at palm trees rather than a snow filled back yard. You decide. We all work with … Continue reading #socialdistancetogetherness
Superstore Surprise – an unexpected boost – Ring Pops and a Link Crew moment
Last week I was shopping at Superstore. I of course had the typical leadership advisor shopping list, ring pops and Dad’s chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. You know the ones that come two per packet in a big box. They make for great prizes and appreciation gifts with my Leadership crew. I of course threw in … Continue reading Superstore Surprise – an unexpected boost – Ring Pops and a Link Crew moment
Valentine’s Day Idea & The Harbor – an outstanding video series for youth
I was avoiding my dreaded bus cleaning assignment during exam break. I couldn’t procrastinate anymore and headed to the custodian’s office for cleaning supplies. Then I saw something really cool. Over a year ago we put Coyote paw prints up around the school. Each paw print had the name of one of our staff or students. … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Idea & The Harbor – an outstanding video series for youth
Find Your Tribe – helping students feel connected
Sept. 2019 -Arkan walked into his first day of classes in the Leadership room, put his arms in the air, and said "I'm home!" Jan. 2020 - Arkan comes into class, sees the "Oh the Places You'll Go!" books ready to be signed and says "Oh no, it means the end of Leadership is close." … Continue reading Find Your Tribe – helping students feel connected
The Breakfast Club Battles Doomsday (Budget Cuts)
Devastating cuts had been announced by the Alberta Government the end of October. Temporary contract teachers may lose their jobs soon. Teaching schedules may change. Yet again we are asked to do more with less. The mood feels heavier and more somber among staff than it has in years. The next day is session #2 … Continue reading The Breakfast Club Battles Doomsday (Budget Cuts)
Christmas Charities – Supercharge them – Delay the Day! … and then play some Bingo
Last year our guidance counselor came up to me in the hallway with a problem. Every day a number of students pick up brown bag lunches because they don’t have enough to eat at home. I found out that number had gone up significantly in our school and we could not meet the demand. “Could … Continue reading Christmas Charities – Supercharge them – Delay the Day! … and then play some Bingo
Tree Frogs Can’t Jump – But Australian Hairy Frogs Sure Can Roll!
It turns out that tree frogs can’t jump. Many years ago when I was a new Leadership teacher at Yale Secondary in Abbotsford BC the class came up with a great idea for a lunch activity. We would have a frog jumping contest in the gym. So the promotions began. We gave the frogs the names Rufus and Max. We put … Continue reading Tree Frogs Can’t Jump – But Australian Hairy Frogs Sure Can Roll!
Brent Dickson 