March already!? Believe it or not, spring break is just around the corner.

Right now, May 21 might feel like it's a lifetime away. If you sit down and count the days, it certainly looks that way. But instead of counting down, try counting up—the moments that remind you why you’re here.

• Count the students whose faces have lit up because you remembered something important to them.
• The parents who’ve received a positive email, phone call, or Dojo message about their child.
• The lessons that finally clicked after days (or weeks!) of effort.
• The times a student made you laugh when you really needed it.
• The small victories—an organized desk, a smooth lesson, a breakthrough moment with a tough student.

Teaching isn’t about luck, but if you take a step back, you might just realize how lucky you are. Lucky to witness growth, to be a steady presence in a child’s life, and to have a job that, while challenging, is filled with meaningful moments.

So as we march toward the final stretch of the year, count the good things. They’re there—more than you think.

Keep growing,

~Lydia

Check Canvas for the Quarter 3 BT Activities!

Be sure to check for any missing activities by clicking on GRADES.

Dear BT -

Being the new kid on the block (or hall!) isn’t always easy. It’s natural to gravitate toward fellow new teachers, but that can sometimes feel isolating. Building relationships with more experienced teachers takes time, but small, intentional efforts can make a big difference. Here are some ways to bridge the gap:

1. Ask for help - Literally! If you know that a teacher is amazing at room transformations, and you've been wanting to try one, ask them if you can observe or help them set up the next time. Tell them what you're interested in trying, and ask for advice. Teachers love to talk about what's gone well in their classroom. Maybe they're just waiting for you to ask.
2. Show up at their events - Are any of those experienced teachers coaches or club sponsors? Show up to their events and demonstrate that you support them. If given the chance to volunteer as another pair of hands, do it! Running a club or leading a team takes a lot of time from a teacher's day, but when other folks chip in to make some copies or lug a cooler, the stress levels can go way down.
3. Notice them! -Compliment a creative bulletin board, ask where they got their coffee, or chat about weekend plans. Be friendly even in the small moments.
4. Be patient – Relationships develop over time, so keep making small efforts, and friendships will follow!

Submit questions about teaching, work-life balance, discipline, and more. Examples:

• What do we do if there's a lockdown?
• One of my students told me he hated me. I can't get past it. Ideas?
• I don't know how to respond to an angry parent. How do I navigate this?
• Do you have any suggestions for making friends with teachers I don't know?

Please be sure to complete the AI survey for our district: Staff Survey – All Staff

If you teach 6-12 grade, please have your students complete as well! Student Survey - Students 6-12