The 2021-2022 school year is drawing to a close. Educators have spent this past year adjusting to a new normal and being stalwarts for students, helping them adjust to a new normal too. Educators have concurrently been leaders and learners, navigating the waters of curriculum, engagement, learning environment, personal well-being and the social and emotional development and support of students. It's no wonder educators use the phrase "June tired". Tired as many educators may feel, the end of a school year is bittersweet. June brings the pride of a school year’s accomplishments and growth and the excitement of summer vacation, but it also brings goodbyes. Students and colleagues become family over the course of a school year and like we often do with family, we invest the gamut of emotions: we love, we worry, we empathize. We encourage, protect, and we support. We try to divide their sadness and struggles while multiplying their celebrations and successes. Though this year has not been without challenges, once we make it to June and take time to reflect back to September of this past school year, it likely feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. The responsibilities of an educator can be taxing, yet somehow, so many times, a school year doesn’t seem like enough time.
Your encouragement, your worry, your support, and your investment have made an impact. “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference,” says Jane Goodall. As we move into the summer months and find increased opportunities to take advantage of well-earned relaxation time, remember- you made a difference. Thank you.
In this issue:
Three Key Messages About SEL
Self-Care Pie Chart
- Explore Hampton Roads
#VBHasJoy Twitter Summer BINGO!
Self-Care Pie Chart
The first key message within the VBCPS SEL Message Map states that social-emotional learning helps people develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in school and life. A key social-emotional skill is self-awareness; defined by VBCPS to mean the ability to identify one’s thoughts, emotions and strengths, and recognizing how they influence one’s choices and behavior. One way we practice self-awareness in our day-to-day is by prioritizing the things we need to support self-care.
If you took a day or a week of your life, what would it look like mapped out in a chart? There is probably a section for sleep. One for eating. Do you relax a bit here or there? Practice self-care? Make time for things that bring you joy? 24 hours can be filled with so much! When you break down a day into its one thousand, four hundred, and fourteen minutes, it can seem like quite a bit of time, and yet it can so often feel like there is not enough time for all the things we need to get done.
If you think of a typical day like a pie chart, what do each of the pieces of your current pie look like? Now that summer is here, hopefully you are able to find more time to relax and fill more hours with things that bring you joy. Consider sketching a pie chart for how you’d like to see your days go this summer. include things you need to do but also include slices for self-care, activities and hobbies you enjoy, and goals. Small simple shifts in your daily life can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
Check out the sample below.
Explore Hampton Roads
The second key message in the VBCPS SEL Message Map focuses on creating inclusive environments. Hampton Roads offers many free and inclusive events and experiences for community members. Grab a friend or family member and check out some of the local offerings below. To share your experience, take a selfie or ussie (a photo with you and at least one other person), use the hashtag #VBHasJoy, and tag @PGIVBCPS on Twitter.
Adam Thoroughgood House: Historical home built circa 1719. Tours and special events. Free admission for tours. Free Admission & Tours are provided on a regular schedule Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Click here for more information.
Barnes & Noble Weekly Storytime: Bring the kids for storytime as one of our Barnes and Noble book professionals reads our weekly picture book selection for you! Click here for more information and to confirm for storytime schedule and titles.
Francis Land House: Historical home of a plantation owner, built circa 1805. Regular community programs and storytimes. Free events are scheduled monthly. Click here for more information.
Home Depot Kids Workshops: Free Hands-On Workshops for Kids ages 5-12. Registration is recommended. Locations throughout Hampton Roads. Click here for more information.
Jerrassic Park: See a unique collection of dinosaur sculptures at the entrance to the Virginia Beach Airport and museum property. Click here for more information.
Virginia Legends Walk: The Virginia Legends Walk's purpose is to honor great Virginians, past and present, who have made significant contributions to our nation and the world. Click here for more information.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art: Visit ever-changing exhibitions where neighbors, strangers, students, families, communities, and cultures are invited to explore our shared humanity, through locally relevant and nationally resonant, contemporary art that’s exceptional—in all of its timeliness, restlessness, and beauty. Virginia MOCA is OPEN with limited hours, and admission to the current exhibits is free! Click here for more information.
The Chrysler Museum: 50 galleries with 30000+ objects, an incredible glass studio and The Wonder Studio: a family-friendly interactive gallery to learn about the Chrysler Museum’s collection. Admission to the Chrysler Museum is always free. Click here for more information.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum: An official U.S. Navy Museum recounting the role of the U.S. Navy in and around Hampton Roads from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Museum Admission at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum is always free. Click here for more information.
Hermitage Museum & Gardens: View their nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, enjoy changing exhibitions or stroll through gorgeous 12 acres of waterfront gardens and grounds. Admission to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens is FREE and open to the public. Click here for more information.
