The first combined McIlvaigh/Gault Waiver Day was full of laughter and camaraderie as educators discussed and prepared for “change.” With both buildings closing in June 2009, change is inevitable. “How we approach and prepare for change, however, is intentional,” said Libby Wagner, communication coach.
“When we navigate change calmly, successfully and joyfully, so will our students,” pointed out Principal Delores Beason, who welcomed both staffs to Gault Middle School.
Awaiting the staff were “Navigating Change bags,” containing donated items, the work of Gault’s Donna Chang and Rachel Smith-Mosel. These included:
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A sewing kit: Multi-purpose tool for when we feel a bit tattered, for when plans seem to unravel, can also be used for fishing.
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Travel journal: Reflect, write, set goals, note the sights along the journey.
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Glasses: For seeing multiple perspectives, “Future’s so bright we have to wear shades,” see clearly and up close, a new vision.
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Compass: Keeps pointed toward the goal, ensures one doesn’t follow the wrong star.
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Noise maker: Rescue locator, to celebrate success, “Toot my own horn.”
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Water: Sustenance for the journey, must be healthy to serve, goes with chocolate, refreshing, puts out fires, for when a drink is in order.
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First Aid kit: Respond to emergencies, self care, care of others, special tools required for special times, readiness.
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Cold Packs: Eases the strain of the journey, cool off when it feels heated.
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Chocolate: Does anyone need a reason? Vital, calories carry on for another day, to keep one happy.
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Confetti: To celebrate success.
Libby Wagner led McIlvaigh and Gault staffs in an exercise which surfaced what has worked in the past when navigating change. The following are reminders for us all:
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Know your competencies
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Find your center/calm through prayer and trust
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Have clear, realistic expectations for the process and of yourself
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Be flexible/open
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Monitor for what is needed
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Accept mistakes and missteps
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Surround yourself with good advisors who will tell you the truth and support you
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Be patient and persistent
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Evaluate how much the change really matters and how much energy you are willing to spend
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Remind yourself, “You will get through it”
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Use laughter and humor
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Focus on the outcome
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Believe in and empower yourself
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Research past changes to inform your steps
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Make lists and stay organized
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Accept help when you need it
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Set goals/have a vision
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Generate a timeline
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Get out your “Hip Boots” for when it get’s deep or tough to tread through
The shared Waiver Day concluded with a terrific meal with all the fixings. Staff members punned on the Field of Dreams sentiment, “If you feed us, we will come back... again and again.” Staff members returned to their home schools with full stomachs, new friendships, support for upcoming changes and a sold commitment to the children living on the Eastside. In the words of Booker Crawford, Gault social studies teacher, “In the new school, our students gain a new hope, commitment and a sense of pride that says I am someone and I can and will succeed.”
Gault and McIlvaigh staffs joined together for another joint Waiver Day on Dec. 3. Principal designee of the new First Creek Middle School, Gault Principal Delores Beason welcomed the staffs of McIlvaigh and Gault, sharing her excitement about the journey, adult anticipation of and planning for changes and the needs of students as they prepare to come together under one roof at the new school.
“A heightened awareness about security—not just physical, but emotional—is a must,” Beason emphasized as she introduced the presenter, Beth Reis of the Safe Schools Coalition. Together, teachers proactively examined Healthy Youth Data from surveys at both schools. They discussed what the students are telling staff members through the survey and modeled/practiced effective bullying intervention strategies for bias-based bullying.