ESC-17 Principals Connection

During a time of so much uncertainty, I hope that you are experiencing the silver lining to the storm clouds that have gathered over us. I am learning to appreciate this unexpected change from the frenetic pace that is my normal day-to-day existence. Finding my "work-from-home" groove has been challenging, but I have needed time to clean up computer folders, emails, and my google drive. I have wished for time to be creative and communicate with my colleagues and school leaders beyond the short bursts that punctuate our days. I am grateful for the silver lining that allows me to work differently, even temporarily. One evening this week, my husband and I loaded the truck with our tent, sleeping bags, and cooler and found a beautiful place to sleep under the stars on a canyon rim. I was back working at my kitchen table by 9:00 a.m., but in that 14-hour camping trip, we experienced the most gorgeous sunset, starry sky, sunrise, and wildlife. What a gift!

I hope that you are taking care of yourselves too. I have enjoyed seeing facebook posts from our Region 17 school leaders as you engage your creative problem-solving skills to encourage and motivate your staff and students. You guys are amazing and I feel fortunate to have developed a relationship with so many of you. If any of us at ESC-17 can be of service to you, please reach out. We are still here for you!

I took the photo above with my iphone just as the sun began to emerge over the east canyon rim. God threw in a little sign of hope in the middle of the clouds as the image of a cross appeared on the horizon.

I hope that you and your families are healthy and are able to enjoy the silver lining as well.

Janet

TEA has created a Coronavirus Support & Guidance webpage. This will be your best resource for the most up-to-date, accurate information. I recommend visiting this webpage every day for the latest updates and resources. Additionally, TEA will be hosting a daily conference call with school superintendents in order to communicate the most up-to-date information.

Here are a few highlights from this site:

Instructional Continuity Planning Framework

Guidance for SPED and Special Populations

Assessment Guidance

Guidance on IGCs

Guidance on Grading

SAT, ACT, TSIA and AP/IB Program Testing Updates

The ESC-17 staff has been working to consolidate resources on our website. It is still in progress, but check out what we have collected so far: https://www.esc17.net/page/COVID

There are so many resources flying around out there! I don't want to overwhelm you, but here are a few others that caught my eye:

* Texas State Counselors Association: 6 Tips for School Counselors During COVID-19

* Corwin Education School Leaders' Toolkit

* For Parents: Teaching & Learning at Home-- a resource shared by ESC-16 Parent & Family Engagement Initiative

Here are a few great reads that I've seen in the past couple of weeks!

'There Is No Guidebook': Being the Principal in the Age of Coronavirus

3 Ways to Show Up When You're Stressed and Uncertain

How to Be Decisive and Collaborative When the House is on Fire

Eliminate "Out of an Abundance of Caution"

How to Work from Home and Not Go Crazy

John Wink has started a weekly podcast in which each episode is centered around a one-word theme. These are short podcasts, but powerful thoughts. You can download the podcast app or listen online at https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-u3833-d748b4?utm_campaign=i_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=i_share

Email: jthornton@esc17.net
Website: www.esc17.net
Location: 1111 West Loop 289, Lubbock, TX, USA
Phone: 806.281.5881