RCSD Educator Blog

Message from Jamey Schrey 10% Happier I have spent much of my life being plagued by chronic illness. And while none of my ailments have led to disabling conditions or, even worse, death, at times, illness has caused me to be emotionally paralyzed. The illness challenges felt too daunting to tackle and honestly, just neverending. Due to the stress of thinking I would not feel good outside my home, become publicly sick, or have people notice my condition, I would be overwhelmed with the urgency to shelter at home. My anxiety led to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and time wasted doing nonsensical tasks. As an avid reader, I have come across so many people in articles, blogs, and podcasts that share that COVID has very similarly caused them to isolate, hide, and even stop moving emotionally. COVID has reminded us of the fragility of both our lives and of life as we know it. Understandably, so many people are feeling deeply down. Years ago, I stumbled upon a book, Ten Percent Happier ,

RCSD Caroling Night Information The RCSD music team is offering an online caroling event to all families in the district in lieu of winter concerts, to help build community morale and inspire families to sing together.  Here is a flyer with more information. Each elementary teacher in the district will lead a "sing-along song."  Therefore, each elementary school will be represented by their own music teacher!  We have introduced the songs in our online lessons this week and last.  The information is shared with all admin and will be sent to families, but feel free to remind your students as well. What: RCSD Music Caroling Night When: December 17th, 7pm Where:  RCSD Music Youtube  Livestream Assessment To Do List in Otus The Assessment To Do List was added to Otus.  Student/Family users can see their assigned Assessments, due dates, status (Not Started, In Progress), class it’s been assigned to. Teacher users can see their assigned Assessments, due dates, number of students h

  Message from Jamey Schrey Are you okay ? This question was the topic of a recent New York Times article by Megan Markle, that struck me as both easy to ask, but so often a missed opportunity. I have tried to be emotionally intense for much of my life and not burden others with problems. My family joked that if asked, how are you, if I responded “fine,” something was amiss. I find that people who work in schools spend a lot of time lifting others, caring for wounds, listening to and supporting adults and children with stress, and then go home without taking the time or having the moments to unpack their suitcases of anxiety, sorrow, and disappointment. After reading the Times article, I thought about who I was to answer the question honestly? While I believe that I am daily transparent and honest with my thoughts and stories, I also need to make sure that when I share or answer the question, am I okay , that the person is also ready to receive the honest answer. I believe I need to l

  Message from Jamey Schrey For many years I watched Grey’s Anatomy. It was my Thursday show before Netflix, Prime Video, and who knows, maybe even on-demand. Yes, I am that old!   There are times I find nuggets of wisdom in shows, songs, and podcasts that I then ponder about in my own life.  I have thought about gratitude in reflecting on my father’s recent diagnosis, not seeing my aunt and uncle live who only live one city over, and my constant awe of essential workers, you educators, both classified and certificated, that work to support students. These words from Grey’s spoke to me when I tripped upon them as I believe the little things are the big celebrations to cherish. Take a moment to answer these questions as you hopefully take some time to relax, enjoy your vacation, and celebrate your small victories in this second trimester! The people I am most grateful to have in my life are… Friendship means… Thanksgiving symbolizes… Being thankful means… I am grateful for my ability to

Message from Jamey Schrey Thank you for the foundation that you have put into place for children for the second trimester. If it is online as a Champions teacher meeting new students or supporting Edgenuity, to staff on campuses juggling multiple tasks to keep students safe, each one of you is leading. You are probably taking on challenges that you could never have dreamed of leading while sitting in your credential program, learning about lesson plans, reading foundational skills, and Madelyn Hunter. I certainly would not have imagined taking a Pandemic Contact Tracing course online to understand COVID-19 scenarios better. Nope, I did not see that course coming...and I have been around a long time! As I shared before, we have to be brave. Lifting our heads, putting on a mask, or opening our computers to greet students each day because educating our students is vital to our country’s future. We all know that we will continue to travel through differing color tiers until a vaccine is re