Indianagram_May2020_SpecialEdition

Special SPECIAL EditionEDITION COVID-19 2020

Indianagram

A publication of the Indiana Association of School Principals

The Indiana Association of School Principals leads in the advocacy and support of all principals in their commitment to every child.

Celebrate Success!

by Lizz Walters, President of IASP

School leaders, we are all looking at the close of the state’s most unique and stressful school year. Many of us have plans for student celebrations at various levels, Graduation Ceremonies, staff reflection on what has worked and what hasn’t, and everything else that might close a school year, albeit digitally.

I am in the process of having system-to-system meetings with my staff, which we do every year. In addition to the usual annual evaluation conversation and general reflection, it has become increasingly clear that we need to celebrate what went well and identify what needs to be planned for in the coming months, which are full of unknowns.

Educators across the state have stepped up to continue to meet the needs of our students during this time in previously unimaginable ways. In my chats with teachers, it is far too easy to fall into the conversation about all the unknowns, what hasn’t worked, and what we can’t control. Resist that temptation. Take some time here at the close of the school year to celebrate what HAS worked with your staff, because they’ve earned it.

Fittingly, this Indianagram theme is shared resources. After we take some needed time to celebrate navigating the close of school in the best way possible for our students, we do need to turn our sights to the future. As we started these unprecedented times together, we will continue together...we are not in this alone. Though we are not alone, we all face varying degrees, levels, and topics of unknowns in the coming months and the start of the 2020-21 school year. It is imperative, now more than ever, we share what we are good at so that others can benefit.

As we look toward the possibility of future digital instruction and assessment and continue to consider trauma informed and responsive practices in a digital environment, we will encounter unique needs, problems, and barriers. You have heard me say before the power of the Indiana Association of School Principals is its membership. The wealth of resources that we have collectively will carry us through the future unknowns. I hope you enjoy this special edition to the Indianagram, and stay safe and well!

Thanks!

Lizz

Inside this Edition

Lizz Walters........................................P1 Change Processes.................................................................................P1 Todd Bess...........................................

P2 IPLI Flyer.............................................................................................P2 Contirbutors........................... ........... P4 IDOE..............................................................................................P3 WeRiley AreHospital Better Together......................

P5 Kids Caring & Sharing Update....................................P4 Corporate Sponsors..............................................................................P5 When Crisis Hits.................... ........... P7 Secretaries Conference / Secretary Awards........... P8 Nomination Form............P6 4 Lessons ...............................

Aspiring Principals Conference Flyer..................................................P7 How to Spark Confidence...... ........... P9 Indiana School Breakfast Task Force..................................................P8 What YourSpirit Leadership........... ........... P10 Prudential of Community Awards - Indiana Winners.................P9

Educator Wellness.............................. P11 New IASPTime Vice-President....................................................................P9 Taking For You......................... P12 New IASP App Information...............................................................P10 Principal Wellness..............................

P13 New NASSP State Coordinator..........................................................P10 Educator Spotlight................. ........... P14 Student Teaching Study Abroad: .

Spotlight on Service Learning........... P21 Preparing Standout Teaching Candidates...........................P12 Spotlight on Service-Learning............................................................P14 Wednesday Webinar Series ............... P26 NAESP Update...................................................................................P15 Dave Emmert’s Situation Briefs..........................................................P12

Special SPECIAL EditionEDITION COVID-19 2020

Indianagram

A publication of the Indiana Association of School Principals

The Indiana Association of School Principals leads in the advocacy and support of all principals in their commitment to every child.

Special Edition 26.2

by Dr. Todd Bess, IASP Executive Director

Many know that I’m a runner, have been since I was 7, and will be as long as my knees hold out. I ran 26.2 miles in 2010, a marathon, and learned a lot from that training and race. My morning coffee made me reflect on this during this time, as we all have been sprinting for weeks hoping to see that finish line close. However, this race of helping kids and communities is now a marathon and I hope that you will take time to train yourself and your school with this in mind.

A good marathon training program looks like this, and it relates to how we must lead right now.

• Before even embarking on taking on a marathon, I asked permission from my family knowing of the time commitment and sacrifices this would take. Our school leadership is certainly a commitment and we know our sacrifices all of us allow that provides our school with the necessary supports. Those around you that enable you to successfully lead need to know your intents so they can support you (and you them) throughout this journey.

• I had a goal time in mind, my training had to be both above and below the per-mile pace to provide my legs recovery time, and to push them for added strength. You have goals in mind for your school, short and long term, and thus need to allow for times of higher and lower activity to aid in meeting both sets of goals.

• A marathon training plan generally includes a lot of miles, and longer distance runs of up to 20 miles. Our days and weeks of school (and virtual school) includes a lot of meetings, sometimes lengthy as we sort out all we are being asked to do. Having a training companion, and a trusted colleague for your long runs and meeting debriefs provide the necessary support to get through them all!

• The marathon training plan I utilized allowed me at least one day of rest and/or a day of cross training. We can be consumed by the needs of students and staff, and technology has increased this stress with emails and texts coming in at all hours. Build in the time off from work-related tasks, and/or find time for those outside projects you’ve been wanting to get to. In the running and work world, these off days are essential for both the physical and mental recovery time our body and mind requires.

• With about 4 weeks to go in my training plan, I injured by left hamstring muscle to the point I had to cut back on my training.

I had to find alternative ways to stay fit, adjusted my goal time a bit (unfortunately), and made sure to find a rehab plan for my sore muscle. Our setbacks will come, your response tells a lot of your leadership skills. Rethinking strategies, adjusting the intended outcomes, and seeking counsel on how to navigate within your setting provides clarity that benefits your school.

• During the race I could feel my energy ebbing despite my own food and water prep. A fellow runner, without my asking, offered me half a banana as we paced near each other. I took it and reenergized surged back to my pacing allowing me to successfully finish. An unexpected gesture of help from someone in our familiar situation, or even from someone whom you don’t know but senses your need is perhaps what we can all benefit from in the coming year. School leaders are often the last to accept help, don’t hesitate to accept this offer, or to even let others know you need assistance. If anything has been proven during this time, it is that educators continue to step up in numerous ways to support everyone in the school community, and that includes you.

(Continued on page 3)

Throughout all the miles ran, I thought a lot about how to improve myself physically and mentally, and how to support my family as we transitioned to Brownsburg and new jobs for myself and my wife (moving 4 school-aged kids, too.) You need this reflection time so that you are mentally and physically ready to handle the rigors the 2020-2021 school year will bring.

Whatever marathon task you set your mind to, I hope that you’ll think about the journey and how to enjoy even the challenges along the way. As I came across the finish line that early November, I knew my journey was worth it – I was stronger and better for having met the challenges the training plan and marathon threw at me.

Our current situation is one no one enjoys. I also know from lots of conversations that principals continually are finding the ways to be successful, and that this will improve our educational support in the future. The challenges of the recent sprint, and our marathon can allow success to follow, albeit through an approach none of us imagined. I do imagine, however, you sharing “lessons learned” and making your school and yourself stronger and better from this journey. Thanks for allowing IASP (and me) to assist with your training and support. Together we will cross our finish lines with success.

Todd

Thank You to our Sponsors:

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Thank to you to the following online contributors to this special edition of the Indianagram.

Amy Heavin, Ryan Park Elementary School Glenn Parker, Smartbrief Jean Sharp, Smart brief LaRae Quy, Mental Toughness Center Lolly Daskal Indiana Department of Education Beth Houff, NASSP Eric Gilpin, IASP incoming President

We would also like to give a huge shout-out to all of the schools, corporations, and administrators who shared great examples and contributions for inclusion in this special edition.

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We Are Better Together!

By Amy Heavin, principal at Ryan Park Elementary School “We are better together.” This is not a new phrase, but one that has drawn new meaning recently. I reflect on this phrase, what it means, and the truth behind it. We have all experienced moments of being better together, and during this pandemic, it is especially true. I think about stories, not only in my personal and professional life, but the ones we hear across the nation of people reaching out, helping others, truly being better together.

So here’s a little personal story...At our house in the country, we have a wood burner that we use to heat the house during the winter. It is a wonderful, warm heat, and well worth the work it takes to heat the home. During our first year in the house, we were not quite sure how much wood we would use, and so we did what we could throughout the winter to chop wood and buy a few chords of wood here or there to make due. As the years in the house have progressed, we are much more aware of how much wood we need to heat our house, and so we saved our money and bought some chords of wood to be prepared before winter hits.

So last fall, we ordered 6 chords of wood, giving us time to stack the wood and get ourselves set for the winter.

When it is dropped off, it is dumped from a truck in a huge pile, and the family all pitches in to get the job done.

Of course, when it was time to stack the wood, our three boys were “tired”, so my husband and I went out to stack the wood ourselves. We had beautiful weather - not too warm, a nice breeze, and a few clouds every once in a while to break up the sun. Pandora played our favorite Journey station, and we sang a few tunes while we worked. We worked for about an hour, almost finishing one chord, moving it from a pile in the grass to a nice stack next to the wood burner.

All of a sudden, I looked up from my work and noticed our oldest, Alex, on his way out, putting on his gloves.

He didn’t say a thing, just picked up a piece of wood and started helping. The team just kept on trucking, making great progress on the chords of wood sitting in our yard. Not many words were said; it was a well-oiled machine of pitching in together to get a job done.

With the three of us working, we got the chords of wood stacked much faster than when it was just two of us.

But as soon as we were done, another chord of wood was delivered, the last one for the weekend. For my husband and I, we were tired. But something happened that I wasn’t quite prepared for. Two other little boys made their way outside. No words, just gloves and the look of determination.

(Continued on page 6)

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We Are Better Together! (Con’t)

Music blaring, we were an assembly line of wood stackers. What took my husband and I a little over an hour to stack one chord, with all 5 of us working, we got it done in about 40 minutes. Teamwork works. It is not just more hands on deck getting the work done. It feels good to work together as a team for a common goal. That night, we celebrated with Dairy Queen. A job well done.

Better together. When we work together, not only are we more efficient in our work, but we do a better job in the end.

During this pandemic, we are truly better together. No, we are not stacking wood for the winter. However, we are in uncharted territory, preparing for the unknown, working to support one another in whatever ways we can.

Each one of us does not have all the answers. But we are better together when we put our heads together to brainstorm and solve these issues that continue to be put before us.

Being an educator is not a career of isolation. And while we all have time for reflection by ourselves, we grow together so we are better for our kids. We collaborate, work together to achieve a common goal, and share our knowledge with one another. Better together is not just a phrase; it is a way of life. So think about these three concepts to build our “better together”. ● Connect with others in your school community, but also across the state and nation. Take this time to build your PLN, reach out to new friends around the country to grab new ideas and tweak them for your situation.

Lurk a Twitter chat, or even join in. Every educator has amazing ideas to share, and so connections are imperative! There are so many wonderful ways to use social media to connect to other educators and leaders, and this has led to my development of strong friendships as well as learn strategies and ideas to use in my own leadership. Take that leap now. ● Find ways to connect with your staff, even when we are apart. I have scheduled Google Meets twice a week with my staff, just for fun connections. I have heard great ideas from others in our state on how they are connecting with staff too. Grab one of those ideas and make it yours for your school community. ● Find ways to connect with your students. I love making videos, and so I’ve made videos for them with pictures of our staff, sharing messages and even games they enjoy at home. Most recently, I’ve connected with our students to send me pictures so we can build a video together for our teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. It is fun, exhilarating, and definitely feeds the soul.

No one is alone, even though we may sit in isolation. I challenge every leader, every educator, to connect and share so that we can truly be better together.

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When A Crisis Hits, a Positive Leader Steps Up!

By Glenn Parker-SmartBrief

When a crisis hits, we need leaders with different talents and styles to be positive influences on the organization.

• We need smart leaders who quickly master complex information, communicate it in terms easily understood and then are able to make it work to the benefit of the organization.

• We need skilled leaders who can effectively communicate with large groups of people using modern communications technology.

• We need analytical leaders who can quickly and accurately prioritize problems, mission-critical goals, tasks and expenses.

• We need supportive leaders who can listen, empathize and articulate the emotions and stress felt by employees, customers and suppliers and then respond with a plan of action.

• We need authentic leaders who are open and confident role models but who also get things done.

During our research for "Positive Influence: The Leader Who Helps People Become Their Best Self," we found that there are four styles of positive influence leaders, all of whom can contribute to the success of an organization in different ways. A positive influence leader is supportive, an exceptional teacher, motivating and a confident role model. A transformational leader effortlessly alters their approach to provide just what the organization needs at the very time it is needed. They are situational.

Click here for the full SmartBrief article.

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4 Lessons About Supporting Students in Need

By Jean Sharp, SmartBrief

Welcome to Insights, a new SmartBrief Education Originals column, featuring perspectives from noted experts and leaders in education on the hot button issues affecting schools and districts. All contributors are selected by the SmartBrief Education editorial team.

In today's column, Jean Sharp, chief academic officer at Apex Learning, shares her experiences of working with students in alternative education programs and how the tactics used in those programs can help all students when they return to their classrooms.

Back in March, just after the shelter-in-place orders went into effect and schools transitioned to online learning, I texted a friend saying, “Ordinary life will feel so good when it returns.” But now I wonder: Is that even possible? Ordinary life, that is. It occurs to me that we will likely need to reimagine (and prepare for) how we do life in a not-so-ordinary world. And that’s true for schools as well.

But I am optimistic. In fact, I’ve been considering how we can leverage strategies to support student learning from what may seem like a rather unlikely place. Let me explain.

There was a time in my career where my work focused on serving the needs of non-traditional students through alternative education programs. Our students were vulnerable. They had messy lives. Most were credit deficient and at risk of not graduating. Many had family issues that pulled them into adult responsibilities well before they were ready. Some had to work to support themselves or their families. Others made poor choices, not always understanding the consequences. And, many simply had learning gaps that made it difficult -- if not impossible -- to keep up in class. These students arrived in alternative education programs for a variety of reasons and with significant needs.

Our goal was to create a culture of learning that offered a second chance to students who missed out on educational opportunities -- often through no fault of their own. What I learned then -- and continue to see in effective alternative education programs today -- can help us anticipate what all students will need from schools as they begin the long road back to campus.

For the full article, click here.

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How To Spark Confidence When You Need It Most

by LaRae Quy Childhood can be a mixed bag. We can bitch and moan because ours was not perfect, but guess what? No one’s childhood is perfect. Even worse, it’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s the first place we discover how to overcome obstacles and move through adversity.

It’s unfortunate that too many modern parents have confused negative childhood experiences on the playground with abuse and trauma. They are a “woke” generation that spews criticism at suggestions of anything other than praise and perfect outcomes for their precious child. This is the laughable part—these overprotective parents think stellar efforts will produce a child that is well adjusted and confident in their abilities.

News flash, folks. You’ve created a generation of wimps who don’t have either the confidence or courage to forge through the reality of life. It will be tough for them as adults when you’re no longer there to push them to be top athletes, honor roll students, and—oh yes, save the world from climate change.

But a life lived for parents or other people will leave us insecure, full of self-doubt, and little confidence in our abilities. The reason is simple: we’ve relied on someone else for our North Star so when we face a choice to make or a problem to overcome, we don’t have the mental toughness to move forward with confidence.

Are you mentally tough?

Confidence is not something we’re born with, it’s something we develop. The earlier in life we learn that tantrums won’t work when we don’t get our way, either on the playground or the workplace, the sooner we take control of our life.

We’ve been programmed since childhood to believe that we need to be better, try harder, and jettison those parts of ourselves that we don’t like. Culture tells us we need to change in some way and be different rather than discover and accept who we really are as human beings.

Forget all the pseudo-psychology that exhorts you to mimic the traits and behaviors of people more confident and successful than yourself—that does nothing but exacerbate the problem because real confidence must come from within.

Confidence is not a cheap bandaid you can pluck from a self-help book or podcast and hope it heals what’s missing inside of you. Don’t let yourself become a poor imitation of someone else. Sure, a mentor can provide tips and offer valuable observations but confidence, folks, is something you must own.

We don’t need to be fixed; we need to become aware of both strengths and weaknesses and no one can do that for us. It’s our birthright to be wise, rely on ourselves, be confident, and enjoy peace of mind so we can be present in our unfolding life.

Click here for the full article.

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What Your Leadership Will Not Be Able to Give You

By Lolly Daskal There are some things you cannot expect from your leadership.

Everyone—in leadership or not— needs to be able to nourish their inner self. You can count on those around you for many kinds of help, but there are some things you have to rely on yourself to provide.

Don’t expect people to hold you accountable as well as you can for yourself. A successful leader will always be responsible. But those you lead or even those above you can’t hold you accountable as well as you can for yourself. You know better than anyone where you’ve succeeded and where you’ve let yourself down.

Don’t expect anyone else to understand what you’re going through. Even if someone has gone through something similar, everyone experiences things differently and in a different context. People may walk the same path, but not in the same way. Spend time working to understand what’s happening in your life and what it means to you, because others will never be able to fully understand it.

Don’t expect others to be your cheerleader. Leadership is about being an inspiration for others and keeping them motivated—but you also have to do the same for yourself. You may draw some inspiration from your team, but ultimately you have to set your own goals and motivate yourself to reach them. Learn to engage your own mind and heart as well as those of others.

Don’t expect praise or recognition. The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things; it’s the one who gets their people to do the greatest things. You may or may not get praise for your leadership from others, and expecting acknowledgement from others can sometimes set yourself up for disappointment.

Learn to praise others without expecting the same in return.

Don’t expect people to read your mind. If you aren’t communicating openly and regularly, you can’t get upset with those you lead for not knowing what you think. Assumptions can be damaging, so don’t put your people in a position of having to guess. If they don’t have all the information they need, that’s on you, not them.

Don’t expect your leadership to validate your self-worth. Your value lies within yourself. Other people are tuned in to their own lives. If anything, they’re busy projecting their own needs and wants onto you. But as a leader you have to learn to validate yourself first—then everything will fall into line.

If you got into leadership hoping to get something you will be disappointed, because leadership is about giving to others. That’s why it’s important to learn to care for yourself in ways that can help you honor others.

Lead from within: You can’t expect to receive much beyond your own satisfaction from your leadership, but as a leader you are expected to be your best and lead by example.

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Educator Wellness and Mental Health Supports As we adjust to our new normal of living with COVID-19, it is important to acknowledge that we are all grieving. Not being able to finish the school year in-person is a great loss. Being isolated and away from friends and family is hard. It is healthy and necessary to process the feelings that arise from this grief. Name your feelings and do not push them aside. Remember, it is okay to not feel okay. It is also critical to do your part in managing your mental wellness and move toward acceptance of this new normal. Educators are such an important part of our community. We care about you and remember we are #INthistogether!

Nourish your body. Eat mostly healthy foods and allow only occasional treats. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Drink plenty of water.

Exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins that will help your mental health as well.

Be sure to get plenty of rest. Do not nap all day and stay up all night. Sleep is our reset button.

Spend time away from focusing on COVID-19. Do not let it take over what you read, watch, or talk about.

Create and maintain routines as much as possible. Shower, put on new clothes, do your hair, etc. Do what it takes to keep a routine.

Stay connected! Social distancing means physical distancing. It does not mean we cut off all social interactions. Call your friends and Zoom with coworkers. Do not isolate yourself.

Self-care should always be a priority, but it is even more important during a time of crisis. Schedule at least 30 minutes a day to focus on self-care. ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Read or Listen to Podcasts: The Happiness Lab, Brene Brown Podcast Enroll in the IDOE’s Science of Happiness Course Get Outside! Take in the creation and beauty of nature.

Try deep breathing, relaxation, yoga or meditation.

Calm App or Down Dog Yoga App (free for educators) Read and say daily affirmations.

Read more about Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus Give yourself grace, you are not “working from home, you are “at home during a crisis trying to work.” Be kind to yourself.

➔ National Suicide Prevention Line: (800) 273-8255 ➔ Crisis Text Line (even if you just need someone to talk to and you’re not in crisis): Text “IN” to 741-741 ➔ Many mental health professionals are offering telehealth services. There has never been a better time to gift yourself counseling services. ➔ Go to www.doe.in.gov/SEBW to find your local Community Mental Health Center (click here). Reach out to the SEBW team if you need more resources!

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Taking Time for You Posted by NASSP by Beth Houf Wellness (noun): The state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.

In a field of serving others, how often do we take time to take care of ourselves? Not just a spa trip, random yoga class, or a nice meal out with a friend, but intentional, continual self-wellness?

I’ll be honest, this was a concept that has been foreign to me. It is not something that I watched the adults in my life growing up do, so it felt very selfish to me to take time away from my own family or my work to take care of myself until I realized that there is no way I can be a successful educator without making wellness an intentional priority. Daily. No matter what.

Last school year was one that pushed me to my limits, both emotionally and physically. The influx of our kids dealing with trauma was staggering. Luckily, I had a phenomenal local resource, Josh Varner (@JoshVarner65), who, through the Anne Marie Project, came and worked with us extensively to understand childhood trauma impacts and how best to respond as educators.

Our staff was truly amazing in their actions after the trainings. However, following up with Josh, we realized we needed help to help ourselves with our own wellness. The secondary effects of trauma that our staff went through were so real and palpable daily. Josh came back with a whole new training aimed at educator wellness, especially as it deals with those secondary reactions.

One of my big takeaways from this work with staff is that it is okay to not be okay. Too many staff members were putting on a brave face and not confronting the emotional toll that was happening. I realized as a leader that intentional focus on our staff well-being had to become a priority—and fast.

No More Excuses I continued to try to be the strength and support for all. I felt like I was experiencing almost a tertiary effect from the trauma of both students and staff. The year ended, and I had an exhaustion creep in that I had not experienced. A family beach vacation helped ease the pain, but I knew that I had to make big changes moving into the next school year. I realized that as the school leader I had to take care of myself to better support and care for those I served. Not by chance, but rather by choice. In my head, I kept making excuses for my daily practices: I can’t control the issues that fall in my lap.

I can’t control the situations that our students and staff have to deal with in their lives.

I can’t control the negatives situations happening around me.

I can’t…I can’t….I can’t.

But then I realized I do have control over a lot of things in my life. I choose what I put in my body for nourishment. I choose what time I get up and how I use that time before I go to school.

I choose many of the commitments I put on my calendar. As this realization came over me, it was incredibly empowering. How might I make my wellness an intentional priority?

Click here for the full article.

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Principal Wellness As educators and administrators, it’s sometimes difficult to manage all of the obstacles that come your way. Often, we burn the candle at both ends trying to care for everyone else, while putting our own physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing aside. Eric Gilpin, principal at Batchelor Middle School, and incoming IASP President, shares an insightful message for all of us during this time.

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Wilson Elementary School Science, discovery, engagement and fun are being delivered to our students each week with Mrs. King. She has found simple science experiments that students can do at home. This series is leading up to the virtual science fair that Wilson Elementary will host in May. The videos are connected to online e-learning assignments that will take students through the scientific method. Looking for ways to activate thinking, curiosity and learning during this time is her experiment. What a fun way to reach our wildcats and pass on the love of science. https://youtu.be/4sMcg40JFYY

Southport High School Southport High School principal, Brian Knight, hosted a digital student leader meeting today.

Building and District leaders talked to the group about what processes were working well and what situations were challenging for students during remote learning. The student shared positive stories about the fantastic work of their teachers.

They also provided some valuable feedback that the school can use to make the process more efficient and productive for them as learners.

Klondike Middle School Klondike Middle School teacher, Morgan Driscoll, creates FlipGrid with staff. Given the emotionally charged nature of music, it can be an incredibly effective way to express ourselves and cope with challenging life circumstances— because sometimes, life is really hard. Really, really hard (*COVID-19*). Think of this project as a creative way to capsulize this unique life event. We will most likely never live through another pandemic in our lifetime. What is YOUR anthem?

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Evansville School Corporation EVSC partnered with the local PBS TV station, WNIN, to air recorded lessons delivered by our teachers during the week.

This is a huge help for families who may not have internet access but can access PBS so their kids can still receive some instruction during this time.

Jasper High School Erin Jochum, teacher at Jasper High School, creates innovative experiences for students. In Biology for Earth Day he created a Padlet and had kids add pictures as to things they did to celebrate Earth Day. Another exciting activity was with Biomed students. They determined "patient 0" from an infectious disease after an activity to illustrate the spread of disease.

Liberty Elementary School Liberty Early Elementary is an early childhood building with preschool and kindergarten classes. Our students don't have take-home devices, so we're sending out an eLearning Update (via Smore) on each eLearning Day, which has teacher-created video lessons that go along with our packets. In addition, one of the special features each day is our mascot, Lee the Liberty Hawk, and his friend Mrs. Neal sharing some learning fun with a special Spirit Day theme. The picture shows the lesson they did on Favorite Color Friday.

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Batesville High School Craig Hughes, PLTW teacher at Batesville High School, works with students virtually through the use of Google Hangouts. Each PLTW course continues to challenge students to solve problems through individual and virtual communications. The curriculum includes: • Introduction to Engineering Design - 3D Solid Modeling through Onshape, an online cloud-based CAD software • Principles of Engineering - Programming virtual robots through VEXcode VR, student have to program the virtual robot to complete specific tasks • Civil Engineering and Architecture Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Homestyler, right now they are designing a 1 story, 2-bedroom, home with 1, 1 1/2, or 2 bathrooms using reclaimed shipping containers.

Batesville High School Charlie Raab works with Chemistry students virtually on Tuesdays then provides help sessions throughout the week utilizing Google Hangouts. Mr. Raab works tirelessly for his students to provide an academic format where student interaction and experimental labs remain possible. The Tuesday sessions provide an overview for the week and additional meetings are readily available for students with questions. Chemistry students remain connected to both the content and their teacher during during the final stages of the 2019-2020 school year.

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Otter Creek Middle School Our county’s Blue Truck Calvary will help us deliver food to our more rural areas of the county. The Blue Truck Calvary has a photo ID for each employee, and the truck drivers use their flashing lights to let people know that they are safe and a recognized food distribution source. We are so grateful for these amazing community members.

Otter Creek Middle School Chances and Services for Youth has put together some at home learning fun! “We’re making lemonade out of lemons! Like so many of you, each day we are learning about COVID-19 at how it is impacting our world.

Chances and services for youth is offering parents a free online educational tool to teach about financial literacy and entrepreneurship...Lemonade Day Wabash Valley offers lesson plans through its virtual and interactive resource called Lemonopolis.

Register at https://buff.ly/3alf1Fs.

Otter Creek Middle School Mrs. Olivia Goulding has created a YouTube Channel “Math with Mrs. Goulding.” Mrs. Goulding works through sample math problems using “think-out-loud” strategies to share problem solving and critical thinking strategies with students and families.

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Wilson Elementary School Wilson Elementary School created a Scavenger Hunt and Coffee Chat to make their meetings less stressful.

With ten minutes to find each item, staff took pictures of the items and presented them during the coffee chats.

Warsaw Community High School Barb McCollom is a veteran teacher at Warsaw Community High School who has mastered the "in-theclassroom" aspect of instruction over her years of exceptional service to the school. Barb has always been one open to new ideas and technologies, but has never really "made the leap" into digital teaching. Since the COVID-19 virus has pushed schools into E-Learning, Barb has shifted her usual tenacious and dedicated focus on teaching her pupils to becoming the best "digital" teacher she can possibly be. Before, Barb could always be found well after the final bell working one on one or with small groups of students...now Barb can be found during all hours of the day on Google Hangouts helping out her students with complex Honors math concepts.

Barb is extremely organized, patient, and persistent in her pursuit to help her students however she can.

Lake Central School Corporation Stephanie Spencer, elementary art teacher at Bibich Elem. and Watson Elem. in Lake Central School Corporation, had students create and submit "Famous Art Selfies". Students chose a famous portrait from a list of artists. Students dressed up as the subject of the painting and created a similar background.

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New Palestine Elementary School Staff at New Palestine Elementary School have been using Loom to record lessons and messages for students. Mrs. Eastes, the principal, recorded a social story about the coronavirus, the importance of hand washing, and why we cannot be at school right now.

She received this heartfelt message from a parent. We all need some connection right now!

Southport High School Southport High School's Media Center Specialist, Tara Foor, arranged a virtual author visit on Thursday, April 23rd. We talked via GoogleMeet with author Liz Lawson of "The Lucky Ones" and the chat was open to any students or staff of Southport High School. Students were able to learn about the writing process, asked specific questions about research conducted to define characters in the book, and Liz Lawson even shared the playlist she listened to while writing the book. It was a great experience for all who attended.

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Northeastern Middle School A Message of Encouragement Our counselor, Rita Frame, asked each staff member to take a picture with an assigned word. The words created a message of encouragement that was shared with our students.

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Spotlight on Service-Learning INSPIRE3 Update – 5/4/20 - Thank you for sharing this information with your colleagues, staff, and parents

NEW - Learning to Give has free Simple Safe Service project guides that give your family ideas for generous actions and encourage youth voice to promote the common good, even when we are apart. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, reflection, and a connection to an optional lesson plan. #DoGoodFromHome while #LearningtoGive during this time. https://www.learningtogive.org/teach/youth-activities We will highlight one Simple Safe Service project guide each week.

Gratitude for Essential Workers K-12 - A Simple Safe Service project from home. Let our essential workers know we care kind messages of thanks and gratitude. Let your working neighbors know how much you appreciate them and the work they are doing to keep the community safe.

Learning to Give was asked to partner with Design for Change USA and Hasbro on their #DoGoodFromHome Challenge which calls on youth and the caring adults in their lives to connect through kindness while they are social-distancing. Kids and teens can use their compassion and creativity to do acts of good from home. Small acts can make a big difference!

The overall goal is to get kids to do good from home during this time. Every time the main hashtag is used with a story of student service, Hasbro is donating a toy to the child of an essential worker - up to 25K toys.

LTG (Learning to Give) – What to Teach During School Closers - Daily lesson plans to help link learning to generosity during the time of social distancing. Elementary and secondary lesson plans and connected project ideas that students can do from home. These learning activities also provide great conversation starters for families about roles in civil society. Lessons compiled from previous days/weeks can be found here

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Spotlight on Service-Learning Below are the LTG lessons that were highlighted April 23-30 that teachers/students can use during this time from home.

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Mother Earth Connections - a lesson for elementary students - In this time between Earth Day and Mother's Day, a lesson focused on the concept of Mother Earth reminds us of our interconnectedness with nature, like a mother to its children. “Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves." Project idea: Walk outside and look for places where human activity is harming nature and fix it. For example, pull trash out of a flower patch.

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Community Clean-Up – a lesson for secondary students - This lesson teaches about the history of Earth Day and looks at images that represent the themes of environmentalism. Students clean up an area in their community or create messages with symbolism of the effort to work together. John Muir said, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe."

Toolkit with project ideas and resources - Environmental Service-Learning

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Neighborhood Interviews – a lesson for elementary students - One silver lining of the stay-at-home order is that people are connecting more than ever with family, friends, and neighbors. We are finding creative ways to be together. Connect with someone from an older generation and tell their story. Service project idea: Based on what you learned in the interview, drop something off at a special person's door - maybe a treat or a poem or drawing related to a memory.

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Respect and Democracy – a lesson for secondary students - "While we all may be in the same storm, we are not in the same boat." Our global and local communities are made up of beautifully diverse people, situations, and perspectives. It is easy to think our way is the only way, and we have to work hard to feel and show respect for others. This lesson helps learners define and analyze the meaning of respect and identify its presence in Core Democratic Values. Review the Core Democratic Values of the United States

NEW SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE-LEARNING article just published in the April 2020 IASP Indianagram – “Learning to Serve from a Distance”, written by Beth Smith, INSPIRE3 Consultant. Read about “How to make eLearning and Service-Learning effective and engaging through “eService-Learning.”

• Find this article on our INSPIRE3 Spotlight on Service-Learning Articles on our INSPIRE3 webpage under Education and Literacy.

• View over 30 more articles explaining different service-learning connections, free resources, and school’s service-learning experiences. Archived under these areas: Back to School; Civic Engagement/Social Justice; Community Development; Education and Literacy; Hunger/Homelessness/Poverty; Peace/Kindness; Science Related.

View our INSPIRE3 Snapshots of Service-Learning Stories on our INSPIRE3 webpage.

They are “inspiring” examples of service-learning from over one hundred K-12 Indiana schools.

Note: We are able to write these summaries and post them on our INSPIRE3 page after teachers submit their student’s service-learning experiences on the free service-learning tracker on their generationOn School accounts or on our INSPIRE3 Service-Learning Project Tracking Form

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Spotlight on Service-Learning More on Learning to Give • •

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Look on Learning to Give's homepage for other "currently featured" lessons.

LTG Toolkits found under their Issue Area tab have online K-12 lessons, project ideas, and other resources to build knowledge, empathy, and community connections that relate to 17 different issue areas. These resources will help students focus on the positive and strengthen their sense of purpose and belonging, foster an environment of caring and respect, and inspire student engagement and contribution. Here are a few of them that are focused on current areas of concern and interest.

Use the Search engine to find online lessons by Grade level, Subject, Issue Area, Academic Standard Create a free account on LTG here to access the handouts that are included in their free K-12 lessons or Sign up to receive their free monthly e-newsletter with more resources here

May Moments of Service – Lessons, project ideas and more. o o o

Join Hands Day: (The first Saturday in May) Develop relationships between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering. Youth and adults work together to plan, organize and implement the day's activity which builds trust and respect, and creates a sense of community.

Mother's Day: (May 10) Encourage your kids and students to take a moment to look into the work of Save the Children and the Convention on the Rights of the Child secured by the United Nations.

Memorial Day: (May 25) Honor this holiday by educating students about patriotism and motivating students for service to their community and country.

generationOn website Theme of the Month: Volunteer At Home These projects can be modified to do at home, and delivered via mail or drop off to adhere to the social distancing guidelines of the CDC. • Students K-12 can visit the Projects and Causes page for hundreds of project suggestions/plans in 14 different issue areas, including Animal Welfare; Bullying & Inclusion; Education & Literacy; Emergency Prep & Response; Environment; Health & Wellness; Homelessness & Poverty; Hunger; Military & Veterans; Peace & Kindness; Senior Citizens; Social Justice; Volunteering at Home – Anyone over age 12 can Register at no cost on the generationOn website to access ALL their resources.

• Resources page: Fact sheets and reading lists for the different issue areas. Click Add filter: under PDF Download– access Do Your Own Thing Guides for Kids and Teens • generationOn Classroom and Schools page: o Check the generationOn Schools Directory to see if your school is registered-- just type in the name of your school. Join your school account to use the FREE Schools Service-Learning Tracker on school accounts to submit service-learning experiences that can be saved, viewed, and shared with others. If your school is not registered, you can easily Register your school and invite others to join it. o Resources for Educators – Why Service-Learning, connections to LTG website, LTG minicourses, and the IPARDE service-learning steps, including downloadable templates •

Reminders: • A Call to Action: How to Serve in a Historic Time Shared by Darlene Short, Teacher at Castle North M.S., Warrick County Schools, and our INSPIRE3 Southern IN Field Rep. “This document provides a framework to assist with assigning an online service-learning project to students as an endof-year assignment. The resources found under the first two links in the chart cover the process from start to finish. Detailed assignments for each step of the process can be added to assist with student needs. We want to provide meaningful lessons for the students while working on their academic skills." o Investigation Passion Questionnaire and Links: First Phase of the Service-Learning Process – shared by Darlene Short, Teacher Castle North M.S. and INSPIRE3 Southern IN Field Rep.

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Spotlight on Service-Learning •

INSPIRE3 Mini-Grants Update: Because of the closure of schools for the remainder of the 20192020 school year many teachers will not be able to complete their service-learning projects that were supported by one of our $250 mini-grants by June 2020. Any unused mini-grant funds MAY BE carried over to be used to complete the accepted project or if necessary another acceptable project during 1st semester of the 2020-2021 school year. All required documentation Reports are due by November 30, 2020. Joan Belschwender, Director of INSPIRE3, joan.inspire3@iasp.org will be contacting those teachers to answer any questions.

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Additional $250 mini-grants are available for service-learning projects to be completed by November 30, 2020. Contact Joan to receive additional information and the live link to our online mini-grant application.

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INSPIRE3 PowerPoints and Tutorials available for viewing and sharing located on our INSPIRE3 Digital Resources page This information is a good tool for school personnel to learn more about the free online resources available and how service-learning connects to many types of engaged teaching/learning strategies and how it can be incorporated into all areas of K-12 curriculum and into after school activities. o o o o o o o

Service-Learning and Interdisciplinary STEM - PPT Critical Connections to Employability Skills - PPT Utilizing Service-Learning to Support SEL- PPT INSPIRING Gifted Students through Service-Learning - PPT Service- Learning and Safe Schools - PPT Elementary School Training; Middle School Training; High School Training - PPT Learning to Give website and generationOn website Tutorials

Our INSPIRE3 Updates are included in every IASP School House News and every IMLEA Monday Minute that is sent electronically to their members. Highlights and a link to our Update by date available. Thanks for sharing these updates with your staff.

• All of our INSPIRE3 Updates are archived on our INSPIRE3 page under Resources. Thank you for sharing this link with your colleagues and staff so they can view the free resources to support servicelearning and philanthropy education in their classrooms and in your school.

• You can easily Connect with our INSPIRE3 program HERE, to find out more about our program, our mini-grants, about the free Learning to Give and generationOn website resources and how your teachers can submit their students service-learning experiences on a free tracking form on the generationOn website. We provide support and resources to Educate, Engage, and Empower students, classrooms, schools, and communities as they seek opportunities for service-learning and philanthropy.

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Our INSPIRE3 webpage is found under “About” on the IASP website on this link https://iasp.org/aboutiasp/inspire3-2/ and on the IMLEA website on this link: https://www.imlea.org/domain/10 . The following information can be found on these hubs. We are continuing to add more information, so check back periodically. Thanks for sharing our INSPIRE3 webpage • • • • • • •

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INSPIRE3 Sign Up link to be connected to our database and request additional information.

Overview – Benefits of Service-Learning; Academic Connections; INSPIRE3 Overview; generationOn Website Overview; Learning to Give Website Overview Employability Skills – Employability Skills Standards; Graduation Pathway Support; Service-Learning Standards; Meaning Service Project Checklist (to assist with Grad Pathways Box 2 Service-Based Learning component); SL Connections to Employability Skills Resources – Live links to Learning to Give Website and generationOn Website; INSPIRE3 Updates Professional Development – Contact Us; State Support; Digital Resources (PowerPoints and Tutorials) Mini-Grant Information – Requirements; Sample Mini-Grant Application Service-Learning Spotlight Articles and Snapshots of Service-Learning Stories

Spotlight on Service-Learning Contact me, Joan Belschwender, joan.inspire3@iasp.org Director INSPIRE3 if you have any questions of how to connect to us or need more information of what our grant funded program facilitated by the IASP and IMLEA can offer your school and teachers. Office in the IASP building, 11025 E. 25th St., Indpls. IN Phone: 317-891-9900 x201 Contact one of our INSPIRE3 team if you need assistance or more information: • Beth Smith, INSPIRE3 Educational Consultant State-Wide, Email: beth.inspire3@iasp.org • Darlene Short, INSPIRE3 Southern IN Field Rep, Teacher Castle North MS, Newburg, IN, Email: dshort@warrick.k12.in.us • Jack Birmingham, INSPIRE3 Northwest IN Field Rep, Asst. Superintendent Union Twp. Schools, Valparaiso, IN, Email: jbirmingham@union.k12.in.us • Lisa Crick, INSPIRE3 Northeast IN Field Rep, Counselor at West Noble Elementary, Ligonier, IN, Email: lismcrick@gmail.com New INSPIRE3 Ambassadors throughout our state. These experienced teachers and counselors listed below have been through our ambassador training workshop and are available to help educators understand more about the benefits and connections between service and learning and assistance with the free resources on the Learning to Give and generationOn websites.

• Jory Mathews jmathews@rfcsc.k12.in.us Teacher/River Forest M.S., Hobart – District 1 • Bonnie DeWolf bdewolf@lpcsc.k12.in.us Teacher/LaPorte M.S., LaPorte– District 2 • Julie Clary jclary@msdsc.us Teacher/Ryan Park Elementary, Angola – District 3 • Sarah Clary sclary@msdsc.us Teacher/Pleasant Lake Elementary, Angola - District 3 • Shannon Hudson shudson@cville.k12.in.us Teacher/Crawfordsville M.S., Crawfordsville –District 4 • Caren Walker cwalker@tsc.k12.in.us Teacher/Klondike M.S., West Lafayette – District 4 • Karen Bimber kbimber@ncweb.me School Counselor/New Castle H.S., New Castle – District 6 • Kate Jones kjones@ewsc.k12.in.us School Counselor/East Washington Elementary, Pekin – District 12 Also available to assist you with your service-learning questions and directing you to our INSPIRE3 resources are: • Tiffany Barrett – Director of IASP Member Services – tbarrett@iasp.org • Jaci Hadsell – Districts 3, 6 - IASP Member Specialist – jaci.hadsell@gmail.com • Additional IASP District Member Specialists to be announced soon • Jeremy Large, jlarge@newpal.k12.in.us Teacher at New Palestine H.S., is available to give you experienced advice on developing a Service-Learning Class at the high school level.

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Indianagram

Today’s challenges are25th veryStreet different from a few weeks ago. And while we know your concerns and challenges are 11025 East centered around caring for Indianapolis, INyour 46229students, our top priority is taking care of you.

1-800-285-2188 or 317-891-9900 To help keep you connected, we are offering a “Wednesday Webinar” series of no-cost virtaul workshops over the next www.iasp.org | iasp-info@iasp.org several weeks on topics important to educators. Topics will include student loan forgiveness, DonorChoose funding, retirement planning and more.

Plus, if you join in a webinar, you’ll learn how to enter our $10,000 DonorsChoose sweepstakes!