I tend to want to do marathon work. Taking breaks would be a very good habit.

Google doc notes from the session:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xeYMXRJJOkCes0NHbyI3XGi3mSWWRWELMv2biFXRZ68/edit?tab=t.0

Resource shared by facilitator:

https://www.acteonline.org/state-fact-sheets/

Great discussion, talked about 3 aspects. 1. Barriers. 2. Raising awareness/positives. 3. Successes of implementing and helping with CTE/GEAR UP collaboration. Having a background in CTE, it was interesting to hear about it from the other side and to describe things that I had done.

I know there are programs out there ($$$$) that help students through the application and admissions process. How can we support students throughout this process? I know some grants have better structures for this. How does our grant/center work towards doing more for students in these areas?

I am curious... how many of our students don't get into a college because of their essays?

One useful idea they had was regarding how they are contacting students once they leave high school during their freshman year of college. They suggested social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn with dedicated GEAR UP pages where students can receive info and communicate after high school.

• If we don't take time to diagnose the problem, it makes finding a solution much more difficult.

• Looking at what is "bottlenecking" or hindering student attendance/success.

• Looking at the Know, Feel, Do (the how, how they feel, plan to act).

• They had us in the first half, got into the weeds in the second half, literally went over how to write an email to students...

Presenters discussed the Fishbone Diagram and SMART goals. The fishbone diagram helps outline potential causes connected to a problem with smaller related causes under each. This could be a useful graphic representation, while working with a team (on GUMS PD, perhaps when considering systems we use for communicating to schools, or even organizing our own collaborative work). SMART goals felt like a nice continuation of session 1 about organizing; while Gantt charts break things into smaller steps, perhaps SMART goals could complement that.

• How do you determine the best platforms for each audience?

  • Instagram and LinkedIn

  • Look at the analytics for the age group and region; check in often as demographics change

How do you navigate the changing policies of established social media?

How do you reach teachers, students, parents?

• Shout out to Canva

• Digital newsletters

• Visually appealing

How do you promote a GU event more broadly when it's intended for only a specific section of a cohort?

-be specific about your audience; use your website to send people out to other events

Use templates for communication

Also, language is important in how we communicate with people. How this nation used/still uses negative and racist language to separate. One term, "at-risk," is one that is used in education and has a negative effect.

Your morning sets your day!

Selective device time!

No is a full sentence!

Stillness is the key!

Practice detachment: Become the calmest person in the room!

Choose your battles!

Shift your mindset: Peace and joy begins with you.

I loved hearing from the president of NCTM. She connected the NCTM series of Catalyzing Change to how we can transform how we reach students in the math classroom and any area. Relevance and support for students allow students to reach higher heights.

I chose this session to keep in mind CCGC as I am coaching my teachers. I want to continue to encourage my teachers to be a shining example of positive energy in reference to CCGC.

• frequent messages

• many staff involved (not just the counselor)

The culture impacts aspirations, motivation, healthy peer networks, engagement, belonging, and learning.

Problems with nurturing

The school population should all be involved in GEAR UP!

-Reconnect to your why

• You were called to do this work (your role in change agency)

-Beware the Disease to Please

-Stillness is the Key

-Practice Detachment

Peace and Joy begin with you

This was a great reminder on the value of self-management and the "fill your own cup" or "put on your oxygen mask" first mentalities.

School did a modeling showcase on the appropriate attire for different careers. Partnered with different businesses in the community that were involved in donations of professional attire, and they also had the students engage their families with donations. They partnered with the technical and cosmology schools to help with attire and hair and the culinary with their uniform and equipment.

Great ideas and vulnerability among attendees.

Ask your self...

1 - What puts you in flow?

2 - How do you want to start your mornings?

Consider...

3 - Shifting your relationship with devices.

4 - The disease to please (saying "no" to set a boundary on over-commitment)

I think I am doing #3 best and I've gotten pretty good at #4. I need to keep working on #1. I need to reimagine #2.

-Interesting concept to host regional events for a future iteration of the grant...that could gather people who are not centralized around resources.

-I had never seen the concurrent enrollment resources on LEARN.

Discussion Lab: The Balancing Act Between Personal and Professional Life

-I liked the concept of juggling balls and while the "work" ball can bounce back, others, like the "relationships" ball can break if you don't tend to them.

-We discussed balancing news intake and keeping a pulse on what is happening in the world, but not letting what we cannot control dominate our mental health.

-Having a strong balance in personal life (e.g. dimensions of wellness) can enhance work productivity.