May Dip...update! WPS 5-1-24
My daughter currently attends university in Scotland. Today, they participate in a tradition known as May Dip. On the first day of May, the students parade to the North Sea and run into the frigid water to celebrate (?) and then warm themselves near bonfires on the beach. This tradition has continued for a few hundred years and while they claim it protects them from superstitions connected to their academic performance it is more evident that they simply want to have fun. Sometimes it is that ability to simply have fun that can lead to improved academic outcomes. I am not advocating that we all do a polar plunge, but I do believe that joy in education leads to overall engagement and that we know leads to more individual success.
As spring approaches, joy is often more noticeable in the classrooms, out at recess, during after school events. Year-long bonds have been established and stronger relationships lead to greater celebrations in May as activities and events pick-up leading into June. Not that we don’t see it all year long, but the anticipation of the end of the year brings out more joy for various reasons. Life gets really busy this time of year so finding that balance of responsibilities, expectations and joy is really important. Hopefully, what is making us busy is bringing us joy!
Now, acknowledging that this time of year can get very busy, this month we are embarking on the next phase of our Equity Audit to assess our curriculum and practices in order to best meet the needs of ALL of the members of our school community. It includes establishing a number of Focus Groups in order to collect qualitative and quantitative data that we would like to gather before the summer break as this is an ideal time for reflection. We are soliciting interest for individuals to participate in interactive discussions facilitated by our outside consultant from AIR (American Institute Research). In order to ensure we have a diverse sectionality of representation amongst the varying focus groups, we have created a survey/form to help them select a wide range of participants from those expressing interest. If you choose to share your information and submit your interest to participate, one of our team members will communicate with you if you have been selected. When considering your time and commitment to this integral part of the audit please take these details into consideration before signing up as a potential participant:
1. Range of 3 - 5 Focus Groups representative of our Community/School Members
2. Range of 3 - 5 Sessions per Focus Group (In-Person, Virtual and/or Hybrid)
3. Sessions will take place either on Tuesdays or Thursdays starting in May 2024.
4. Session Times will vary to accommodate AM and PM schedules with the greatest number of participants at the time.
Participants will be assigned to ONLY ONE Focus Group to increase stakeholder voices. You can access the survey/form here: Equity Audit Focus Group Member Interest Sign-Up Form (https://forms.gle/wiNLnKo7VUGpWTva7)
Cheers!
Chris