The annual Christmas Taco Posada took place in my room during Exam Week at ASFM. Throughout the day, 70+ staff members took a little time off their day to enjoy some tacos, some dessert and get into the Christmas spirit. Lety Gerber and I planned this event together.

With the help of Admin, Maintenance and Melanie Henning, we gave the Teacher's Lounge an Extreme Makeover. The main idea behind is to begin creating a space were teachers and staff can lounge, eat and get some work done.

Now we have new couches, a different layout of the space and other furniture and it makes the rooms feel larger and with a positive flow.

THE LOUNGE IS FANTABULOUS!

Dear Ale,

Thanks for changing the vibe in there completely! It's open, welcoming and a lot less sterile. We all appreciate what you guys did this weekend to it. -Suzanne Shanks

BEFORE

AFTER

Zennhya Escamilla, Lety Gerber and I organized the annual end of the year party in my room. This is a moment to unwind and make some connections amongst teachers and friends.

Happy summer!

Every year, with the support of the Fine Arts Department, I organize to put together a gift for the Auditorium Staff to thank them for all the extra work they do for us. The idea of the gift is to give them something that they can take home and share with their families so I buy tamales, soft drinks and a few baked goods to go with it as well. The Auditorium Staff is always very thankful for this gesture.

HOW IT WENT WITH MY STUDENTS:

I showed video #2 to my students and asked them about their relationship with their parents. Many of them said they already have good communication with them but that they would try to be more "present". Then we talked about the purpose of the Christmas baskets. I gave them a little background of how they have changed over the years and how every year we have tried to make the delivery and the basket a little more personal.

We read over the ideas of what they could do to make the basket more personal. I showed them a picture and told the name of our recipient: José López Ramos. I asked them what they would like to do to personalize the delivery and they decided on creating a card they could all sign and also consider how the delivery of the basket could happen. They liked the idea of inviting José to my room and maybe having a few snacks and asking him about his family and how he spends Christmas and thanking him for his service.

TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM JULIA DENNIS

Thank you so much for sharing these, Ale!

I enjoyed reading through the lessons and your reflections - all very intentional and thoughtful! I appreciate the fact that you are working students through the process of being self-aware and reflective - teaching them what that looks like and developing those skills (we often ask them to do these things and take for granted that they know how - they do need support in getting there!). Great that you were able to connect it to the Christmas basket giving as well - a lovely way to help develop empathy.

I have definitely learned from the resources that you have provided and hope that others find them valuable as well. Thank you for your willingness to share!

Enjoy the day,

Julia

PS - The choose your scale document was great - the pumpkin, perhaps, being my personal favorite :)

TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAURIE BEHAN

I love this Ale! I also think the check-in would be a great ingredient for our Grade 6 "Self Awareness" unit to start next school year. Thank you for sharing.

Laurie