Summer Retreat - GPAC

August 19, 2021 9:00-11:00

Summer Retreat - Buckman Heights Multi-Purpose Room

September 2, 2021 9:00-11:00

Mindful Walking at Braddock's Bay

September 29, 2021 4:00-5:00

October 27, 2021 3:00-4:00

This past February, I attended the GCSD Mindfulness Team's Mini Silent Retreat. It was a cold, winter Saturday morning, and I did not want to leave the house. Although I was reluctant to go at first, the reception when I walked into the retreat was very peaceful, warm, and welcoming, and I found that I knew many of the team members. The day was filled with individual and group mindfulness practices, enabling me to participate at my own comfort level. I found the quiet, guided self-reflections to be the most challenging, and most beneficial to me. They allowed me to slow down my thoughts, which were racing when I entered the retreat, and to instead focus on one thing, as well as my breathing. I left the retreat feeling very centered, relaxed, and clear in regards to my intentions for the day. I honestly did not know how much I needed that time to myself, until I took the opportunity to do so. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone! The mindfulness team members were awesome, well-versed, and so non-judgmental...immediately putting me at ease. I hope you take advantage of this fantastic in-house resource. We are lucky to have them! ~Dr. Shannon C. Heller

About Virtual Family Fest:

I really appreciated how the mindfulness event involved the whole family. It was a learning opportunity not only for the students of Autumn Lane, but their families as well. It gave the entire family mindfulness strategies to use, have common language and exercises to practice together. It also gave each member of our family an opportunity to talk about which mindfulness strategy worked the best for each of us individually so in the future we could rely on those to help one another. -Gina Mills, Parent

I would like to share with you how much I appreciate the commitment our district has made to mindfulness. As you may know I can be a bit of a skeptic and when we first began the journey of mindfulness I struggled to see the value in my own life. As time went on and I began allowing myself to accept the practice, and I am thankful I did. The positive impact has directly influenced my life, both personally and professionally.

Personally, my journey has helped me handle and cope with stress. Given the expectations of a new principal (especially during a pandemic) it is hard not to allow work to consume time at home and interrupt moments meant for family. Fortunately now because of our work, I have created a daily ritual to allow myself to focus on self care. I believe I am healthier because of it.

Professionally, the practice of mindfulness offers a platform for me as a leader to model self care. I find myself providing compassion for staff in moments that I may otherwise not have. This has allowed me to become more of a listening leader rather than "Mr. Fix-it" and I am grateful for that.

As with everything it is important for me to continue to grow in this area. I still find myself reverting to old habits and losing sight of my own self care. I hope to continue to do this work both as a leader, and as a person.

~ Mr. Michael Ferris, Principal