Community

My biggest challenge in relocating to Oman has been the lack of 'community' feel. As I started year 2, I decided that this was something I could change and have some control over, and I've made it a priority. I even tied it to my professional goal, tied to one of our Effective Learning Principles that effective learning happens "When learners feel valued, comfortable and are willing to take risks." To that end, I worked with the Elementary Librarian and Admin team to start PD Book Clubs at ABA, joined a new Social Committee and signed up to host a load of events, invited the Board to meet in the updated Library space, agreed to coach Academic Games, and generally try to say 'Yes' more to invitations. It's really working - my morale is higher, and it's contagious!

Here is a little more about some of these events:

Social Committee

Some ABA teachers joined together and decided to form a social committee to organize events for staff, outside of school, throughout the year. I was so excited to find kindred spirits, and we've had great success thus far. We've organized a shopping trip, beach day, afternoon hikes, International-themed feast and coffee mornings. I started a weekly baking club for interested staff - 15 people that take turns baking homemade treats for each other. This past weekend my family hosted the annual Halloween party / Trick-or-Treating for staff members with children and more than 100 people came to our house! Next up is a North American Thanksgiving and Christmas cookie swap. It's done exactly what I was hoping for - connected me more to our community and celebrated the diversity within it.

Library Breakout / Secrets of the Library

Breakout / Escape Room activities continue to be hugely popular, so I brought the successes of the Library Breakout to ABA. In the end-of-year library class evaluations, it was consistently named as the highlight of the year. I also used the activity as part of a "Secrets of the Library" session for staff during a PD "Teachers Teaching Teachers" session and it was fantastic. Staff enjoyed the hand-on, competitive style and I've seen the positive benefits of it as these staff have used library resources more since that day. I present to Middle School parents next week - here's hoping it brings the same enthusiasm!

Board in the Library

I applied for a PTA grant and was able to buy a collection of board games and puzzles for the library. These have been fantastic community builders. Stressed students and teachers have appreciated a quiet moment to add pieces to the community puzzle. Students that don't want to play outside in the desert heat enjoy having something to do together in the coolness of the library during breaks. I'm hoping to start an After School Activity next term, and there are definitely enough active gamers to make that happen! Much thanks to the ABA PTA for making "Board in the Library" happen!

Professional Development Book Clubs

World Book Day / Living Library