Because the truth is, I believe that if we focus on care, the rules and routines will come from that focus. Because so much of the compliance we demand of children can also be reached through conversations on how we care for ourselves, our community and our space.

When we return to school tomorrow, we are going to begin our new year by taking time to set goals on how we will work to care for ourselves, our community and our space. We will do this instead of focusing on rules and routines. docs.google.com/document/d/1...

Chanea. I am sending you all the love. I am so grateful to know you exist in this world. The goodness you add to it, gives my very tired heart so much hope. Happy year’s end, my friend. Here’s to a new one.

Thanks, Jenn. I just don’t know where we go from here. I can’t remember ever feeling quite so hopeless in our profession.

Oh, Jenn. The money. The hundreds of thousands of dollars spent. And all that is being lost. I don’t know how we keep on doing this. I am also not sure what choice we have. I’m going to try to just keep on loving the kids through this all. But goodness. What this is doing to my heart!!!

If you want to teach students to read media critically, to seek out reliable resources and multiple perspectives and support them as they process their emotions in response to that, that is important work that must be done with care and such deliberate intentions. That does NOT happen in a debate.

We hope you’ll join us in the work of building toolkits that help us create LGBTQ-affirming schools. Register today to secure your spot! 2/2 #IREL25

Join us virtually on Saturday, September 27th. Find more information at theirel.org.

Might I add that I’m terrified of what this coming year will bring.