Team Reflection
Think back to Monday morning. How did it feel walking in?
New kids. New schedules. New rhythms to figure out, in the classroom, in the therapy room, in sessions that looked different than they did last week, and in the conversations our family services team held with families still finding their footing.
This week asked a lot of you. And yet, here you are on Friday.
Whether you were navigating a new caseload, a new classroom lineup, a first session with a child who wasn't sure about you yet, or a family who needed more reassurance than answers, you showed up. You stayed present. You leaned on each other.
Because the kids and families you worked with this week are going to remember the people who showed up when things were still unsettled. That's you.
You are changing lives.
This week's reflection: What helped you get through this week? And is there something in that answer you want to carry into the next one?
Updates & Announcements
Updated Playground Schedule
Our playground schedule was updated on 8/14. Please review the new times below:
| 9:15 – 9:50 | Step 3 |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Step 2 |
| 10:15 – 11:00 | Step 1 · Main Yard |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | IDP |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Step 2 & Step 3 |
| 12:00 – 3:45 | Playground Open |
| 3:45 – 4:15 | Late Birds · Step 1 |
| 4:15 – 4:55 | Late Birds · Step 2 & 3 |
| 4:25 – 4:55 | Friendship Club · Mon–Thu |
View the full schedule, or email happy@schoolofimagination.org for a printed copy.
Hellos
Next week we welcome two new team members. Ms. Natalie joins us full time and Ms. Trupti part time, and both will be helping out in IDP. Please give them a warm welcome.
Late Bird Assignments — Week of 8/17
As more staff start, schedules will adjust. Here is this week's coverage. As a reminder, schedules will fluctuate for the first couple of weeks.
| Day | Step 1 · CR 6 | Step 2/3 · CR 3 |
|---|
| Monday | Miranda | Jen (3:00–4:30 pm), Melissa (4:30–5:00 pm) |
| Tuesday | Allie | Melissa |
| Wednesday | Athena | Emily M. (3:00–4:45 pm), Melissa (4:45–5:00 pm) |
| Thursday | Rinkoo | Melissa |
| Friday | Lily | Ka'tia (3:00–4:45 pm), Melissa (4:45–5:00 pm) |
View the Early Bird / Late Bird list of kiddos.
Recognition Spotlight
Our Classroom Coordinators: Shout-out to our new and returning classroom coordinators for creating thoughtful, intentional lessons to start the year. Your hard work on curriculum has made all the difference as you welcomed new students into your classrooms. The way you've introduced children to your routines and materials will pay off in dividends over the course of the year. — Ms. Christina C.
Educator Teams: Shout-out to all of our new teams for working together to make your classrooms so magical. What safe spaces you've created for your students to learn, grow, and play. From thoughtfully curating your materials to shifting centers to new places, you've made your classrooms a learning environment that works, first and foremost, for our little ones. Great work! — Ms. Christina C.
The SOI Team: Thank you everyone for welcoming our SJSU SLP intern, Sarah, for the summer. She's officially started her first job as an SLP at Hayward Unified School District. I feel confident that this team gave her a positive and welcoming final experience as she wrapped up her graduate program. Thank you for allowing her to participate in your classrooms and treating her as a valued member of the team. I appreciate it! — Ms. Christina P.
Corynn and Allie: Thank you for letting me visit your amazing classroom. You are constantly shifting to support and teach every child. Such a cheerful and positive atmosphere in your classroom. You have definitely earned your Sunny Succulent moniker. — Ms. Marian
Julie and Lily: A BIG thank you for meeting with me before our regular work hours for the benefit of one of our shared friends. I am so grateful for a team that is willing to collaborate for our students. Your students are so lucky to have you! — Ms. Christina P.
Ms. Marian: Thank you so much for supporting one of my clients in preparing for their IEP meeting. You were incredibly thorough and prepared, and the insights and recommendations you shared were truly amazing and so valuable to the parents. I really appreciate the thought and care you put in! — Ms. Christy
Ms. Corynn: Thank you for building such a great rapport with one of our clients, even though they were never assigned to your class. Those quick hellos and chats you have with the kiddos in the hallway or on the play yard really make a huge impact. Those small moments of connection mean so much to our kids! — Ms. Christy
Little Sunshines: Thank you so much for letting our Little Stars friends join you for OT and speech this week. Our friends loved playing with you! — Ms. Melissa
Ms. Julie: Thank you for showing me how to be set up for success in Early Birds, and for always checking in on me multiple times a day. I appreciate the help, advice, and tips you give me on how to support my kiddos. — Ms. Jen
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