Growing Together
New educators, Strategy Cards arriving in classrooms Thursday, and a few things to know. Read it during your work day and confirm at the bottom.
Team Reflection
This week, every educator is watching the Child's Personal Rights video for licensing. It's a requirement, and it's also a good reminder of what sits underneath everything we do: every child here has the right to be treated with dignity, to feel safe, and to be known.
We're also welcoming five new educators. The first weeks somewhere new are when people decide whether they belong. A warm hello, a quick "here's where we keep that," an invitation to sit with you at lunch. Those moments are how our culture gets passed on.
This week's reflection: Think about your own first week at SOI. What did someone do that made you feel welcome? Who can you do that for this week?
Updates & Announcements
Each item is labeled so you can see what applies to you: Everyone or Educators.
Confirming now takes one click: just pick your name from the list at the bottom of the page. The Team Update is how we share what you need to know, from safety drills to schedule changes, and we want to be sure everyone gets it. Your confirmation also helps us see who might need a hand. Individual confirmations are seen only by leadership.
State Licensing requires all educators to complete the following by Tuesday, 9/30 at 5:00 PM. It's a 5-minute video and a short activity, less than 30 minutes altogether, so please fit it into your work day:
- Watch the Child's Personal Rights video.
- Submit a written statement through the Google Form covering what child rights mean to you, why they matter for children, and key takeaways from the video we should all follow.
Our first fire drill of the year went great. Thank you for moving calmly and keeping every child with you. One class wasn't sure of their exit route, which is exactly why we practice.
A reminder: an exit map is posted in every classroom and in the hallway by the stairs. Take a minute this week to find your room's map and walk through your route with your team, so everyone knows the way before the next drill.
Starting Thursday, October 1, Strategy Cards from our clinicians begin arriving in classrooms. Each child with a Strategy Card has a Lead Clinician, and you'll receive those assignments this week. Megan will reach out to set up your first meetings. Some Strategy Cards will arrive after Thursday, and that's expected. In the meantime, questions can go to Christina Cunningham.
We're so happy to welcome five new educators to SOI: Ms. Ruchi, who has already joined us, Ms. Jennifer S. (Monday, 9/28), Mr. Chad (Wednesday, 9/30), Ms. Trang (Monday, 10/5), and Ms. Rae (Tuesday, 10/6). Please give each of them a warm welcome and help them feel at home.
A reminder that we're using Brightwheel to log daily student activities this year, including diapering and toileting, food, and naps. Please enter this information, to the best of your ability, each day. This has been shared with parents, and they're expecting it. Thank you!
To schedule a certification conversation with Christina Cunningham, use this booking link. Meetings are listed in 15-minute blocks, so please book one block per module.
If your classroom team hasn't scheduled an environment walk for Module C1 yet, please reach out to Megan to set one up. Here's what the environment walk involves.
We're switching things up this year, no more small-group costumes by team. Whatever theme wins, everyone can dress up as anything that fits it (for example, if Disney wins, wear any Disney costume you like). Costumes are optional, but if you're participating, keep it work-appropriate and make sure it doesn't interfere with your daily role.
Voting closes 9/30. Theme announced 10/1. Costume day is Friday, 10/30. Cast your vote here.
A representative from our new 401(k) provider will be here to walk through the plan options and enrollment timeline, and to answer your questions. We'll work with clinicians' schedules to reschedule clients so you can attend too.
Check the Time Off Calendar first to see who's already out, then submit your request in Connecteam at least 3 weeks in advance. The calendar is always on the Team Dashboard too.
We're still hiring for Assistant and Classroom Coordinator Track roles. If you know someone who'd be a great fit, send their name, contact info, and the role to hr@schoolofimagination.org before they apply.
| Day | Step 1 · CR 6 | Step 2/3 · CR 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Emily M. | Melissa |
| Tuesday | Allie | Rebecca |
| Wednesday | Miranda | Melissa |
| Thursday | Rinkoo | Rebecca |
| Friday | Ruchi | Rebecca |
View the Early Bird / Late Bird list of kiddos.
Important Dates
Little Stars
Avatars · Step 3
Little Sunshines
Tue, 9/30: Child's Personal Rights training due by 5:00 PM (educators). Halloween voting closes.
Thu, 10/1: Strategy Cards begin arriving in classrooms.
Fri, 10/2: 401(k) educational meeting, 4:00 PM.
October Bulletin Board: Across from Classroom 2: Buttercups (Step 2) | Next to Classroom 4: Little Rainbows
Fri, 10/16: Pumpkin Patch field trip.
Planned Outs
Celebrations
Recognition Spotlight
Want to celebrate someone? Share a recognition
Read it? Let us know.
Select your name from the list and tap Submit by Monday at 5:00 PM. Please read the update during your paid work time, not on your own time. If something is getting in the way, Shari is happy to help.