Summer School

I’ve enjoyed teaching school summer. Yep, I said it.

A few months ago, it was a no brainer that I was going to teach summer school. All I knew was that I would get paid. I needed the money, and I would teach it June and July, no questions asked.

 

Let’s go back to May 25. I can’t sleep. Not because it’s the night before the last day of school, but because an email showed me that I’ll only get 2 weeks off my entire summer and teaching lasts from 8:30-2:00pm weekdays. My mind went into a panic, and I knew deep down that teaching all week and summer long would drain me before the new school year started. I emailed the AP the next day and she granted my request to take July off. 

 

A week later in a meeting I’m told I’ll work with a mix of first and second graders: one can’t speak any English, over half speak limited English, two have IEPs, and one student will be a challenge. Having worked with some of these kids during tutoring, I knew teaching them all day would be a tall task. 

 

Fast forward to today. Yesterday, I collaborated with Becky Schnekser, author of the book Expedition Science. She filmed a video for my explorers about waterfalls in Iceland where she’s currently at. Tomorrow, we’re put on their adventure hats (seriously). Our daily read aloud is going to be wild! Followed by the great exploration for signs of water and wildlife around school. My explorers will calculate the distance from our school to Iceland, then create two digit addition & subtraction math problems for their fellow explorers to solve. At the end of the day, they’ll solve a mysterious puzzle to uncover a creature never been seen!

 

Have all our summer school days been like my previous paragraph? Absolutely not. Most days have been special in some small way. From daily read alouds and morning meetings, to dress up days, to donut breakfasts, the students and I have had a blast. It seems like everyday we’ve created a new memory that has been jotted down in my daily journal. (Yesterday was my 100^th straight day!) 

 

My tips are

·      Wear comfortable clothes 

·      Buy your survival coffee 

·      Smile when you pick the kids up

·      Have a daily line leader & door holder

·      Build relationships with your students

·      Incorporate student interests (google is helpful)

 

In three days, I’ll be wrapping up my first summer school. It’s been the quite the adventure that I’m surprisingly glad I undertook. I was able to try new some skills I’ve learned through books I’ve read and work with a new grade that has captivated my motivation to make each day memorable. It took a choice by me to make summer school what it became. It’s not always the quickest process, but it’s always worth it!

 

 

Beach Party

Where: Beach

Who: You

Date & Time: Anytime

Occasion: Mental Health

 

 

I have a confession: I’ve lived in Florida for almost four years and before this past March I had only gone to the beach twice. If you did the math that means I was averaging going to the beach every TWO YEARS. A twenty something, single male, hardworking educator, living in Florida went to the beach twice in 4 years. I’m embarrassed for all of us. 

 

Let’s fast forward to since March. I’ve gone 5 times in a 10-week span. In May alone, I went three times and finished a book all three times. Ironically, May was my top book month with five books. As a former NBA Coach famously said, “Take that for data!” Do the math, and that averages a beach day every two weeks. That’s much more Floridian don’t cha think?

 

With every school year, I get tired. It seemed like more teachers were tired more than ever this year, and rightly so. Honestly, I never believed those posts about “make sure to take time for yourself” because I always convinced myself I was. The truth is, I haven’t taken time for myself since I started teaching five years ago, until recently. For me, that meant saying ‘no’ to voluntarily working with my extended day kiddos and just going home when the clock hit 3:30pm. Weekends became the beach or couch parties. All were firsts for me. 

 

It wasn’t until I drove to the beach after school on my birthday in April that I realized just how relaxing and needed it was. I soaked up the sun for 3+ hours that afternoon with minimal people. I highly recommend you try it. Get off work, and drive to the beach. I drive an hour and will continue in a heartbeat. “But Jordan I don’t live near a beach.” Then go somewhere desolate where you can gather your thoughts. Change into your beach attire, bring a snack and book, and go for a few hours, even if it just one hour. I promise, you’ll thank me later. 

 

There’s just something about the sound of the waves, the vibrant colors, and darkening of my skin that makes it all feel right. It’s free, gets my reading in, which results in bettering my mental health. #Winning

 

My next goal is to leave the phone in the car. I’m guilty of checking it after reading a chapter or hourly. At least I’m going to the beach and leaving school at an early time. Remember, small successes have big results!

 

So grab your sunscreen (thanks Nurse Jessie), rock those sunglasses, eat juicy watermelon, and soak up the rays at your own beach party. You deserve it! 

 

Marbles

Tonight, I will move my forty- third marble in as many days. One act, day after day. Moving a marble is as simple as it sounds, but it's much more!

 

    For the last forty-three days I’ve moved a marble from one mason jar to the next. It was recommended from the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear. (I highly recommend reading it.) 

To move a marble, you have to write one positive thought about your day on a piece of paper.  I prefer a pirate looking journal. (It’s the simple motivations.) As a reward, you move a marble. 

 

    The task sounds mundane. But the tiny act of moving a marble each night has had remarkable results. For the first time in my life, I’ve been constantly journaling. I’ve also noticed I’m much happier. Seeing the marble tower grow helps me visualize my good habit and mindset. Because I’m developing this good habit, it shows in my attitude in and outside of my home and at work.

 

    What was supposed to be one thought has quickly become a page long of sentences, bullet points, and doodles. Because I’ve been journaling for forty-three straight days, that’s 43 days of positivity! Let me repeat that, 43 days of happiness, laughter, and history!

 

    Let’s be honest, not every day has been a happy one. But now I find at least one thing (usually many more) that were positives in my day. It doesn’t have to take a miracle to make it into my journal. Making my bed, reading my daily devotion, eating a breakfast at my dinner table are habits I do daily that usually get added. Then I add thoughts like, “laughed a funny joke a student told me”, “ate pepperoni pizza tonight”, “ran 3 miles”, or “went to the beach.” If it made my day better, I add it.

 

    I have one rule: no negative thoughts. For me it’s very easy to get caught up in the drama of a hard day’s work. When I find this journal hiding in my attic after seven years I don’t want to read about the negatives my life. I rather read about all the happy times I had and how I found littlest moments of sunshine. I’ll already know when a day was difficult by reading the date and recalling. No need to remind myself. This current journal has 124 pages. Which means I’ll have 124 days of positives! That’s a lot …and a lot of marbles. 

 

    Marbles signify my daily habit journaling. Journaling signifies my habit of writing positives. Writing positives signifies my growth mindset. My growth mindset visualizes this through the tower of marbles growing daily in my mason jar. Simple!

 

    You can bet I’ll be adding this journal and its streak to my journal tonight. Thus moving my forty- third marble!  

 

Moonshot

You can keep wishing and watching or you can get up and start living! 

 

    During my spring break two weeks ago, I chose to get out of my comfort zone. The week included trips to Bok Tower, a top-secret beach, and air boating in Boggy Creek! I went ziplining through jungles and springs for the first time. Finally, I capped off the thrilling week by riding Kumba, Montu, and starred down death in the front row of SheiKra! Many of my friends used the week to relax at home while I used it explore an unfamiliar world unbeknownst to me.

 

    This week was arguably life changing. I suited up and launched. I didn’t have friends around many of the activities I experience and even received alien looks by people when they noticed I was by myself. During that week, I kept the mission going! 

 

    Last year I many goals: run my first marathon, go bungee jumping, put myself out there more, etc. Then the year snowballed. From my foot injury that turned into surgery to a global pandemic that has changed our lives as we know it. Plans for all of us got put on a screeching halt. Every plan and goal I had was officially cancelled. 

 

    This year I’m back! I’m taking my shot to new heights…. literally! A goal I had last year was to skydive for my birthday. It’s been on my list since I was kid. I even wanted to be an astronaut, but when my seventh-grade teacher told me that would never happen, I quickly retreated on that dream. But we all Covid-19 cancelled that bucket list item…until now!

 

    A few weeks ago, I contacted a stranger in a group we follow and asked her to join me. To my surprise she agreed right away, even saying she had a chance to go with her friends not too long ago but regretfully had to pass at that time. If all goes to plan in the next few weeks, I’ll be taking the biggest leap (literally) of my life! 

 

    Skydiving has constantly been on my mind for years. To think it’ll finally happen soon, I’m so humbled and blessed to have this opportunity I’ve been seeking. It’s a discomfort of a whole new level.

 

    Do you have a moonshot? Are you on the right trajectory or are you delayed? Whatever your it is, it’s time to get on the pad and launch! 

Time

 

Today I woke up early to run at the location of my race an hour away. My routine was flawless, my timing was spot on, and just as finished my run I realized my car key was missing from my zipped pocket. There went my time…

 

    In late January, our school got the news our beloved principal would be leaving soon to prepare to be the principal at a brand-new school. I was selfishly devasted. Just seven months ago, I moved away from friends and a school I loved because this principal was the real deal. Now, she’s gone. I wanted more time to learn from her.

 

    Also in late January, I met a girl. We connected on multiple levels: religion, hobbies, and goals. We hung out a few times and had a great time. Less than two weeks later, she ghosted me. I wanted more time to know her.

 

    About every week or so, my mom and I talk. Okay, she’ll say I do the talking…but you know what I mean. It never fails that she’ll remind me how the plains of the Midwest are my first home and our family will welcome me back. But I want more time to live here. 

 

    I’m struggling with teaching. If you know my story, you know I’ve had the worst luck. I never feel as though I’m doing a good enough job. I feel so isolated and judged by everything I do. Sometimes it affects, other times I shake it off. I’ve contemplated quitting teaching after this year. The truth is, I want more time to figure out my what my heart is telling me.

 

    I saw a friend post about many well-known celebrities and professionals not having their fame and fortune in their twenties. Some didn’t even hit their stardom until their forties and fifties. It made me think that maybe I do have more time.

 

I have time to travel.

I have time to figure out my career.

I have time to find the right girl.

I have time to work out.

I have time to read books for hours.

I have time to sleep in.

I have time to not respond immediately to emails.

I have time to watch tv.

I have time to enjoy my weekend.

I have time to enjoy my weeknights. 

I have time to save money.

I have time to grow.

I have time to have fun.

I have time to spurge on myself.

 

    I don’t have my life figured out. Sometimes I even feel pressured to. I panic and start to regret all the decisions I made in the past. Then I remember, I’m where I am because I took risks. I chased my dreams. I followed my heart and went the career and life I wanted. So maybe I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m not going to stop trying because I still have time!  

 

One Word 2021: Hundred

“Mr. Potrzeba, I’m trying to give you a hundred, but I’m just so exhausted.” – current student

 

 

        When my student said that phrase it immediately stuck with me. That girl had worked extremely hard to get caught up on her work, even spending a few hours after school reading. She was also cooking and helping her own siblings with their homework…a ten year old. She exemplified what it meant to give “hundred” and that’s why hundred is my word for 2021.

 

        When I think of hundred, I think of words like: number, big, amount. But when I say, “give hundred”, it means more than the numerical value. To me giving hundred means maximum effort, all out, living life to its fullest, trying the best you can. 

 

        Everyone’s hundred will look different. What you give at a hundred on your best day will be different than what I give on my best day. That’s perfectly okay. Some days your hundred will vary pending on a number of factors: sleep, if you had your coffee or not, if you worked out before going to work, etc. That’s okay too.

 

        When the clock strikes midnight, flipping the calendar to New Year’s Day, we are immediately recharged. People flock to gyms and post their optimism all over social media, as we should. It’s an exciting time! People are ready to give a hundred! But what about after day 22 or day 97, 164, or even 322? 

 

        Giving a hundred for 365 days is not an easy feat, some might say near impossible. But with the right mindset or visuals: calendars, motivational notes, and a support team I believe it’s entirely possible!

 

        For example, today I was at the end of my run when that voice inside crept in and said, “It’s okay to slow down. You’re still recovering from surgery. There’s always tomorrow.” But I intentionally didn’t listen and pushed forward and accomplished my goal of running a mile faster than six minutes. That took giving a hundred to the very last second.

 

        Imagine how incredible your life could be if we all give a hundred. I personally think of everything I could accomplish. Afterall, if it’s important to you, you’ll find time for it. You want to read more? Set an alarm each day to read. You want to eat better? Create a grocery list and meal plan. You want to run a marathon? Start with walking or running a mile and build up. 

 

        Whatever your goals are this year give a hundred and just wait until you see the results! You got this! Have the happiest, healthiest, craziest 2021 EVER!

27

It’s that time of the year where we reflect on the year we had. Like others, I had a year. Normally, I’d do a year in a review, but I did that in my November blog. Since I turned 27 this year, let’s end the year with 27 things that made this year great.

 

1.     12 Blogs!  #GoalAccomplished

2.     Reading lots of books: Running with the Buffaloes, Projet 1065

3.     TV Shows: Tiger King, Ozark, the Mandalorian, Schitt’s Creek

4.     Surprising my students at sporting events and McDonalds

5.     Traveling to Oklahoma and Louisiana

6.     Switching schools in the middle of a pandemic

7.     Moving to a safer apartment with a great view

8.     Having my first surgery to repair my left foot

9.     Long bicycle rides with endless paths

10.  Winning a $500 grant

11.  Going on dates

12.  Eating at Raising Canes/ trying exotic food

13.  Visiting St. Augustine with my class

14.  Winning a professional development trip the Mall of America

15.  Giving out our first VIP jacket

16.  Traveling to Ohio with a friend for a week trip

17.  Having Courtney, Todd, Shane, Dustin, Juan virtual reads

18.  Getting kissed for the first time in years

19.  Giving away $500 in gift cards

20.  Sharing my story with former teachers at Cracker Barrel 

21.  Writing personalized notes to friends, family, and students

22.  500 High Five Fridays (before Covid-19)

23.  Running my first mile on Christmas, since January

24.  Having 27 projects funded, totaling over $5,000

25.  Building bookshelves

26.  Speaking to 100+ 4^th graders about books

27.  Meeting fellow Nebraskans in Florida

28.  Sunday night virtual read alouds with costumes!

29.  Showering for the first time after surgery…weeks later

30.  Finishing 2 online classes

 

Okay, so I added an extra three to the list. Despite all the downfalls, breakups, and injuries, I really enjoyed this year. I truly believe I grew more this year, than most. I’m excited to for the BEST YEAR EVER in 2021! You will too!