What’s the Deal with DEVOLSON?

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love how the weather in the PNW feels in the fall; one day above 70 degrees and sunny, the next cloudy and rainy and a high of 55. It is time for sweaters, and pumpkin spice, and must see TV. In the world of education, the fall brings about another, less widely known season. We call it…DEVOLSON, which is an acronym for the Deep Evil Vortex Of Late September, October, and November.

This time of year on the school calendar is one of the toughest for teachers, paraeducators, principals, and basically anyone who works in public schools. Students came back with energy and excitement in early September, followed by a couple of weeks of getting to know you activities, setting expectations, and getting into the flow of school.

Just as the leaves are about to change and students are settling in, the end of September through til the end of “no school” November, the demands increase. While all of this is predictable (the calendar never changes), it feels like all of a sudden there are a whole battery of assessments that need to be completed, student growth goals and evaluations are starting, mandatory trainings are due, committee work has started, the school improvement plan is due, report cards and conferences are just around the corner, and the number of holidays are few until Veteran’s Day. In fact, it’s an 11 week stretch with no real significant break. It’s DEVOLSON.

Here are 5 ways to combat the challenges the stress of DEVOLSON can bring to your school and staff:

1. Acknowledge it. This is a stressful time of year. You might not be able to take away any of the demands of this season, but sharing out loud that you see and know how hard this time of year can be, means something. It is validating for someone to know that they are not in this alone, and that you see them and understand the stress. The old adage of “How do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.” applies here and knowing that you are not at the table alone can make things feel more digestible.
2. Find a through line. I work hard during this time to make connections to tasks that must be completed so that there is a through line, a connection so that the work we are required to do, builds on a common or shared purpose. This year, my leadership team and I created a connection between a new district initiative, current district PD, SGGs, and our building school improvement plan. Of course, this doesn’t lighten the load, but it does show intentionality and purpose and unites my building teams in a shared vision. The work feels more manageable because we are all in it together.
3. Look for small wins. Feel the pulse and energy of your building and staff. Every once in a while, when everyone is tired at the end of a long week, or it is a particularly beautiful fall day, do a parking lot drill. (*A parking lot drill is when you designate a time for teachers and staff to be out in the parking lot, where you then expect them to get in their cars and go home.) Yes, we all have contractual agreements that state how long teachers and staff must be on campus, but giving people an extra 15 minutes on a Friday can lift morale. If denim days (days when staff can wear jeans) are a thing for your district, do that on more than a Friday. The point is, no cost ways to show staff you appreciate them, can go a long way.
4. Amp up your appreciation efforts. Create an “Orange you glad it’s Friday” spread in mid-October with all orange colored treats and decor. Consider providing an apple nacho bar (October 21st is National Apple Day), or make your own trail mix table. October 10th is World Mental Health Day. See if you can partner with a salon or wellness business to donate some gift certificates for services. October 14th is National Dessert Day…have staff sign up for a dessert buffet. October 27th is National Breadstick Day and Olive Garden is a great partner for schools. This time of year, showing appreciation can be that little extra boost for staff.
5. Plan a DEVOLSON party. Plan it out. Create decor. Perhaps partner the celebration with a staff meeting, or one of the appreciation days listed above. Play a DEVOLSON BINGO game, create a banner, laugh and be playful. As Marlo Thomas says:

Laughter is important, not only because it makes us happy, it also has actual health benefits. And that’s because laughter completely engages the body and releases the mind. It connects us to others, and that in itself has a healing effect.”

Marlo Thomas

I hope your DEVOLSON season is smooth, productive, and brings some laughter and joy.